The city of Salina is located along highway US-12, about 35 miles west of Detroit and approximately eight miles southwest of Ann Arbor. It is an easy drive to the offerings of the larger cities and the University of Michigan, yet Saline is also a charming small city on its own. The downtown offers unique businesses, attractive restaurants, and quaint coffee shops, while community events like the Holiday Parade, Summerfest, and Saline Celtic Festival bring residents and visitors together. An excellent school system and thriving economic climate make Saline an attractive place for both families and businesses. There are plenty of recreational opportunities as well, with paved walking and biking trails, parks, and a well-established Recreation Center.
The name Saline comes from French explorers who discovered salt springs in the area in the 1600s. They named the River and the area near the salt springs Saline, which means “salty” in French. The first officially recognized inhabitants of the area that would become Saline were Native Americans, mainly from the Potawatomi tribe. For generations, they had been traveling to this area, either by canoeing from Lake Erie or by using several well-worn trails. They also knew about the salt springs and would take the salt back to their villages for domestic use and trade, as salt was indispensable for preserving meat and tanning hides. The area was also rich in wildlife and good for hunting.
In the Treaty of Saginaw in 1819, the United States government negotiated with prominent Native American chiefs, resulting in the U.S. government taking possession of most of the land in lower Michigan. In the 1830s and 1840s, early pioneers began to purchase the land that would eventually become Saline and the surrounding areas. An early timeline, up to 2021, traces some of the major developments of Saline that forged the thriving city it has become today.
1820s
In 1825, Orange Risdon purchased 164 acres of land from the government. This area would eventually become Saline. Risdon enticed other settlers to buy land in the area by promoting it as an area that was fertile for agriculture, with a climate similar to that of the eastern states, where many of the early pioneers were from.
In 1829, Orange Risdon built the first house in the area that would become the village of Saline. It was run as a tavern and also was the site of the first township meeting.
1830s
In 1832, Saline was platted as an unincorporated village. Saline was an important stagecoach stop along with the Detroit to Chicago Road, which caused the area to grow and attract mills and workshops.
In 1833, Smith Lapham built a hotel. This place was known in later years as the American House.
In 1834, Daniel D. Wallace established a public house that was known as the Saline Exchange.
In 1836, Orrin Parsons built a grist mill in the village.
1840s
In 1842, the grist mill was expanded and had a capacity of producing 30 barrels of flour a day.
In 1845, Schuyler Haywood, from Barnegat, New Jersey, built a flour mill on the west side of the Saline River. Other settlers added a sawmill, blacksmith shop, cooper shop, windmill factory, and other businesses. During this time, residents considered platting the area as a village called ‘Barnegat.’ However, this side of the river eventually became part of the village of Saline.
In 1847, the Lodi Academy, north of the village of Saline, was established. This is where Saline children went to school until one was built within the village.
In 1948, the settlement on the west side of the Saline River, started by Schuyler Haywood, became part of Saline village.
1850s
In 1851, William Davenport went into business, first in a partnership with Henry J. Miller, and then on his own, with a mercantile trade, buying and shipping large quantities of wool and dressed pork. Davenport would go on to be a prominent businessman, banker, and community member.
In 1853, a tannery was started by James C. Seeley.
In 1857, the tannery was purchased and greatly expanded by Christian Helber.
1860s
In 1866, Saline was incorporated as a village.
In 1868, the Union School was established, on N. Ann Arbor Street at McKay. This building was an Italianate brick building with twin towers.
1870s
In 1870, the railroad came to Saline, on a line that traveled between Ypsilanti and Hillsdale. This spurred tremendous growth in the village, allowing farmers and loggers to ship their goods to other markets, and allowing local shops to receive goods with which to stock their shelves.
In 1875, Saline Standard Windmill Manufacturing Company was started by J.C. Gross & Brothers. This flourishing business became known for its excellence and quality.
In 1875, William Davenport hired Detroit architect William Scott to build a “second empire” style house. This historic home is a well-known landmark, also known as the Davenport-Curtiss after the home was passed on to Carl Curtiss after the deaths of William Davenport and his son, Beverly.
1880s
In 1881, a devastating fire broke out on the southeast block of the four corners downtown, destroying many buildings and personal property.
In 1881, months after the great fire, William Davenport and his son Beverly started a fire department, purchasing a fire engine and bell.
1890s
In 1898, the village of Saline gave the go-ahead to developers for an interurban railway connecting Saline to Ypsilanti.
1900s
In 1900, Mrs. Zylpha Davenport organized Saline’s first library. She donated the money for the first library building, as well as many books.
In the early 1900s, the interurban trolley line was popular. The line operated between Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Jackson. Saline’s car was called “Old Maude” and it made frequent trips to Ypsilanti, connecting with the mainline there. The interurban operated for about 25 years.
1910s
In 1912, George Cook operated a livery and transport service. He was also a deputy sheriff.
In 1915, George Uphaus began a gas station, where he sold gasoline for 50 cents for five gallons.
In 1918, George Cook became involved in the growing automobile industry, opening the Saline Garage and becoming a Chevrolet agent.
1920s
In the 1920s, Saline’s first movie theater, called The Liberty, was established. It operated until 1930.
In 1925, because of the increasing popularity of the automobile, the interurban railway was abandoned. Many would miss “Old Maude” and this form of transportation.
In 1928, Saline Hospital was established on 106 W. Henry Street.
