Changes in History Over Time
Dave Ponke

You can take a stroll along the path that cuts through the St. John's Marsh for a two-fold adventure; a look back in history and some enjoyment into the world of wildlife and nature.

There was a day years ago when the area wasn't the world's largest freshwater delta, as it is today.

The Detroit Urban Railway system used to run daily from downtown Detroit to the Algonac station. The old railway is still somewhat visible in the marshy area; you can even see evidence of railway ties in the ground too.

In speaking to long-time residents of the Algonac area, there was a time when one could hop a ride on the railcar and travel all the way to Mt. Clemens or Detroit. The railway was a major form of transportation years ago and until the state highway M-29 was carved through the marsh, it was the primary form of transport.

Today the wildflowers and grasses grow freely. Migrating birds, including Canadian geese, ducks and swans can be seen, as well as turtles and beavers too, can be seen scurrying in the area as well.

It's like getting a tour for free in a sanctuary.

And to think that the St. John's Marsh was actually a golf course some 50 years ago. People can still enjoy the land even today, but instead of swatting golf balls off the green, they can take in the wonderful sights and sounds.

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Want to see what it used to be like in days gone by?

The Category: Airstrips.

Locations? Along several farm fields across the southern country section reveal that there was once an airplane landing strip that allowed small, privately-owned aircraft to land and take off. Farmers used to utilize this option to spray crops with pesticides. And of course the occasional weekend flyer could use these same areas to land and take off, too.

Airstrips can be seen in locations near Roberts Road and M-29 in Cottrellville Township and off Holland Road in Clay Township, as well. The landscape is carved out, maybe a few hundred feet long and a few dozen feet wide, and one can make out the spot where the airplane would get up enough steam to become airborne, and make it's touchdown on earth, too.

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Want to talk about character?

How about the old historic barns that dot the area? Some are decrepit and crumbling, yet still gleam with pride and nostalgia. If the antique structures could just talk to us, imagine the stories they could tell….about the heavy thunderstorms a century ago they braved, sheltering a farmer and his livelihood, his herd of dairy cattle, as the dark clouds passed and torrential rains pelted the rooftop.

These buildings certainly have done their job over time, providing a retreat, room for storage for farm equipment like plows, cultivators and tractors and tools. And of course, room for the many bales of hay and straw that was used to feed the farmer's animals.

A drive along practically any back road will reveal these barns. Sadly, many are completely toppled, after years of lack of upkeep and exposure to the elements. But some are still functional, some fully and house even today the implements used to keep a farm up and running.