The 1881 wildfire scorched every township in Lapeer County, leaving devastation but forging a legacy of resilience. 1881: The Fire That Touched Every Township – Part 1: A County in Flames
1881: The Fire That Touched Every Township – Part 2: North Branch’s Trial by Fire
Goodland Township lost its hotel, barns, and grain to the 1881 fire, but the community’s resilience helped it rebuild. 1881: The Fire That Touched Every Township – Part 3: Goodland’s Hotel and Harvest Lost
Burlington and Arcadia faced the 1881 fire in different ways, but both relied on unity and resilience to survive and rebuild. 1881: The Fire That Touched Every Township – Part 4: Burlington and Arcadia — Battling Fire on Two Fronts
The 1881 fire left devastation across Lapeer County but also ignited a lasting spirit of unity and resilience. 1881: The Fire That Touched Every Township – Part 5: A County United in the Ashes
Discover how Oakdale began in 1893 with big promises of care and reform, shaping Lapeer’s history as Michigan’s home for the “feebleminded.” In the summer of 1893, Michigan lawmakers gathered in Lansing to debate a growing social dilemma. Across the state, poorhouses were overcrowded, jails were taking in people who hadn’t committed crimes, and families were overwhelmed with the care of loved ones who suffered from epilepsy or intellectual disabilities. The prevailing belief of the era was that these individuals could be “trained” to live useful lives, but if they could not, they should be cared for—and contained—in a special setting.
Learn how Oakdale grew into a self-contained city with farms, schools, and workshops, housing over 4,600 residents at its peak. By the turn of the 20th century, the Michigan Home for the Feeble-Minded and Epileptic was no longer just a small collection of cottages on 160 acres. In less than a decade, it had begun to transform into something far larger—an entire community within itself. What started with fewer than 150 residents would soon swell into the thousands. The institution, later known as Oakdale, would become a miniature city, complete with its own farms, school system, workshops, recreation programs, and a workforce that rivaled many small towns.
Explore Oakdale’s role in Michigan’s eugenics era, from forced sterilizations to regimented treatment policies that shaped thousands of lives. As Oakdale grew from a modest cluster of cottages into Michigan’s largest institution for people with epilepsy and developmental disabilities, it also became a microcosm of the era’s most controversial medical and social policies.
Step inside Oakdale’s walls to see the daily routines, work, joys, and struggles of residents and staff who lived and served there for decades. Beneath Oakdale’s sprawling campus of dormitories, workshops, and farmland were the daily rhythms of thousands of lives. To the outside world, it was an orderly institution, a place where “inmates” were cared for and trained. But for the people who lived and worked there, Oakdale was its own complex community, filled with routines, relationships, small joys, and quiet sorrows.
Discover how changing attitudes and policies led to Oakdale’s decline, closure in 1991, and the relocation of its last residents. By the 1970s, the towering presence of Oakdale—once a symbol of stability and progress—began to feel outdated, even oppressive. The world outside its gates was changing rapidly. Attitudes toward mental health, disability, and civil rights were shifting. What had once been celebrated as a model institution was now being questioned for its size, its methods, and the very philosophy that had built it.
See what happened after Oakdale closed—demolition, repurposed buildings, and relics like the cemetery and cupolas that keep its memory alive. When Oakdale finally closed its doors in September 1991, it marked the end of nearly a century of institutional care in Lapeer. For decades, the institution had been a city within a city—employing thousands, housing generations of residents, and shaping the economy and identity of Lapeer County. But after the last residents left, the sprawling property stood eerily silent, its purpose erased almost overnight.
Reflect on Oakdale’s complex legacy—its care and its control—and how it shaped disability rights, Lapeer’s history, and today’s views on community care. Oakdale’s story spans nearly a century. It began with optimism—a belief that creating a specialized home for people with epilepsy and developmental disabilities would provide care and structure that families could not. It grew into a self-contained city that shaped the lives of thousands of residents and staff, influencing Lapeer’s economy, culture, and identity. And in the end, it faded into history, leaving behind a complex legacy that still stirs strong emotions today.
Nestled on 120 beautiful acres in Lapeer, Lions Bear Lake Camp is more than just a camp, it’s a place where lives are transformed. Since 2000, we’ve been on a mission to create an inclusive, supportive environment where individuals of all abilities can explore, grow, and thrive.
Over the past several decades, plastic has infiltrated the decking industry. Homeowners no longer settle for traditional timber but desire trouble-free decking that will last for generations to come. Though composite decking includes plastic ingredients, 100 percent synthetic decking like OC™ Lumber’s WEARDECK™ offers unbeatable benefits for homeowners.
For millions of Americans, knee pain is a daily struggle that limits mobility and reduces quality of life. Traditional treatment options such as physical therapy, pain medications, and even surgery can be daunting. Fortunately, advancements in vascular medicine have provided a minimally invasive alternative: Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE). At Integrated Vascular Vein Center of Michigan we are proud to offer this cutting edge procedure to help patients find relief from knee pain without the need for major surgery.
When it comes to home improvement projects, most people think of new roofs, landscaping, or adding a deck—but few consider one of the most critical systems hidden beneath their property: the septic system. As an excavation contractor serving Lapeer County, I can tell you from experience—summer is the ideal time for septic system installation and repairs.
There’s something magnetic about the Smith-Pace-Turner household. Maybe it’s the laughter that erupts spontaneously around their dinner table, the warmth in their greetings, or the unshakable unity of a blended family that makes “together” look effortless. Nestled across the street from Lapeer Lightning’s Sports Stadium, where the roars of Friday night football echo through their living room windows, Jack and Carrie Smith have built more than just a house—they’ve cultivated a legacy rooted in love, laughter, and deep community ties.
Hidden Summer Gems in Lapeer: Secret Parks, Trails, and Picnic Spots
Whether planning a graduation party, wedding reception, or corporate gathering, one element can make or break the guest experience: catering. Food sets the mood, anchors the atmosphere, and becomes a central part of the memories made. But catering is about more than just what’s on the plate—it’s about the flow, the service, and the trust behind it all.
With all the different types of decking available, choosing the right product for your project can be a challenge. Composite decking continues to be a popular choice for buyers who desire an alternative to traditional wood. In this article, we define composite decking, explore the drawbacks, and explain how WEARDECK™ fills in the gaps in the industry.
The decision to build a home or buy an existing one is a major crossroads for many prospective homeowners. Both options offer unique advantages and challenges, and understanding the key differences can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals. As a seasoned Michigan real estate agent, I’m here to guide you through this process and ensure you make the best choice for your future.
Varicose veins are a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide. As a vascular surgeon, I frequently encounter patients who are concerned about the appearance of bulging, twisted veins on their legs and the discomfort that often accompanies them. While many view varicose veins as a cosmetic issue, they can also lead to significant health problems if left untreated. Fortunately, a variety of treatment options are available to alleviate symptoms and improve both function and appearance.
In the heart of Davison, Michigan, nestled within the warm, friendly community of Copper Ridge, lives a family who defines what it means to love deeply, live fully, and give generously. Meet the Brough family: Dave, age 62; Lisa, age 61; and their daughter Hannah, age 30. With decades of memories, laughter, and heartfelt stories under their belts, the Broughs are the kind of neighbors who make a place feel like home.
Emotions and talent ran wild at last month’s Alter Ego Special Needs Field Day, hosted at the City of Lapeer Community Center, Parks & Recreation. Athletes with extraordinary heart and determination took on every challenge with unshakable tenacity, turning the event into a true celebration of ability and unity.
