Old Wing Mission

Old Wing Mission
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Location	5298 147th Ave., Holland, Michigan
Coordinates	42°45′42.2″N 86°4′2.1″W / 42.761722°N 86.067250°WCoordinates: 42°45′42.2″N 86°4′2.1″W / 42.761722°N 86.067250°W
Area	2.3 acres (0.93 ha)
Architect	Isaac Fairbanks, et al.
Architectural style	Greek Revival
NRHP Reference #	86001551[1]
Added to NRHP	August 13, 1986

Old Wing Mission (also known as Old Wing Inn) is a historic building at 5298 147th Ave. in Holland, Michigan. It is the oldest surviving house in the township.

The building was constructed in 1846 by Rev. George Smith, a Vermont native, who served as Christian missionary to the local Ottawas.^[2] The mission was funded by the Presbyterian Church of Michigan through an Allegan-based Indian mission society.

In 1848 Michigan suffered from a smallpox epidemic that affected the entire community of people. In consideration of the massive influx settlers into the Ottowa County area, Chief Peter Waukazoo and Reverend George Smith decided to move the community as well as the Holland-area ^[3] Ottawa Mission from Holland up to Northport (on the Leelanau Peninsula) via on boats and canoes.

The mission building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986 and is currently surrounded by industrial developments. As of November 2011 the building was listed for sale.^[4]

References

1. National Park Service (2010-07-09). "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service.
2. Old Wing Mission: The Chronicles of the Reverend George N. and Arvilla Powers Smith, Missionary Teachers of Chief Wakazoo's Ottawa Indian Band in Western Michigan, 1838-1849, Robert P. Swierenga and William Van Appledorn, Editors:A.C. Van Raalte Institute, Hope College, Holland, Michigan, 2007
3. http://www.historygrandrapids.org/photo/1252/ottawa-band-seasonal-travel-ma
4. http://www.hollandsentinel.com/feature/x1358715590/Holland-s-Old-Wing-Mission-up-for-sale