National Register Listing

Podjun, John and Katharine Tunkun, Farm

9581 E 1 mi. Rd., Ellsworth, MI
Local significance of the district:
Agriculture; European

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2002.

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.

agriculture ethnic heritage european
The Kellogg brothers, John Harvey and Will Keith Kellogg, who invented corn flakes, were born in Michigan. They began their cereal company in Battle Creek, Michigan, and the city became known as the "Cereal Capital of the World" due to the many cereal companies that were based there.
Michigan random facts
Lake County, located in the northern part of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, notably the Ottawa and Chippewa tribes, who thrived in the region due to its abundance of natural resources. These tribes relied on fishing, hunting, and gathering for survival.

European explorers and fur traders arrived in the area in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The French were among the first Europeans to establish contact with the Native American tribes, engaging in the lucrative fur trade. The British eventually gained control of the region in the mid-18th century, following the French and Indian War.

In the early 19th century, settlers from the eastern United States began to move into the area, attracted by the fertile land and natural beauty. The area was officially established as Lake County in 1840 and named after the countless lakes and rivers that dot the landscape. Farming and logging became the primary industries, with the area being known for its timber production.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw significant growth and development in Lake County. The construction of railroads in the late 1800s enabled easier transportation of goods, fostering economic growth. The establishment of a state park, Lake County's first, in 1929 further boosted tourism and outdoor recreational activities in the region. Today, Lake County continues to be a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for fishing, camping, hiking, and more.

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

  • 1831: Lake County is created and organized as a county in the state of Michigan.
  • 1842: The first permanent settlers arrive in the area, primarily of Scandinavian and German descent.
  • 1872: The village of Baldwin is incorporated, becoming the county seat of Lake County.
  • 1880s: The logging industry booms in Lake County, leading to rapid growth and economic development.
  • 1890: Lake County experiences a devastating forest fire that destroys much of the area's timber resources.
  • Early 1900s: Agriculture becomes an important industry in Lake County, particularly dairy farming.
  • 1960: The Pere Marquette River is designated as a National Scenic River by the U.S. Congress.
  • 1970s: Tourism becomes a significant part of the local economy, driven by the abundance of outdoor recreational activities.
  • 1994: The Huron-Manistee National Forests, which encompass a significant portion of Lake County, are established.
  • Present: Lake County continues to attract visitors for outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, and kayaking.