Among a group of linen postcards that I had set aside because they had no "postcard personalities", I found two lovely scenes of Fremont, Michigan.
Fremont is a small town (less than 4,300 people on the 2000 census) in west central Michigan.
The first European settlers established a community in 1855, clearing stands of virgin timber in order to create farms. Daniel Weaver was the leader of this settlement, and his home was the first post office.
After the Civil War, lumbering became a major industry, even after devastating forest fires in 1871. Nevertheless, timber from Fremont was used in the re-building of Chicago after the Great Fire of 1876.
Wiki Story of Fremont, Michigan
I did not know, until reading the Wiki article, that Gerber Foods was located in Fremont.
The Gerbers had established a tannery in the 1870's, but could not continue this business when the forests were finally exhausted in the 1890's. Hence, the Gerber's began the Fremont Canning Company to process local agricultural produce.
This compay became Gerber foods, the world's largest producer of baby food.
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Comments: 17
Very interesting question, Mariana.
Perhaps someone with knowledge of advertising history will know the answer.
That would be nice, Marilee.
I doubt that the flowers of Fremont are now in bloom.
Ain't Wikipedia wonderful?
Lovely postcards.....such beautiful scenery that I'd like to be in right now!
This is the kind of historical trivia that I love to learn.
Unfortunately, it tends to displace things I "ought" to know.
Thus, I will probably recall Ann Turner Cook long after I have forgotten George Washington.
Thanks, Roy.
John O
" Yep, I could spread out a picnic blanket and take a nap. "
Marilee C.
".....such beautiful scenery that I'd like to be in right now! "
K.D.
" It is, or was, a beautiful place. "
Aniko
"I've heard so much about the beauty of Michigan but the winters have to be brutal... "
Ron B.
I appreciate the warm feelings that we have for this lovely spot, but I do not believe that it appears quite so lovely in mid-March.
I have visited Grand Rapids in the winter months, and it is not a place for picnics or other relaxation.
Thanks, Dannielle,
I spent most of the past week in a drought-afflicted area of the country that is not well-served by broadband internet service.
I could not log on for several days.
Saugatuck is not far from Fremont, Dave. The landscape would be similar.
Both towns were once centers of the lumber business.