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Historical Timeline | Photo Gallery - page 1 | page 2 | page 3 | page 4 | page 5
Click here to view before and after pictures of the renovation project.
The history of the Lawton Heritage Community Center site is lengthy and filled with hopes and dreams as well as despair and tragedy. Throughout the years the property has been woven into the fabric of the grape industry and the life of Lawton. In many ways the course of the Winery property is a reflection of the local spirit and as a result, it is an economic roller coaster.
The first 53 years were relatively normal for property in a newly created state going through growing pains and setting its' course for economic and social development. As was typical during this period of growth, property changed hands often as new ventures were born, people put down and pulled up roots. Many of the names are synonymous with the Lawton area history.
Click on any event in the timeline that you want to know more about. A window will appear containing additional information, if it is available.
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1845 |
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John Wiggin |
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1850 |
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Nathan Lawton |
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1861 |
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Ranson Armstrong |
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1867 |
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Helen Wilcox |
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1881 |
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George Lawton |
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1885 |
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Joseph Ellison |
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1890 |
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Belle F. Lytle |
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1902 |
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Dr. I. E. Hamilton |
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1903 |
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1906 |
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1916 |
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Property deeded to George Lomax Jr. |
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1917 |
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Mortgage forfeited to Frank S. Newcombe |
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1918 |
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Mortgage forfeited to Newton H. Day - Day Grape Juice Co. of Delaware |
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1922 |
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Day Grape Juice Co. of Delaware falls into bankruptcy |
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1923 |
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1929 |
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Leased to A. K. Zenn & Co. - used as a feed and grain storage and retailer |
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1930 |
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1933 |
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1939 |
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1940 |
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1943 |
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Bankruptcy, John Turner and Andy Murch of Michigan Wineries take over |
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1970's |
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1980's |
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Facilities fall into disrepair |
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1989 |
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1990 |
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1993 |
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Lawton Heritage Community Center, 646 N. Nursery, Lawton, MI 49065, (269) 624-2371
Copyright 2002 - Lawton Heritage Community Center
Site developed by Black Paw Designs