Grayling, Michigan

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Grayling, Michigan
City
Location of Grayling, Michigan
Location of Grayling, Michigan
Coordinates: Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
Country United States
State Michigan
County Crawford
Area[1]
 • Total 2.04 sq mi (5.28 km2)
 • Land 2.01 sq mi (5.21 km2)
 • Water 0.03 sq mi (0.08 km2)
Elevation 1,138 ft (347 m)
Population (2010)[2]
 • Total 1,884
 • Estimate (2012[3]) 1,874
 • Density 937.3/sq mi (361.9/km2)
Time zone Eastern (EST) (UTC-5)
 • Summer (DST) EDT (UTC-4)
ZIP codes 49738-49739
Area code(s) 989
FIPS code 26-34640[4]
GNIS feature ID 0627264[5]
Website The City of Grayling, Michigan

Grayling /ˈɡreɪlɪŋ/ is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan and the county seat of Crawford County.[6] The population was 1,884 at the 2010 census.

Grayling is surrounded by Grayling Township. It is located in the middle of Northern Michigan. The highways ( I-75, US 127, M-72, and M-93) make it the natural 'gateway' to much of "up north," as it is known to locals and many visitors. Grayling is perhaps most famous for hosting the Au Sable River Canoe Marathon in July of every year since 1947.

History

Michael Sloat Hartwick was Grayling's first settler. On the west side of the railroad tracks, he built a log hotel. The railroad platted out 40 acres (where Grayling now stands), naming it "Crawford." Fish swimming in the river were identified as grayling fish, and it is said that the residents preferred the name "Grayling" to the name "Crawford," and renamed the area after the fish.[7]

Grayling's access to two major rivers (Au Sable River and Manistee River), and the presence of the vast forest around it, made it important in the lumber era. Logs were floated down the rivers to the lakes.[8]

Grayling had other names through the years. It was called "AuSable", "Forest", "Crawford Station", and during the lumbering era "Milltown".[9]

The Grayling Fish Hatchery was founded in 1914 by timber baron Rasmus Hanson (1846–1927).[10] He hoped to restore the grayling to the Au Sable River system; ironically its disappearance was caused, at least in part, by the massive habitat destruction caused by logging, which was the source of Mr. Hanson's and other lumber barons' immense wealth. Other famous contributors to the initial costs of the Hatchery included Henry Ford, Edsel Ford, and Thomas Edison.[10] Sadly, the grayling became extinct in Michigan. Nevertheless, the Hatchery continued to play an important role in natural resource conservation. In 1926 it was sold to the State of Michigan. It continued to be operated as a fish hatchery and tourist attraction until the mid-1960s. In 1995 the State of Michigan sold the property to Crawford County. It is being operated by a privately owned fish farm, although continues to be open to the public during the summer.[11]

An important person in the history of Grayling is Rasmus Hanson. Hanson was born in 1846 in Denmark and immigrated to the United States in 1867 at age 16. This is when he began work in the lumber field. Two years later he, along with E. N. Salling and Nelson Michelson, organized the first Salling-Hanson Company. After nearly 50 years of service, the Salling Hanson Company had shut down its operation in January 1927. He was a successful entrepreneur and created many businesses in Northern Michigan. Along with being one of three lumber barons of Northern Michigan, Hanson owned the Michigan Sugar Company and the Bay City Sugar Company. In 1916, he donated 13,826 acres of cut-over land in Crawford County to the state of Michigan for use as a forest game preserve and military reservation. This land became the first state-owned game preserve. The area south of Lake Margrethe (named in honor of Hanson’s wife, Margrethe) continues to be used as a National Guard base that serves Michigan, Ohio and Indiana guards.[12] Since 1947 Grayling has been the starting point of the Au Sable River Canoe Marathon, which is held every year on the last weekend of July.[13] This is the longest non-stop canoe race in North America.

Geography

  • The middle branch of the Au Sable River passes through the city.
  • According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.04 square miles (5.28 km2), of which 2.01 square miles (5.21 km2) is land and 0.03 square miles (0.08 km2) is water.[1]
  • Nearby Camp Grayling (donated by Rasmus Hanson) is the nation's largest National Guard training site and the largest military installation east of the Mississippi River. 147,000 acres (590 km2) are used for year-round training conducted by the U.S. National Guard, as well as active and reserve components of the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy.
  • If one travels to the east out of the city along the Au Sable River, one encounters North Down River Road, which runs parallel to it. It is a designated National Scenic Byway for the 23 miles (37 km) that go into Oscoda. The Lumberman's Monument is located along the byway.
  • There is an oilfield about 4 miles (6.4 km) south of M-93 on Military Road.

Geographic features

Climate

This climatic region has large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Grayling has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.[15]

Demographics

Historical population
Census Pop. %±
1910 1,775 —
1920 2,450 38.0%
1930 1,973 −19.5%
1940 2,124 7.7%
1950 2,066 −2.7%
1960 2,015 −2.5%
1970 2,143 6.4%
1980 1,792 −16.4%
1990 1,944 8.5%
2000 1,952 0.4%
2010 1,884 −3.5%
Est. 2014 1,838 [16] −2.4%
U.S. Decennial Census[17]

2010 census

As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 1,884 people, 764 households, and 419 families residing in the city. The population density was 937.3 inhabitants per square mile (361.9/km2). There were 890 housing units at an average density of 442.8 per square mile (171.0/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 97.2% White, 0.7% African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.1% from other races, and 0.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.7% of the population.

There were 764 households of which 29.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 32.9% were married couples living together, 16.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 45.2% were non-families. 37.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 18.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 3.00.

