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the alton historic church museum
At
the intersection of Lincoln Lake road and 3 Mile
Ave, just 5 miles north of Lowell, lies the village
of Alton. The bare crossroads today give but one
clue to the thriving village that once existed.
Here, where once the first log school house in
Vergennes township once stood, stands the historic
Alton church building, surrounded by cemetery. The
Alton church, owned by the community, housed
numerous church congregations through the years, and
is now home to displays that bring the village to
life.
Families fleeing the Canadian
rebellion of 1838 settled the Alton village. The
village grew steadily over time, until the 1890’s,
when the village saw a great immigration of Swiss
settlers. It later declined as the railroad passed
the village by.
The Alton Historic Church museum is
open by appointment.
altonchurchmuseum@yahoo.com
Research Room
Please contact us for a list of
documents, journals, and family histories available
for research.
Current Events
-
The Lowell Area Historical
Museum has created a traveling display titled
“Ghost Towns Around Lowell”. This display
features Alton and Moseley. It will be on
display at the Alton Bible Church from March 28
– April 25, 2008. The church is open most
weekdays 9 am – 3 pm. It is best to call ahead
at 616/897-5648. Sunday services are at 11:00 am
and 6:00 pm.
-
Coming soon!! May 3 & 4,
Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The
Alton Historic Church Museum will open as part
of “Spring Into the Past”, an effort of the
Tri-River Small Historical Museums Network, with
over 17 museums located along the Flat River,
Grand River and Thornapple River. The museums
will be open for a weekend of exciting glimpses
into yesteryear. Please email us for a copy of
the “Spring Into the Past” brochure! Brochures,
with maps included, are also available at each
of the stops.
Your help is needed!
We are currently seeking:
-
Descendents of Alton residents.
We would like a bio of your ancestor and a
picture if available. Help us honor YOUR family!
-
Bio information and pictures of
Veterans from the Alton area, especially those
buried in the Alton cemetery.
-
Copies of pictures of anyone
married in the Alton Historic Church.
-
ANY information regarding the
village of Alton!
altonchurchmuseum@yahoo.com
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