In 1852 Hiram Davis built the first house in St. Charles at "the forks" of the Bad River, a log house measuring 18 by 26 feet. At that time only rough trails existed, so goods were transported by canoe, raft, or pack. Davis helped build the Chesaning Road, which encouraged settlement. The township was organized in the Davis house in 1853 and was named for lumberman and investor Charles Kimberly, who built the first store that year. By 1860 St. Charles had 500 residents, 2 steam sawmills, 2 hotels, 4 general stores, 2 churches, district schools, and a library association. In 1912 Davis's daughter Sarah Davis Lytle recalled the first frame house, which had stood near their log home, and suggested that the site be named Pioneer Park and that a memorial be erected.