When I have heard people mention, “Jackson, Michigan,” immediately my mind has focused on the expansive prison. I had not been prepared for the magical, creative community of 30,000 residents that we would meet. Chuck and I were both drawn to the people of the city and will return again soon. Join us as we explore Jackson and meet some incredible individuals who have put the heartbeat into this community. Jackson buzzes with energy around every corner!

Bright Walls

As we drove into the City of Jackson, large “eye catching” murals greeted us. We looped around the downtown area taking in the stunning variety of paintings. “Bright Walls,” is an installation of seventy-five powerful images. “They’ve made the city into a gallery!” I commented as we walked to the Farmer’s Market.

Farmer’s Market and Finders Keepers Craft Show

If you want to learn about a city, skip the tourist spots and head to the Farmer’s Market. We met Dotty who has organized local food vendors and crafters who have set up their wares inside Founder’s Church located downtown. “How did you get involved?” I asked Dotty. “This area of downtown had been a food desert.” Dotty explained, “My husband said, ‘Someone should do something.’ and gestured to me.” she smiled.

The energy heightened when Mrs. Claus jingled into the farm market. When Jackson’s original Mrs. Claus had passed away a few years ago, Melissa had stepped into this role of Santa’s wife with heart and purpose. Her friend, Kevin, put on the red Santa suit with a jolly grin and joined her.

Santa and Mrs. Claus -Kevin and Melissa

A six year old girl clung to her mother’s legs as Mrs. Claus inquired about their pet’s name. “Is it Earl?” Mrs. Claus smiled. The youngster nodded as a grin opened across her face. For twenty years Melissa had brought her daughter, Lauren, to Jackson’s holiday festivities. The late Mrs. Claus would always recognize Lauren and called her by name, as she had with countless others. Melissa and her friend, Kevin, stepped into the role of the jolly couple to keep the magical legacy of Christmas alive for the Jackson community.

The couple spent the day collecting children’s letters at several venues around Jackson. Then, after the Santa parade that night, the pair would bring the letters with them to the North Pole where the elves could assemble and wrap the toys for a proper delivery.

Did you know that the Republican Party had been started in Jackson, Michigan?

Jackson had been settled by Europeans at the confluence of native trails in 1829, just as Andrew Jackson had become President of the United States. Michigan was still a territory. First named “Jacksonburgh” then “Jacksonopolis,” the community finally settled on “Jackson.”

At that time the Whig Party had referred to President Jackson as, “King Andrew” due to his ‘tyrant’ policies and support of slavery. For decades the Whigs had built support across the northern states. They held many meetings in Ripon, Wisconsin.

Then on July 6, 1854 this group had come to Jackson, Michigan to announce the beginning of a new political party, The Republicans. This proclamation had been made at Under The Oaks park. Today, a rock stands proudly at the site.

Our first Republican President was Abraham Lincoln who was elected in 1861. Under his leadership, The Civil War had been fought between the northern and the southern states from 1861-1865.

Civil War Reenactment – Largest and Longest Running in Midwest

With the Civil War history surrounding Jackson, Civil War Reenactments have taken place annually since 1984. This weekend event happens in late August at Cascades Park. The battles and the settlement of Jacksonburgh place permanent memories into the minds of the 30,000 spectators.

In the early 90’s I observed a battle. One soldier had folded to the ground after being shot. With pain etched across his face he had taken out his journal and began writing his final message to his family as men continued to fire their muskets all around him.

On one of our visits to Jackson we were fortunate to be able to attend a winter Civil War Muster.

Civil War Winter Muster

A mandolin’s notes threaded their way through the crisp evening air at the Ella Sharp Museum property. As we rounded the corner an 1861 American flag rippled in the frosty breeze. It was answered by the flapping of canvas tents. Huddled over a campfire, soldiers sliced vegetables to add to the iron pot.

These soldiers were exhibiting the realistic drama of a Civil War era camping experience. After their meal, the formation stood at attention. They gathered ammo from the battery cart and marched it to the nearby cannon. Their practiced process produced an earth shaking explosion! My ears continued to ring following the blast. Knowing men and horses had experienced cannons being repeatedly fired gave me a new appreciation for the Civil War soldier’s endurance.

Civil War history surrounds Jackson. The next day we stopped by the Michigan Military Heritage Museum. We were met by enthusiastic, dedicated individuals: Scott, Ari and Kevin. “It’s DaViking and Poppins!” They announced as they rounded the counter to shake our hands.

Michigan Military Heritage Museum

Located on the site of Camp Blair, a Civil War training camp, is the Michigan Military Heritage Museum. One-third of Michigan’s troops had passed through Camp Blair.

Uniformed mannequins, dressed for combat from the Civil War to modern day, lined the pathway through the displays. Most of these had been from one man’s collection. Dennis had sadly passed last year, but his friends cherish and share his collection. This group of dedicated historians, has captured our interest. We plan to return for another archeological dig this summer. Stay tuned!

