Early St. Charles

In 1852 Hiram Davis built the first house in St. Charles here, at the forks of the Bad River. The log house measured 18 by 26 feet. Only rough trails existed at the time so goods were transported by canoe or raft or pack. Davis helped build the Chesaning Road, which encouraged settlement. The township was organized in the Davis house in 1853 and named for lumberman and investor Charles Kimberly, who built the first store that year. By 1860 thriving St. Charles had 500 residents, 2 steam sawmills, 2 hotels, 4 general stores, 2 churches, district schools, and a library association. In 1912 Davis’ daughter Sarah Davis Lytle recalled the first frame house, which had stood near their log home. She suggested that this site be named “Pioneer Park” and that a memorial or marker be erected.