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Journey back in time to St Joseph, Michigan, USA

Explore St Joseph, Michigan, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.

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St Joseph, Michigan, USA - St Joseph, Michigan, USA - Fountain on Lake Front, St. Joseph Mich.

Saint Joseph is a port on Lake Michigan, at the mouth of the St. Joseph River, opposite Benton Harbor. The French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, sieur (lord) de La Salle, established Fort Miami at the site in 1679, using it as a base (commemorated by a historic site). Later known as Saranac and Newburyport, it was renamed (1833) for the river. It developed after 1836 with improved harbour facilities and the opening of the Territorial Road from Detroit. Its northeastern portion was separately incorporated as Benton Harbor in 1869.

britannica.com

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St Joseph Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

St Joseph, Michigan, USA - Fountain on Lake Front, St. Joseph Mich.
St Joseph, Michigan, USA

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Fountain on Lake Front, St. Joseph Mich.
St Joseph, Michigan, USA - Fishing on South Pier, St. Joseph, Mich.
St Joseph, Michigan, USA

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Fishing on South Pier, St. Joseph, Mich.
St Joseph, Michigan, USA - Edgewater Park
St. Joseph, Mich.
St Joseph, Michigan, USA

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Edgewater Park
St. Joseph, Mich.
"Home of the St. Joseph Auscos"

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MICHIGAN Humor Mug – Funny Coffee Cup for Donut Lovers & Winter Warriors

Embrace your Michigan pride with a touch of humor and a splash of local charm! This mug features the playful caption: "I'm from Michigan! That explains a lot about my love for donuts with weird names and wearing flip-flops in winter."

Discover St Joseph: History, News, Travel, and Stories

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1854 - St. Joseph
St. Joseph, a post-village in the above township, on Lake Michigan, at the mouth of St. Joseph's river, 194 miles W. of Detroit. It carries on an active trade in lumber and fruit to supply the boats of the lake and the Chicago market. The bridge which crosses the river at this place cost $15,000. Population, in 1853, 800.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
1895 - Saint Joseph
Saint Joseph, a post-village in St. Joseph township, Berrien co., Mich., on Lake Michigan, at the mouth of the St. Joseph River, about 60 miles by water E.N.E. of Chicago, 22 miles N.N.W. of Niles, and 2 miles S.W. of Benton Harbor. It is on the Chicago & Michigan Lake Shore Railroad. It has 8 churches, 2 newspaper offices, a brick school-house which cost $40,000, a national bank, several hotels, a machine-shop, 2 saw-mills, a grist-mill, and manufactures of baskets, fruit-packages, sash and blinds, &c. Large quantities of fruit are exported from this place to Chicago. Pop. in 1890, 3733; of the township, 4826.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
1906
Saint Joseph, a city and resort, capital of Berrien co., Mich., on Lake Michigan, at the mouth of the St. Joseph River, 1$ miles W. of Benton Harbor. It is the centre of the Michigan fruit-belt, and has iron-, knitting- and paper- mills, and manufactures of boats, motor-bicycles, baskets, fruit-packages, sash and blinds, etc Large quantities of fruit are shipped here. Battery Beach is at this point. Pop. in 1890, 3733 ; in 1900, 5155.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906
1945 - St. Joseph Child Dies Of Burns. Victim's Father Is Marine On Okinawa.
Patricia Ann Randall, three-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ora Randall, 504 Lake street, died early this morning at the St. Joseph sanitarium of third degree burns suffered early yesterday morning at her home. The little girl got up yesterday before her mother was awake, went out to the kitchen and got a box of safety matches and lit one, which ignited her nightgown.

The baby's father, who is in the Marine Corps, is stationed on Okinawa. In addition to her parents, she is survived by two brothers, Richard Ora and George Douglas. She was born March 14, 1942, in St. Joseph.

Also surviving are her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Martin, and Mrs. Ethel DeMorrow, all of St. Joseph.

The funeral will be held Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. at the Beardsley funeral home, where the body now rests. The Rev. L. H. Broeker will conduct the services, and burial will be in River View cemetery.
News-Palladium
Benton Harbor, Michigan
August 4, 1945
Here's a mix of places to visit and things to do in and around St. Joseph:
Silver Beach County Park:

Enjoy the sandy shores of Lake Michigan at Silver Beach. It's a perfect spot for a relaxing day by the water, picnics, and beach volleyball.

St. Joseph North Pier Lighthouse:

Take a stroll along the pier and enjoy the picturesque views of the lighthouse. It's particularly beautiful during sunset.

Curious Kids' Museum:

If you're traveling with kids, this museum is a must-visit. It's interactive and educational, making it a fun experience for the little ones.

Krasl Art Center:

Explore the local art scene at the Krasl Art Center. They often have rotating exhibitions and workshops for art enthusiasts.

Downtown St. Joseph:

Walk around the downtown area, filled with boutique shops, cafes, and galleries. It's a great place for a leisurely afternoon stroll.

M Silver Beach Hotel Rooftop Bar:

For a more adult-oriented experience, head to the rooftop bar at M Silver Beach Hotel. Sip on cocktails while enjoying panoramic views of Lake... Read MORE...

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Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in St Joseph, Michigan, USA

We currently have information about 26 ancestors who were born or died in St Joseph.

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Updated: 10/12/2023 3:15:09 PM