The median age in the city was 38.6 years. 23.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.9% were from 25 to 44; 22.1% were from 45 to 64; and 20.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.7% male and 53.3% female.

2000 census

As of the census[4] of 2000, there were 1,952 people, 828 households, and 481 families residing in the city. The population density was 972.1 per square mile (375.0/km2). There were 895 housing units at an average density of 445.7 per square mile (171.9/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 96.88% White, 0.51% African American, 0.87% Native American, 0.77% Asian, 0.15% from other races, and 0.82% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.54% of the population.

There were 828 households out of which 30.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.4% were married couples living together, 16.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.8% were non-families. 38.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 20.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the city the population was spread out with 26.1% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 24.5% from 25 to 44, 19.1% from 45 to 64, and 22.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 78.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 70.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $24,250, and the median income for a family was $29,850. Males had a median income of $29,167 versus $20,060 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,089. About 21.6% of families and 21.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.5% of those under age 18 and 17.5% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture

Historical sites and local events

The area is proud of its history, and has preserved landmarks, which it uses for historical events, including reenactments.[18]

  • Crawford County Historical Museum. Located in downtown's restored railroad depot, the museum offers a nostalgic look at the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly the lumbering era. The depot was saved from demolition by a community effort. The grounds also include a caboose, a military building dedicated to Camp Grayling and local ex-military personnel, a trapper's cabin, and an old fashioned fire station.
  • Wellington Farm Park is a 60-acre (240,000 m2), non-profit living history museum It is dedicated to interpretation of farm life during the Great Depression. Many farming activities are conducted daily with vintage equipment, tools, and methods. The park has many historical buildings including a blacksmith shop, farm market, gristmill, pavilion, sawmill, and summer kitchen. A nature trail is there. Several events are hosted throughout the summer and fall, including "Dairy Days", "Tractor & Engine Show", "Punkin-Chunkin", Halloween Hayrides, and numerous weekend activities. The farm is located on Military Road West of I-75.
  • Lake Margrethe is big and beautiful. It is an important attraction of Camp Grayling, and was named after the wife of Rasmus Hanson. It is a favorite fishing and recreation lake for soldiers in their off-duty hours, but also sees much use from area residents, campers and tourists, who access it from the state forest campground located at the lake's northwest corner.
  • See also List of Historical Markers in Crawford County, Michigan.

There are a number of recurring events in the area. A calendar is available.[19]

Parks and recreation

  • Grayling is noted as the "Canoe Capital of the World". There are three canoe liveries that operate on the Au Sable River in Grayling; Carlisle's Canoe, Penrods Resort, and Borchers Canoe & Kayak, the Manistee River is located just west of Grayling.
  • Cross country skiing is an important opportunity in Grayling. It is blessed with two of the top-rated cross country venues in Michigan, namely Hartwick Pines State Park Trails and Mason Tract Pathway.[22] Forbush corners in nearby Frederic, Michigan is a world-recognized center for education and training in cross country skiing, and benefits from early and late snow due to a 'snow belt micro climate.' Accomplished amateur ski racer David Forbush designed, maintains, and grooms "one of the finest privately owned systems in the Midwest."[23]
  • The grayling are gone, but the rainbow trout, brook trout and brown trout remain. Grayling is a hotbed of fly fishing and angling on the edge of some world class streams, rivers and lakes. Particularly notable are two nearby rivers which parallel each other: the Au Sable River which runs East to Lake Huron and the Manistee River which runs West to Lake Michigan. Trout abound, driven to a feeding frenzy by prolific and multiple insect hatches.[24]
  • As is true in the rest of Michigan, white-tailed deer hunting is locally considered to be a 'sacrament' and the firearms deer opener (November 15) its 'holy day of obligation.' With 70% of Crawford County owned by federal and state government, and open to the public, it is a popular hunting destination.[25]
  • Snow shoeing and snow mobile riding are activities that fit right into the local weather and topography.[26]
  • Hanson Hills was the first down hill ski area in Michigan. It opened in 1929.[27]
  • Michigan Shore to Shore Riding & Hiking Trail passes through Grayling. It runs from Empire to Oscoda, and points north and south. It is a 500-mile (800 km) interconnected system of trails.[28]
  • The Kirtland's warbler has its habitat in the area.[29]
  • Grayling was home to Fred Bear and Bear Archery Company.[30]
  • It also is the home to the Au Sable River Canoe Marathon, the world's longest nonstop canoe race.

Government

Officials

  • City Manager is Doug Baum [31]

Media

  • The Crawford County Avalanche is the newspaper of record for Crawford County, and is published in Grayling, Michigan.[32]

Transportation

Major highways

Grayling is 4 miles (6.4 km) north of the confluence of two major north–south freeways: I-75 and US 127, and the junction with M-72, an east–west cross-peninsular state highway route.

Bus travel

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  5. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  6. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  7. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  8. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  9. ↑ Ibid.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  11. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  12. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found., originally published in the Otsego County Herald Times, October 6, 1927
  13. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  14. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  15. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  16. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  17. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  18. ↑ Grayling Area Visitors Bureau.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  20. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  21. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  22. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  23. ↑ Rankings and Discussion of Forbush corners Forbush Corners website
  24. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  25. ↑ [1]
  26. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  27. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  28. ↑ Michigan Shore to Shore Riding and Hiking Trail.
  29. ↑ Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Kirtland's Warbler Populations Continue to Grow.
  30. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  31. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  32. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  33. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  34. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  35. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.

External links

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