HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — South Haven celebrates its Sesquicentennial this year.
South Haven was incorporated as a village 150 years ago, in 1869. Long before that, the Ottawa, Miami and Pottawatomie Native American tribes populated the area, which they called “Ni-No-Kong” or “beautiful sunset.”
The first European settlers arrived in the 1830s, platting the community in 1852 and chartering South Haven as a village in 1869, then incorporating the town as a city in 1902.
“The city’s centennial year in 1969 was cause for a great community celebration,” said resident Tom Renner. “Several of us current residents fondly remember that time so we approached city leaders about the possibility of celebrating the Sesquicentennial year. The response from Mayor Scott Smith, City Manager Brian Dissette and his staff has been overwhelmingly encouraging.”
“I am proud to see our residents and visitors observing 150 years as a city,” said Mayor Scott Smith. “This celebration will be a great opportunity to honor our past and celebrate our future. South Haven is truly an amazing city. We have wonderful people, natural resources in our beaches, parks and trails and so much more. I hope everyone is able to take some time to celebrate our history and become part of our future.”
Groups of community leaders have been meeting in recent months to discuss celebration possibilities. The leadership of the South Haven Van Buren County Convention and Visitors Bureau and Greater South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce has been actively involved in the early planning.
A Sesquicentennial logo highlighting South Haven’s heritage has been developed by a marketing committee member, Jen Sistrunk, and a website (www.southhaven.org/150) designed by the Visitors Bureau’s Amanda Owens was been launched. Up next: Billboards along Michigan interstate highways and advertisements in travel guides announcing the Sesquicentennial.
The official kickoff is planned for Friday, May 10 with a community picnic and other activities at Stanley Johnston Park, and is intended to be “very family-oriented,” said Rosalie Plechaty, kickoff event chair.
Unlike the 1969 Centennial when the celebration centered around a single week, the Sesquicentennial will be marked by events throughout the remainder of the year.
“South Haven is blessed with many outstanding established events for residents and visitors alike,” noted Scott Reinert, executive director of the Visitors Bureau. “We want to capitalize on these great traditional events by adding the Sesquicentennial identity to them.”
Tthe Fourth of July Parade, a South Haven tradition dating back to 1849, will have a Sesquicentennial theme according to South Haven Tribune Editor Becky Kark, whose newspaper sponsors the event.
The traditional Michigan Mayor Exchange Day, scheduled for August, will match South Haven with Portland, also celebrating a Sesquicentennial.
Organizations such as the Historical Association of South Haven (HASH), Lake Michigan Maritime Museum, Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum, the South Haven Arts Center, Scott Club and others say they will focus some of their 2019 activities on the Sesquicentennial. Event details will be posted on www.southhaven.org/150.
South Haven Postmaster Melissa Fillip has announced a commemorative postal cancellation will be created in honor of the Sesquicentennial.
Area residents can still pitch in and join the fund: The organization SHOUT is interested in having its annual Cottage Walk, scheduled for Saturday, June 29, focus on historic homes. Interested homeowners are asked to contact event chair Sue Cunningham, (269) 639-8657.
The Historical Association of South Haven (HASH) is fundraising with any surplus money after the celebration set for donation to area causes that will extend the legacy.
Community organizations or individuals who want to get involved in the Sesquicentennial celebration can reach City Manager Brian Dissette at bdissette@south-haven.com.
