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Trading Post

The first building of the Continental Motors corporation was built in 1906 on the southwest corner of Market and Water streets on the site of an early day hotel, the American House, which was torn down in 1896.  One block west on Water street was the site of the first permanent trading post established in 1834 by Louis Badeaux, in the spring of 1840, Thomas Dill and family moved into the old trading post erected by Badeaux.  The Dills erected an addition and provided room and board for transients.   It was the first hotel in Muskegon.

Muskegon Chronicle, May 10, 1947   KNOW MUSKEGON   By Charles H. Yates

Submitted by Bill Moore

On the southeast corner of Western avenue and Eighth street is a modern building erected recently to house  the Champayne Auto Collision Service.  On that corner in the fall of 1835 was the trading post of  William Lasley. 

Muskegon Chronicle, May 17, 1947   KNOW MUSKEGON   By Charles H. Yates

Submitted by Bill Moore

Article

First Sawmill

The east portion of the Stewart Hartshorn factory and grounds now occupies the site of the first sawmill  on Muskegon lake.  It was built in January, 1837, and burned in 1841.  Even before the mill was erected,  George Campau had a trading post at this site from 1833 to 1835.  A second mill was built there by Alvah  Trowbridge in 1863, and after 1871 it was the Swan, White & Smith mill.  A small brick office building  of that firm on the southwest corner of Hudson street and Western avenue we believe is still standing.

Muskegon Chronicle, May 17, 1947   KNOW MUSKEGON   By Charles H. Yates

Submitted by Bill Moore