The Start of the Trading Post
In 1790, Joseph LaFramboisse, who worked for John Jacob Astor’s Fur Company, was given land by Astor to start a fur trading post at what we now call Duck Lake, Michigan. This spot, known as “Jibshi Sagagen” by Native Americans, was chosen because it was close to the sandy shores of Lake Michigan. LaFramboisse built a small log cabin, 14 by 16 feet, with a porch facing the clear water. This cabin was one of 20 trading stations set up by Astor’s company, stretching from the Kalamazoo River to Grand Traverse Bay.
Building the Cabin
LaFramboisse’s cabin was simple but useful. It had a roof made of rough bark and walls made of mud and straw. The cabin had a door and a window facing west and two small windows on the south side. Inside, LaFramboisse added a fireplace and chimney, using four long poles to guide the smoke out. This cabin doesn’t stand anymore because it couldn’t withstand time and weather.
Industrial Growth
Later, Charles Mears saw the potential of Duck Lake for industrial use. In the 1840s, he built a dam and a water-powered sawmill. To increase production, he replaced the water mill with a steam mill in 1848. Mears also built a large general store, a post office, a boarding house, and a barn for oxen and horses, helping the local economy grow.
Becoming a Scout Camp
In the 1920s, the Evanston Boy Scouts bought 100 acres of land on the north side of Duck Lake from Carrie Mears, Charles Mears’ daughter. They named it “Camp Wabaningo,” a place for scouts to connect with nature and learn skills. Later, the Grand Valley Council of Boy Scouts in Grand Rapids bought more land, setting up Camp Shawondassee, which became an important place for community and youth activities.
Conclusion
The Duck Lake Fur Trading Post shows Michigan’s change from a fur trading area to an industrial center, and finally to a place for youth education and outdoor activities. Joseph LaFramboisse’s small log cabin started it all, and Charles Mears’ later developments helped the community grow. Today, the history of Duck Lake reminds us of the area’s rich past.
Interactive White Lake History
As we deliver articles weekly, I challenge you to be curious, explore the local area, and take pictures at these historic locations, and tag CatchMark Community.
Next week we will explore Duck Lake Cemetery 1800-1937. If you enjoy history and like our content please like and subscribe to our online resources. Also, check out the White Lake Area Historical Society website listed below.
http://www.whitelakeareahistoricalsociety.com/
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