Dr. Dave Seibold - A Perspective on the Student/Athlete Experience Dr. Seibold shared a history of Spring Lake. Lumbering began along the Grand River around 1840 and ended with the last log float to Grand Haven on May 14, 1889. Early farmers discovered that fruit growing did very well in this area and the area abounded with many types of fruit trees and grapes. Packet boats would ship fruit to Grand Rapids, Chicago and other locations. The Winter of 1874/1875 was particularly harsh and damaged or destroyed many of the area fruit farms around Spring Lake. Following this disastrous winter, farmers began to convert their farms into tourist locations. This was the start of tourism on Spring Lake. Until 1856 there was no bridge across the Grand River. A toll bridge was erected, spanning the river from today's Rix Robinson Park to the Holiday Inn. In 1870, mineral springs were discovered in Midland. Alois Bilz and Hunter Savidge worked together and discovered mineral springs in Fruitport, Grand Haven and Spring Lake. Hotels and resorts were constructed on these sites and they became extremely popular. |
