CRYSTAL LAKE TOWNSHIP IN BENZIE COUNTY MICHIGAN
  • HOME
  • Staff
  • Meetings & Minutes
    • Upcoming Meeting Info
    • Meeting Minutes
    • Archived Minutes
  • A - E
    • ADA Compliance
    • Assessment
    • Airport
    • Audits
    • Blight
    • Board of Review
    • Budget & Finances
    • Cemeteries
    • Clean Up Days & Garbage Disposal
    • Elections & Voting
    • Environment
    • Enforcement
  • F - Z
    • Fireworks
    • Fire & Rescue
    • Newsletters
    • Planning
    • Policy & Procedure Manual
    • Records & FOIA
    • Recycling
    • Roads
    • Support Services
    • Taxes
    • Volunteering
    • Zoning
    • Zoning Board of Appeals
  • General Township
    • Fun Facts
    • History
    • Maps
    • Roles & Responsibilities
    • Salaries
    • Township Law
  • Payments
  • Quick Forms
  • Message Us

the historical record

Crystal Lake Township is very rich in history. Its geographical borders were once much more encompassing than at present. For example, at one time our borders included Frankfort.
​
These current borders were superimposed only recently, in the overall view of time, by a wave of encroaching 19th century European settlers.

Unfortunately, you will find little Native history on this page but we are currently looking for more source material that will accurately portray life here before the
European invasion.

What we do have are some accounts collected from early white settlers. While the facts in these accounts have not been verified, if indeed they can ever be truly verified, they do provide a basis for an interesting, informative and entertaining read, as well as a springboard for further discovery.

Many of the early names in these accounts? They can also be read on the old tombstones found in our North and East Cemeteries.

Many of the township records were placed in the basement of the hall for more than a century’s time, resulting in, after many decades of neglect, quite an unorganized mess. In the winter of 2017, the township basement was cleaned up and organized. In that process, we found very old maps, some on linen, some in tatters. We have them placed them in the hands of the Benzie Area Historic Society but have also reproduced them for the public to see, hanging on our walls.

Interested in sharing what you know about Crystal Lake Township’s history? If you have historic photos or information, please contact me. 

Sincerely,
Amy Ferris, ​Supervisor 


​
Crystal Lake and Vicinity
History of Crystal Lake Township
Park Site is Given to Township
When Roads Were Trails
PictureEarly view looking west from Crystal Lake boundary into Frankfort from what is now known as Gateway Hill ~

​

​

Picture
Early Meeting House at the Congregational Summer Assembly~
Picture
The "Outlet" Historical Plaque
Picture
Early Crystal Lake dam known as The Outlet, a man-made connection between Crystal Lake and the Betsie River~
Picture
Early school "bus" in Crystal Lake Township~
Picture
Original CL Twp hall before any of the additions that expanded the building to the east, west and south; the north side door no longer in use~
Picture
Dirt road leading out of Frankfort and out to Crystal Lake, now M-22~
Picture
1651 Frankfort Highway | PO Box 2129 | Frankfort, MI 49635​
Phone: (231) 352-9791 | Fax: (231) 352-6689
© Copyright 2023 Crystal Lake Township
  • HOME
  • Staff
  • Meetings & Minutes
    • Upcoming Meeting Info
    • Meeting Minutes
    • Archived Minutes
  • A - E
    • ADA Compliance
    • Assessment
    • Airport
    • Audits
    • Blight
    • Board of Review
    • Budget & Finances
    • Cemeteries
    • Clean Up Days & Garbage Disposal
    • Elections & Voting
    • Environment
    • Enforcement
  • F - Z
    • Fireworks
    • Fire & Rescue
    • Newsletters
    • Planning
    • Policy & Procedure Manual
    • Records & FOIA
    • Recycling
    • Roads
    • Support Services
    • Taxes
    • Volunteering
    • Zoning
    • Zoning Board of Appeals
  • General Township
    • Fun Facts
    • History
    • Maps
    • Roles & Responsibilities
    • Salaries
    • Township Law
  • Payments
  • Quick Forms
  • Message Us