Brohman and Woodland Park: A History of Local Communities
Within the eastern and northern reaches of the township lie two distinct unincorporated communities—settlements that lack their own municipal government—each with a unique origin story. From the early hospitality of Brohman to the visionary resort planning of Woodland Park, these areas reflect the diverse social and economic history of the region.
Brohman: A Crossroads Community
Located in the eastern part of the township between sections 13 and 24, Brohman is situated along M-37. Geographically, it sits approximately eight miles north of White Cloud and 15 miles west of Big Rapids. The community is identified by the ZIP code 49312.
Established in 1882, the community was originally named Otia, in honor of Otia Dingman, who operated a local hotel. For a period, the settlement was also known as Dingman before becoming Brohman.
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Woodland Park: The Legacy of a Black Resort Town
Woodland Park, also known as Woodland Park Resort, is an unincorporated community in the northern part of the township. It is primarily located between sections three and four on the north side of Woodland Lake (alternatively known as Brookings or Crooked Lake), with some settlement extending to the south side into sections nine and ten. It is positioned about two miles south of Bitely and two and a half miles northwest of Brohman, utilizing the Bitely ZIP code 49309.
The community spans approximately four square miles and consists of several hundred small parcels, many of which remain undeveloped.
The Vision of Marion E. Arthur and Alvin E. Wright
In 1923, African-American realtors Marion E. Arthur of Cleveland, Ohio, and Alvin E. Wright of Chicago, Illinois, platted Woodland Park as an all-black resort town. The opportunity arose when the Brookings Lumber Company sold the remnants of its former lumbering village in Newaygo County. The site, located 15 miles south of Idlewild and 37 miles north of Grand Rapids, first entered the market in 1920.
Marion and his wife, Ella Auther, used commissions earned from lot sales at Idlewild to make a down payment on the village's 200-acre lake. By 1921, the Authers had purchased most of the Brookings Lumber Company's parcels. To finalize the acquisition, Wilbur Lemon, a white businessman from Chicago and co-founder of the Idlewild Resort Company, purchased the final remaining parcel, enabling the launch of Woodland Park.
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Decline and Transportation Changes
The community's prominence shifted following the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which opened previously all-white resort facilities to African-Americans, leading to a relative decline in the area. The community's connectivity also changed in 1966 when the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway terminated passenger service through nearby Bitely, ending rail access to Grand Rapids and other mid-western cities on the route from Traverse City to Grand Rapids.
Key Facts
- Brohman was founded in 1882 and was originally called Otia or Dingman.
- Woodland Park was established in 1923 as an all-black resort town.
- Woodland Lake is also referred to as Brookings or Crooked Lake.
- Founders of Woodland Park included realtors Marion E. Arthur and Alvin E. Wright, with financial assistance from Wilbur Lemon.
- Rail Access to the area ended in 1966 via the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway.
| Feature | Brohman | Woodland Park |
|---|---|---|
| Established | 1882 | 1923 |
| Original Name | Otia / Dingman | Brookings Lumber village remnants |
| ZIP Code | 49312 | 49309 |
| Primary Location | Eastern township (M-37) | Northern township (Woodland Lake) |
| Key Figures | Otia Dingman | Marion E. Arthur, Alvin E. Wright, Wilbur Lemon |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Brohman originally called?
Brohman was established in 1882 under the name Otia, named after hotel operator Otia Dingman. It was also known as Dingman for a period of time.
Who founded the Woodland Park resort?
The community was platted in 1923 by African-American realtors Marion E. Arthur and Alvin E. Wright, with the final land purchase aided by businessman Wilbur Lemon.
Why did Woodland Park experience a decline?
The area saw a relative decline after the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which allowed African-Americans to access resort facilities that had previously been all-white.
When did passenger rail service end for the area?
Passenger rail access to Grand Rapids and other mid-western cities ended in 1966 when the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway terminated service through nearby Bitely.
What are the alternative names for Woodland Lake?
Woodland Lake is also known as Brookings Lake or Crooked Lake.