Helmer, Michigan

Helmer, Michigan
Unincorporated community
Helmer, Michigan
Coordinates: 46°15′59″N 85°42′56″W / 46.26639°N 85.71556°W / 46.26639; -85.71556Coordinates: 46°15′59″N 85°42′56″W / 46.26639°N 85.71556°W / 46.26639; -85.71556
Country United States
State Michigan
County Luce
Township Lakefield Township
Elevation 725 ft (221 m)
Time zone Eastern (EST) (UTC-5)
 • Summer (DST) EDT (UTC-4)
Area code(s) 906
GNIS feature ID 628066[1]

Helmer, Michigan is an unincorporated community in Lakefield Township, Luce County in the U.S. state of Michigan, on the northeast shore of Manistique Lake, approximately 11 miles (18 km) southwest of Newberry.

Rev. Mills[2] of Newberry's Presbyterian church built a parsonage and mission house here in 1881-82. The building served as a mission until 1888 when it was purchased by Gaylord Helmer.[3] Helmer used the building as a store and hotel, which became known as the Helmer House Inn. A post office opened March 19, 1894 with Helmer as the first postmaster.[4] Also in 1894, the house became a stagecoach stop and Helmer added a second structure to accommodate more travelers.[3]

In 1904, Charles and Jeanie Fyvie purchased the Helmer House Inn and store.[3] The post office closed September 30, 1914[4] and became an Rural Free Delivery (RFD) station.[2] The Fyvie family operated the store and hotel until 1950. The building fell into disrepair until being restored and reopened as a bed and breakfast by Dr. James H. Fyvie[2] in 1981 to commemorate its centennial.[3]

On January 13, 1982 it was listed as a Michigan State Historic Site and in 1983, a historical marker was erected for the site.[5]

Helmer House in the early 1900s
Helmer House in the early 1900s
Helmer House today
Helmer House today

References

  1. ↑ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Helmer, Michigan
  2. 1 2 3 Romig, Walter (1986) [1973]. Michigan Place Names. Detroit, Michigan: Wayne State University Press. ISBN 0-8143-1838-X.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Helmer House Inn, Michigan Historical Markers
  4. 1 2 U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Helmer Post Office (historical)
  5. ↑ Helmer General Store and Resort, Michigan Historic Sites Online
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