Grayling, Michigan
Grayling ( /ˈɡreɪlɪŋ/) is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan and the county seat of Crawford County.[3] The population was 1,952 at the 2000 census. Grayling takes its name from the Grayling fish that was once prevalent in its lakes and streams.
Grayling is situated within Grayling Township, though it is politically independent. It is located in the middle of Northern Michigan. The highways make it the natural 'gateway' to much of "up north," as locals and many visitors would call it.
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. It is said that the residents preferred that name to "Crawford," and renamed it after the fish.
- Grayling's access to two major rivers (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.[4]
- Railroads helped make Grayling a hub of activity. By the 1920s, lumbering faded and recreation became a mainstay.
- Grayling had other names through the years. It was called "AuSable", "Forest", "Crawford Station", and during the lumbering era "Milltown".[5]
- The Grayling Fish Hatchery was founded in 1914 by timber baron Rasmus Hanson (1846–1927).[6] 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.[6] 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 1960’s. In 1995 the State of Michigan sold the property to Crawford County. It is being operated by the Grayling Recreation Authority which is actively involved in its restoration.[7]
Geography
- The middle branch of the Au Sable River passes through the city.
- 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 along the Au Sable River, one encounters 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 Rd.
Geographic features
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.
Demographics
As of the census[1] 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.
Recreation
- Grayling is noted as the "Canoe Capital of the World". There are a number of canoe liveries that operate on the Au Sable River, with Penrod's Canoe Livery receiving the People's Choice Award for five out of the last six years, and Manistee River nearby.
- 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.[11] 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."[12]
- The Grayling are gone, but the rainbow trout, brook trout and steelhead 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 and steelhead abound, driven to a feeding frenzy by prolific and multiple insect hatches.[13]
- 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 was once a popular hunting destination. However, due to the youth hunt and issuance of several antlerless tags, deer are few and far between.[1] [2]
- Snow shoeing and snow mobile riding are activities that fit right in to the local weather and topography.[14]
- Hanson Hills was the first down hill ski area in Michigan. It opened in 1929.[15]
- 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.[16]
- The Kirtland's Warbler has its habitat in the area.[17] There is a Kirtland's Warbler Festival, which is sponsored in part by Kirtland Community College.[18]
Historical sites and local events
The area is proud of its history, and has preserved landmarks, which it uses for historical events, including reenactments.[19]
- 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 demoition 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. A farm market at Wellington is open seven days a week offering animal and bird feed, fresh fruits and vegetables, maple syrup, homemade soup. Several events are hosted throughout the summer and fall, including the "Walk Through History" and "Flat Belt" festivals, a reenactment from the French and Indian War, "Pumpkinfest" and Halloween Hayrides, and numerous weekend activities. the farm is located on Military Road West of I-75. There is an annual tractor and engine show held in late summer. Area farmers (and visitors) gather together to celebrate the harvest season. Blacksmithing, gristmills, engines, sawmills, thrashers, and tranctors are in full operation.
- 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.
- Michigan Museum of Military Transport.
- See also List of Historical Markers in Crawford County, Michigan.
There are a number of recurring events in the area. A calendar is available.[20]
Officials
- City Manager is David A. Thayer, who was arrested for allegedly leaking social security numbers.[23]
- Grayling City Hall, 1020 City Boulevard, P.O. Box 549, Grayling, MI 49738 Phone (989) 348-2131 Fax (989) 348-6752[24]
Media
- The Crawford County Avalanche is the newspaper of record for Crawford County, and is published in Grayling, Michigan.[25]
Notes
External links