Jackson Prison

It was 1839 when the first inmates had been brought to the wooden prison in Jackson, referred to as “living at the tamarack.” By 1840 this state prison had held 85 inmates. When ten escaped, terrorizing the nearby town of Spring Arbor for two years, a plan for a brick and mortar encampment had been made. Eight of the ten escapees had eventually been recaptured and secured within the stone walls of Jackson’s new state prison.

By 1882, 2,000 prisoners had been housed at the largest walled prison in the world. In 1920 a larger detention facility, which could hold 5,700 inmates, was being planned for three miles north. With the availability of cheap labor and the rail lines, industry boomed.

Today, there are four prisons in Jackson, Michigan. The Charles Egeler Reception and Guidance Center is the processing facility for all male state prisoners. The G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility for men stands on 114 acres northwest of Elm Road and I-94. The Cooper Street Correctional Facility is a Level One prison for inmates who are about to be paroled, discharged or transferred. The minimum security Parnall Correctional Facility offers self-help programs.

OK, back to the booming industry of Jackson. Prisoners had been a resource to make leather goods, repaired wagon wheels, work in factories and later as mechanics.

Industry: Corsets and Automobiles

Female owned, Moses Bortree’s Corset Factory, had been the first garment factory making corsets outside of New York. The factory operated from 1868 until 1920. During that span, Jackson had become home to sixteen corset manufacturers. When this style fell out of favor (thank goodness) the three remaining corset companies branched out into making prosthetic and therapeutic garments.

Jackson also housed twenty-five different auto makers between 1901-1954. A variety of car styles had been produced including the “Runabout,” an electric car.

Art 634

Next door to the prison had been a wagon wheel repair shop which had witnesses several different industries over time, wood work and leather goods. Inmates would be shuffled across the brick road to work and then at the end of the day they would be brought back to lock-up.

Today, this wagon wheel repair shop is known as “Art 634, Armory Arts Village.” This venue hosts open mic nights on Thursdays, monthly art shows, concerts and festivals. In fact, our nephew and his fiancée hosted their wedding shower here!

Train Station

Were you aware that the Jackson Depot is the oldest, continuously operating train station in our nation? Replacing two wooden depots, this Jackson Train Station had been opened in 1876. Then in 1978 this structure had been carefully restored.

The Jackson Train Station had played a vital role in the war effort with the slogan, “Destination Fighting Front-Keep ‘Em Rolling.” Between 1941 and 1945 personnel and military supplies had traveled through this site.

The Original Coney Dog – Started In Jackson!

Strategically positioned next to the train station had been Todoroff’s® Coney Island hot dog restaurant, open 24 hours. What a delightful, quick treat for travelers!

The story of the first Coney Dog had started with George Todoroff, a Macedonian immigrant, who’d traveled through Ellis Island in 1905 and settled in Jackson, Michigan. After owning a grocery store for several years, George had created a delicious sauce to add to a hot dog in 1914, along with a dollop of mustard and freshly chopped onions. Todoroff’s® Coney Island hot dog was born!

Kurt Todoroff, fourth generation, had agreed to meet with us, which we are forever grateful. With a sparkle in his eye, Kurt had been honored to begin working in their family restaurant at seven years old, stacking plates and cups. As a high school student, he managed one of the restaurants on weekend evenings. After graduation, Kurt had joined the Air Force becoming a fighter pilot. Upon his return, his father had offered Kurt a partnership in the family business.

Today, Todoroff’s® distributes their product to restaurants and grocery stores throughout Indiana, Ohio and Michigan.

Jackson’s Fudge and Candy Factory

Another magical eatery is the Jackson Fudge and Candy Factory. Owner, Brian Surgener, captures an 1890’s feel in this shop which he opened in 2015. Claudina, the manager, welcomed us as she waited on a line of customers.

When it was our turn, we ordered variety gift packs and many bits to sample ourselves. Their confections are perfection!

Carnegie Library – Education for All

Jackson has one of the fifty-three Carnegie libraries in Michigan. This stunning piece of architecture opened in 1906.

Steel tycoon, Andrew Carnegie, had donated $70,000 to Jackson for their library. Jackson’s sacred space serves the community inside the time-honored decor. Andrew Carnegie had funded the construction of 2,509 libraries across the world.

The library was holding an open house before the Santa parade. Electrified energy radiated as kids received free books from ‘elves’ as they awaited the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. Chuck even had the chance to ride up in the elevator with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Jackson’s Community

We came to Jackson for the history, but what we discovered was a woven fabric of community commitment! Around every corner we found people making a heartwarming difference in their neighborhood. Thank you for your example about keeping one’s community strong and stable!

Well, I have been motivated by these amazing individuals! I have renewed our community memberships to Lowell Arts and the Lowell Historical Museum. I was even asked to join the board! Let’s keep making a positive impact just like the City of Jackson! Be curious and make memories!

Related Links:

Join us on our journey to Jackson in this YouTube video!
The Restless Viking article about Jackson’s Train Depot paints a more complete picture of this remarkable station.

Resources:

Reddit photos of the Jackson Carnegie Library
MLive article August 2023
Jackson Fudge and Candy Factory Facebook page