While we walk back toward the beach, you can imagine the transformation that this little town went through from the time I arrived here in 1865 until today. As I already mentioned, Glen Haven started out as a wooding station, supplying cord wood to the Great Lakes steamers that stopped here to take on fuel. By the early 1880s, coal was becoming the preferred fuel of the steamers. It was cheaper because it burns hotter and longer than wood. As the steamers converted over to coal, there was less demand for the wood, so fewer boats stopped by.

In 1881 D. H. Day bought most of the NTC operations, including the village of Glen Haven. He was also a partner in the purchase of the steamers Lawrence and Champlain from NTC. They sold the steamers shortly after.

Continue your tour of Glen Haven on the following pages

Glen Haven History Intro Page
Glen Haven Dock
Sleeping Bear Inn
Wooding & Lumber Operations
General Store
Blacksmith Shop
Schoolhouse
Glen Haven Shipping
Canning Company
Other Topics