The Roadside Table Historic Site ~ 6895-6973 Grand River Avenue, Saranac MI

Back in 1929, a man named Allan Williams built a table out of salvaged wood and placed it here for travelers. Some say it was the state's and/or nation's, first roadside table. This place was a cool find but alas, there is currently not a table here. The pull-off area is also on the edge of a gully and seems to be an ill advised place to let your children out of the car to run around.

Any exploration is discouraged.

Nonetheless, if we see a historic marker, you can be sure we will pull over to check it out, even if there's not a table at which to sit 😉 

Sessions School and Alonzo Sessions' Gravesite ~ Saranac & Ionia, MI

The school (2999 W. Riverside Dr, Saranac) was built by Alonzo Sessions in 1847. Its claim to fame is made somewhat tentatively by this plaque.

Missing an 's'

The building is really cool to see. Unfortunately, you cannot see through the three existing windows nor can you gain entry. But it's still worth a visit.

The school was closed in 1898 and a larger school was built across the street. This newer school is currently owned by the Ionia County Sheriff's office and there is no getting near it.

The 'Posse' is an all-volunteer auxiliary support unit that assists with security and traffic control at special events and I guess they hang out here and practice with firearms. We thought it best not to trespass 😊.

The builder of the 1847 school, Alonzo Sessions, was born in New York in 1810 and moved to Ionia in 1835. He married Celia Dexter, the daughter of the founder of Ionia, Samuel Dexter. Alonzo and Celia now rest peacefully together in Highland Park Cemetery in Ionia. They might be surprised that people still drive from all over to look at the old school.

 

North Eagle Cemetery ~ 12300 S. Grange Road, Eagle MI

It's not everyday that you find a grave here in Michigan of someone who fought in the Revolutionary War but North Eagle Cemetery holds just such a grave.

The cemetery is small and very interesting with lots of old grave stones.

Regal, humble, and well-visited graves could all be found.

We found the sad family history of Andrew Hill.

This chimney style headstone for a young man was a new one to us.

Most of the urns were upside down waiting for spring plantings and crocus were already blooming.

Accidental phone photos are always part of any outing and I decided to keep this one 😊

The cemetery is super helpful in locating gravesites, and you don't have to depend on someone being in an office somewhere. It's a peaceful little place that holds a lot of history.