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1959 Map of Lake

Name: 1959 Topographic Map of Lake
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1973
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1973

About this map

The confluence of Osceola, Mecosta, Clare, and Isabella counties defines this mid-century landscape of glacial lakes and river systems. The Muskegon River flows through the northern sections, while the Chippewa River and the Middle Branch carve paths through the central and southern townships. Small settlements like Sears and Barryton anchor the local economy, which by 1959 was heavily influenced by the Oil Field and numerous Gravel Pits scattered across the terrain.

Genealogical interest is found in the dense network of rural landmarks, including the County Home and several well-established burial grounds such as Sylvan Cem and the Odd Fellows Cem. The Chesapeake and Ohio railroad corridor serves as a primary transit artery, connecting these woodland communities. Dense forest tracts like Houghton Lake State Forest and Chippewa River State Forest indicate the significant timber and conservation efforts that characterize this portion of northern Michigan.