1959 Map of Clare

About this map

The Clare and Farwell areas of central Michigan are defined by a complex intersection of rail and water in the late 1950s. The Chesapeake and Ohio and Ann Arbor Railroad cross south of the Tobacco River, serving as the industrial backbone for these growing settlements near the Clare and Isabella County line. The northern landscape is heavily dominated by the Houghton Lake State Forest, where numerous glacial lakes such as Lake George and Shingle Lake are interspersed with low-lying areas like Deadman Swamp and Bear Swamp. Local life is anchored by country institutions including the Maple Grove Ch, the Township Cem near Hatton, and rural schoolhouses like Redner Sch and Wilson Sch. Notable landmarks include the McKay Landing Field and the Camp Rotary grounds, illustrating the region's mix of aviation and recreational land use.