National Register Listing

Shriner-Ketcham House

a.k.a. Lang House

327 Shriner St., Hastings, MI
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1987.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

politics government women pioneers
The first known use of the word "Yooper" to refer to someone from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan was in the 1970s. The term has since become a popular nickname for residents of the UP.
Michigan random facts
Barry County is located in the southern part of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ottawa, Potawatomi, and Ojibwe. It was not until the early 19th century that European settlers began to arrive in the region.

In 1829, Barry County was officially established by the Michigan Territorial Legislature. It was named after William Taylor Barry, a Postmaster General under President Andrew Jackson. The county's first settlers were mainly farmers, attracted to the fertile soil and abundant natural resources in the area.

Throughout the 19th century, Barry County experienced rapid growth and development. Railroads were built, connecting the county to major cities like Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. The logging industry played a significant role in the county's economy, as vast forests provided valuable timber resources.

In the early 20th century, agriculture became the dominant industry in Barry County. Dairy farming, fruit orchards, and crop production became important sources of income for the residents. The county also saw the establishment of several manufacturing and industrial facilities.

Today, Barry County continues to thrive as a vibrant community. It offers a mix of rural landscapes, recreational opportunities, and a growing economy. With its rich history and commitment to sustainable growth, Barry County remains an important part of Michigan's heritage.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Barry County, Michigan.

  • 1839 - Barry County is established as a county in the state of Michigan
  • 1841 - The first courthouse in Barry County is constructed
  • 1860 - The county's population reaches over 7,000 residents
  • 1870 - Barry County becomes an important center for the timber industry
  • 1898 - The county's first railroad, the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad, is completed
  • 1910 - The county's population peaks at over 22,000 residents
  • 1920 - Barry County experiences a decline in population due to economic downturns and the decline of the timber industry
  • 1953 - Gun Lake Casino opens, becoming a popular entertainment destination
  • 1978 - The Barry County Fairgrounds relocate to its current location in Hastings
  • 2000 - The county's population begins to steadily increase again, reaching over 58,000 residents by the end of the decade
  • 2008 - The Thornapple River floods parts of Barry County, causing significant damage