1930s
In 1930, the old Union School building was torn down and a new Art Deco building was constructed at the same location, with the same name.
In 1931, Saline was incorporated as a city.
In 1932, Harold S. Gray began the Saline Valley Farms. This was a farm cooperative about 3 miles south of town, situated on nearly 1000 acres. Families who were struggling during the Great Depression could live and work there, where they operated gardens, a dairy, orchards, and a poultry house.
In the late 1930s, due to the invention of the the automobile, railroad passenger service to Saline was discontinued.
In 1937, Henry Ford bought the Schuyler Mill and built a soybean extraction plant behind it. He used soybean oil in paints and automobile parts. This plant was part of his Village Industries program, in which he sought to connect agriculture to the industry by building small plants in rural areas, employing local workers.
In 1938, the Saline Theater was opened, owned by Wesley M. Gilpin and Lewis M. Lash. This theater could seat 270 people and had the most up-to-date screen and sound system available at those times.
1940s
In 1943, Henry Ford bought the Hoyt School on Macon Road and had it rebuilt across from the Schuyler Mill. It was used to educate the children of his Village Industry employees.
In the 1940s, while men were away fighting in World War II, many women from Saline worked in the nearby Willow Run Bomber Factory. At its height, the factory produced one B-24 Bomber every 55 minutes. Legend has it that the term “Rosie the Riveter” was coined at this plant, in honor of Rose Will Monroe, a worker there.
In 1947, both the soybean extraction plant and Ford’s school closed.
1950s
In 1953, Saline Valley Farms closed. With the death of its founder and a post-World War 2 recovering economy, residents were attracted to jobs other than farming.
1960s
In the early 1960s, due to the popularity of using the trucking industry for shipping, railroad freight service in Saline was discontinued.
In 1966, the city of Saline adopted its official seal. The seal contains symbols that represent the harmonious growth of both agriculture and industry.
In 1966, Saline established its relationship with Brecon, Wales as a Sister City.
In 1966, Carl and Iris Weller bought the old Schuyler Mill/Henry Ford soybean plant and restored it to create a beautiful historic venue for weddings, banquets, and more. Wellers is still operational today.
1970s
In the mid-1970s, the Saline Senior Center began as part of St. Paul’s United Church programs. It has since expanded and is an important part of the community.
1990s
In 1991, the Saline Recreation Center opened. The center offers pools, exercise equipment, gyms, baseball fields, tennis courts, and more.
In 1995, the Saline Railroad Depot Museum opened, made possible by the Saline Historical Society.
In 1996, Saline held its first annual Celtic Festival as part of the celebration of thirty years as the Sister City of Brecon, Wales. It has grown into a significant event, teaching Celtic culture and music education, performances, and exhibitions, as well as a well-recognized destination for those interested in other cultural aspects such as dance, theater, storytelling, and sporting events.
In 1999, Saline’s second museum opened. The Rentschler Farm Museum consists of a historic frame house and eleven outbuildings.
2000s
In 2001, the Saline Farmers Market completed its first full season. It has become a fixture in the community, connecting local food to local residents.
In 2001, Saline formed its second Sister City partnership, this time with Lindenberg, Germany.
In 2005, the Senior Center moved to its current location in a wing of Saline Middle School. This organization offers classes, tours, as well as social and exercise opportunities.
2010s
In 2011, the organization called Friends of the Festival was formed. This is a nonprofit group with the purpose of overseeing the management of the Saline Celtic Festival.
In 2013, the buildings at the Rentschler Farm Museum were listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In 2017, a survey by U.S. News & World Report ranked Saline High School as Michigan’s fifth-best high school, and within the top 400 nationwide.
In 2019, the 109 Cultural Exchange was founded by the Saline Main Street organization. This is a mixed-use space in downtown Saline, used for arts and cultural events. This space has hosted open mic nights, poetry slams, and art exhibitions from artists in the community. In addition, it has served as a special project meeting space for the Saline District Library, Saline Art and Culture, and other organizations.
2020s
In 2020 and 2021, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, students at all Michigan schools, including Saline schools, spent several weeks doing their learning via online methods, in order to slow the spread of the virus. Even after students returned to in-person learning, they were required to wear masks at school and quarantine at home if exposed to the virus.
In 2021, the Saline Recreation Center celebrated its 30th anniversary.
Saline Today
The city of Saline is a desirable place to live, raise a family, and locate a business. With a thriving economy, top-notch schools, beautiful homes, and a downtown full of attractive shops and restaurants, it is easy to see why Saline is known as a vibrant and healthy community. Recreational and cultural opportunities, as well as close proximity to Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan, add to the advantages that make this area so unique and appealing.
Sources:
https://www.salinehistory.org/salines-history-1
https://www.salinehistory.org/salines-history-2
https://www.salinehistory.org/rentschler-farm-museum
https://www.salinehistory.org/salt-springs
https://www.salinehistory.org/transportation
https://www.cityofsaline.org/?module=Page&sID=history
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saline,_Michigan
https://www.salineceltic.org/about
https://www.us12heritagetrail.org/collection.asp?ait=cv&cid=19
http://www.ibew.org/articles/19ElectricalWorker/EW1904/IBEW%20EW%20V13%20N04.pdf
https://www.salineseniors.org/about
https://www.cityofsaline.org/?module=Page&sID=dbis-quality-of-life&cf=Business
https://aadl.org/aaobserver/258436