Spring Arbor, Michigan

Potawatomi Native Americans resided in present-day Spring Arbor in three known aboriginal villages until their removal to reservations near Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Organized by Territorial Council in 1832, Spring Arbor Township has continued to exist with its present boundaries since 1837. Spring Arbor was first spelled Spring Arbour on all early maps.

During the mid-19th century, a Village of Spring Arbour had been planned along what is now the intersection of Cross and Hammond roads in the southwest portion of the township. The development of such a village began but ended with the departure of the Free Will Baptists' seminary to what is now Hillsdale College. Remnants of this plot are clearly visible on an aerial view of the area: a portion of Matthews Road continues along a street directed at the intersections of Cross and Hammond. Falling Waters Park can be found at this former establishment with historical information about the area including the Potawatomi village, the founding of the village of Spring Arbor, the 1835 founding of what would eventually become Albion College, and the 1844 founding of the predecessor of both Hillsdale College and Spring Arbor University.[4]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 2.81 square miles (7.28 km²), of which 2.78 square miles (7.20 km²) is land and 0.03 square miles (0.08 km²) (1.07%) is water.[3]

Spring Arbor is in western Jackson County in the center of Spring Arbor Township. State highway M-60 passes through the center of town, leading northeast 9 miles (14 km) to Jackson, the county seat, and southwest 24 miles (39 km) to Tekonsha.

Spring Arbor is well known for its artesian water springs which form several small lakes, creeks and rivers. Lime Lake County Park is located on 2 acres (0.81 ha) in Spring Arbor including a boat launch, a swimming area, playground equipment, and the Falling Waters Trail. The lake was created by the quarrying of marl, a calcium carbonate or lime-rich mud used to make concrete. Divers frequent this lake to view bizarre underwater mountains, pillars, and spires left behind from concrete production.[5]

As of the census of 2000, there were 2,188 people, 643 households, and 367 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 792.2 per square mile (306.1/km²). There were 682 housing units at an average density of 246.9 per square mile (95.4/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 95.34% White, 1.83% African American, 0.23% Native American, 1.19% Asian, 0.32% Pacific Islander, 0.27% from other races, and 0.82% from two or more races. 1.10% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 643 households, out of which 25.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.7% were married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.9% were non-families. 38.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 23.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 3.04.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 16.0% under the age of 18, 31.8% from 18 to 24, 16.9% from 25 to 44, 14.4% from 45 to 64, and 21.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 28 years. For every 100 females, there were 72.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 67.1 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $38,750, and the median income for a family was $67,647. Males had a median income of $42,500 versus $26,510 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $14,490. 8.9% of the population and 6.7% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 7.8% are under the age of 18 and 9.3% are 65 or older.

Three K-12 school districts cover the township:

• Western School District
• Concord Community Schools
• Hanover-Horton School District

Trinity Lutheran School serves grades K-8 and is located in the northeast quarter of the township. It is affiliated with the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.

Spring Arbor University is located in the community. Established in 1873 as a seminary of the Free Methodist Church, it later became a high school, followed by a junior college, then a college and finally a university on April 30, 2001.

Jackson College also serves the township.

There are several nursing homes, retirement centers and assisted living centers in the community, all run by the Todd Ganton and Matt Gregory families.

Spring Arbor University (a private university affiliated with the Free Methodist Church) employs approximately 275 staff and faculty on its main campus as of September 2004, which is the largest employer located in the community.

CMS Energy employs a large number of Spring Arbor residents, but is located in Jackson.

• Spring Arbor Township
• Spring Arbor University