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Step back in time to a less complicated life when water came from the cistern,
there was a fireplace in every room for heat and forms
of elegance could be found
in decor to glassware. The Wing
House Museum located at 27
S. Jefferson Street in Coldwater, Michigan is a prime example
of 19th century Second Empire architecture. Learn how families
worked and thrived in the late 1800’s at this home
museum that is one of the few open year-around to the public by appointment. Please contact Penny at (517) 278-8030 for a tour.
The home was built for newlyweds Jay and Frances Chandler
in 1875. Discover the turn of events that led to the dissolution
of their marriage and the subsequent sale of their beautiful
home to prominent businessman Lucius Wing in 1882.
Home was purchased from the Wing Family and became home
to the Branch County Historical Society. The Society hosts
an annual Holiday Home Tour and Old Fashioned Wassail the
first Saturday in December, Friday Night Desserts following
Tibbits professional players performances, they host private
dinners, luncheons and other fund raisers to keep this jewel
maintained.
The Branch County Historical Society is
committed to preserving the heritage of the County, including
Bronson, Coldwater,
Quincy and Union City. We are always looking for new ideas
and members to help with this cause. For more information
or if you are interested in joining the organization, please
click here. |
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The Wing House Museum
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About Branch County, Michigan
Located along the U.S. 12 Heritage
Route
Branch County was a primeval wilderness a little more than one hundred and
fifty years ago, inhabited only by the Potawatommie Indians. While it is true
that there were trading posts within the limits of what is now, Branch County
as early as 1825. The first actual white settler appears to have been Jabe
Bronson, who made his home in 1828 in the city now bearing his name, Bronson.
The old Sauk Trail between Detroit and Chicago (now known as Chicago Rd. Or
US 12) saw great numbers of pioneers passing this way, bound Illinois and other
parts of what was then the “far west”. The presence of the Indians
deterred many that would otherwise have settled here.
It was in 1821 that Chief Topinabee and his people sold to the white man what
is now the County of Branch, though they continued to occupy it as before,
on reservations. Branch County is now home to many manufacturers that supply
parts to the automotive industry.
Named for John Branch, President Andrew
Jackson's secretary of the navy, was one of thirteen counties
established by the territorial legislature in 1829. The village
of Branch, located three miles southwest of Coldwater was
the original county seat, but in 1842 county commissioners
decreed that the seat be moved to Coldwater. In 1848 a courthouse
was erected on this site.
The Chicago Road (now US-12) and the coming
of the Michigan Southern Railroad in 1850 attracted settlers.
During the 1850s and 1860s, Coldwater was a horse training
and breeding center. Local breeders provided three thousand
horses to the Union Army during the Civil War. In the 1870s
and 1880s, the manufacture of cigars contributed to Coldwater's
prosperity. In 1882, some 13.4 million cigars were manufactured
in Coldwater. |
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Chief
Topinabee
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John Branch |
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