West Michigan Pike

TCHM Exhibit 47.JPG - photograph from inside the WMP exhibit. On the left is a large bicycle next to the wall. In the center of the photograph are several cases and panels, along with a fake cabin and a large black and white mural of two people sitting outside a cabin.

TCHM Exhibit 49.JPG - photograph taken from in front of the fake cabin, looking back towards the entrance to the gallery. There are 5 museum cases in the photograph, each with several objects in them. Behind the cases, there is a large closet display with a Model T windshield and a wheel visible in front of a large black and white photo mural of the inside of a mechanic shop.

TCHM Exhibit 50.JPG - photograph closeup of the fake cabin in the exhibit. The cabin is a gray wooden structure with white trim. It has a flower pot hanging on either side of the entryway. Inside the cabin is a small bed, a curtain, a shelf with decorations, and a panel on tourism history in Ottawa County.

TCHM Exhibit 51.JPG - photograph of the side of the fake cabin and the prop picnic area. On the left side of the photograph is the fake cabin, with two panels mounted on the side and flower boxes hung beneath the panels. In the center is a large wooden picnic table with a red and white checkered tablecloth. Underneath the picnic table is bright green astroturf. Behind the picnic table is a large black and white photo mural of a man and a woman sitting outside a cabin in lawn chairs. Next to them is a vintage car.

TCHM Exhibit 52.JPG - photograph of the inside of the closet garage scene. In the foreground is a 1925 Model T windshield on a large white pedestal. To the left of the windshield is a large rubber and wooden wheel from a 1920s truck. Behind the windshield and the wheel is a black and white photograph of the inside of a local car garage in the 1920s.

TCHM Exhibit 53.JPG - photograph from the back of the exhibit toward the entrance and closet garage scene. In the center of the photograph is a case with several objects. Behind the case is the closet with the garage photo and windshield. In this photograph, the top and part of the side of a bright red 1930s gas pump is visible in the closet. To the right of the closet is a black and white metal sign for US-31 mounted to the wall. Further to the right are two panels hanging from the ceiling and the entrance to the gallery is visible behind the panels.

Introduction

How the Highway Changed the Tri-Cities

The West Michigan Pike was more than just a highway. The people who worked to make the Pike a reality were motivated by ideas and hopes of how this road could benefit West Michigan. They saw the West Michigan Pike as a way to make roads safer for people traveling by bicycle or by car. They hoped it would encourage tourists from all over the country to enjoy the beauty of Lake Michigan's east coast. They were right.

This Exhibit, "The West Michigan Pike: Michigan City to Mackinaw." tells the story of the highway from 1913 to the present. It explains what the Good Roads" movement was and how it led to the development of the Pike. The highway made many changes along the coast that continue to benefit Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Ferrysburg today.

Photograph c. 1915 of Washington Avenue in Grand Haven, MI, looking toward Dewey Hill. 73.42.3

Introduction

West Michigan Pike Marker

Maker Unknown

c. 1916

Concrete, steel

Courtesy of the Ottawa County Department of Planning and Performance Improvement

Concrete markers like this one let motorists know they were going the right way. Some of these markers are still in their original place along the WMP including one on the corner of Fulton and 7th St in

Grand Haven.

Timeline

1860's-

The invention of safer bicycles, cycling becomes a popular sport and leisure activity for all ages in the United States and Europe.

1870's-

Cyclists in the United States, especially in rural areas, begin advocating for better roads.

1883

The Michigan chapter of the Leauge of American Wheelmen is founded to promote building good roads.

1900's

Companies in the US begin producing gasoline-powered cars. Because fo the time and labor it took to build cars, only wealthy Americans could afford to buy them.

1901

Horatio S. Earle, Chief Counsl of the Michigan Division of the Leauge of American Wheelmen is elected to the Michigan State Senate running on a good roads platform.

1905

The State of Michigan Passes the "State Reward Law" which gave Michigan counties $250-$1,000 for every mile of road constructed.

1908

The Ford Motor company begins production of the Model T car. Ford's use of the assembly line allows workers to build more cars in less time, making cars affordable to middle class families.

1911

Good Road enthusiats have the idea to form the West Michigan Pike Lake Shore Highway Association (late the WMPA) to build a scenic highway up the coast of West Michigan. As more Americans buy cars, good roads become more of a priority.

1912

In January the first meeting of the Association is held. Grand Haven resident, Dr. William DeKleine is elected president of the association.

1913

Michigan passes the Trunk Line Act which established the planned routes of four state trunkline highways totaling 3,000 miles. The WMPA publishes the first annual Tourist Guide of the West Michigan Pike. The guide includes maps, mileage, and information on road conditions, hotels, and landmarks along the route.

1913

The first promotional pike tour of the West Michigan Pike is held in the summer. Travelers drive from St. Joseph, making stops in Muskegon, and Manistee, ending in Traverse City

1915

The Third Annual tour of the Pike takes place with the route now stretching from Michigan City to Mackinaw City. Grand Gaven resident, William Loutit takes over as President of the WMPA after Dr. DeKleine resigns.

1917

As more travelers use the pike the conditions of the road deteriorate. To fix the problem, Loutit makes a plea for the Pike to be paved with concrete instead of gravel.

1918

The Annual West Michigan Pike tour is canceled because of the United State's involvement in World War I.

1922

The route of the West Michigan Pike is considered complete, paved, and without detours. The fifth and final Tourist Guide of the West Michigan Pike is published. A "Pike Tour De Luxe" celebrates the work of the WMPA with parades and festivities.

1926

The United States Numbered Highway System changes the official name of the West Michigan from M-11 to US-31 to work towards creating a consistent system of road names throughout the country.

1929

The WMPA is reinstated to make repairs and widen the roads that had been worn down after years of traffic. Spring Lake resident, William "Concrete" Connelly is elected Vice President of the WMPA.

2016

The old west Michigan Pike is named "Pure Michigan Byway" in recognition of its contribution to Michigan's history.

Introduction

Timeline

1860​'s-

1870​'s-

1883

1900's

1901

1905

1908

1911

1912

1913

1913

1915

1917

1918

1922

1926

1929

2016

1860's-

1870's-