HISTORY OF DECKERVILLE
by Janis Stein

The history of Deckerville is long and rich, and while well over 100 years have passed since Deckerville was incorporated as a village in 1893, the interaction between the townspeople is as great now as it was then.

Named after Charles Decker, a pioneer who started his lumbering business in 1870 and eventually built a saw mill and grist mill, Deckerville soon became the center of a booming industry.

The forest fires of 1871 and 1881 raged through the Thumb area, clearing the "Burnt District" of trees, brush and stumps and paving the way for a land rich in agriculture. Along with farming and the traditional old-time businesses such as lumbering and fur trading, woolen mills, flax mills, a sauerkraut factory and cheese making, too, were profitable enterprises.

Several old buildings still exist throughout the town, offering a glimpse of the past. One such building is the Deckerville Public Library. While the library became village property in 1946 when the library corporation dissolved, the building's history itself dates back to 1880 when it was built to function as an Episcopal Church. Brought to a nearby port by ship, the building was then transported to its present site by horse and wagon.

Current-day Deckerville is home to a host of businesses necessary in providing area residents goods and services to complement their lifestyles.

Small town America is alive and well - one only needs to travel to Deckerville to see firsthand the benefits reaped from merchants and residents working together to reach common goals. Deckerville's early pioneers would surely be proud, for no doubt they knew the hard work involved to create a safe community for their families, rich in values and steeped in tradition.

On August 4th, 5th and 6th, the 2006 Deckerville Homecoming will take place, and this year's theme is appropriately named "Oldies But Goodies". Deckerville is a shining example of a community working together to celebrate where they live.

Historical information in this article was gleaned from deckervillelibrary.com. For more information about all Deckerville has to offer visit the village Web site at deckervillemich.org.