Hindsight is 2020
January 17, 2020
Grand Ledge begins construction on the iconic Bridge Street Opera House. Originally created as a skating rink in the 1880s, the Opera House has been repurposed into many things throughout the years, such as a furniture store in the 20s and the Bicentennial Committee’s headquarters.
Today, the Opera house is used for private functions such as wedding receptions as well as community events and concerts. It has become a staple of the community and a recognizable landmark in the downtown area.
Grand Ledgians celebrate the end of WWI out on Bridge Street, with the old water tower in the background. Though the war ended a couple years before 1920, the economic and social changes that resulted from it helped to shape the decade.
Instead of celebrating the ends of wars, the citizens of GL now celebrate more mundane events, such as parades for holidays and homecoming. Last year, citizens cheered as the marching band came through the Christmas parade adorned with stings of colorful lights.
The sun shines on a beautiful day in the Seven Islands Resort, first created in the 1870s. The resort was in business until the 1930s, and featured attractions such as steamboats, a hotel, and even Michigan’s first roller coaster.
Today, the second and third islands are fused together to create the island citizens are familiar with. The island holds several festivals throughout the year, such as the Color Cruise and the Island Art Fair. For more fascinating historical images or information about the city of Grand Ledge, one can visit glhistoricalsociety.org or the GLADL website to access the digital archive.
