Boarding House, Singapore

Drawing

-

Saugatuck Douglas Historical Society

Image caption from "Raising the Roof" 2nd ed., page 13: THE BOARDING HOUSE AT SINGAPORE 1837-1869 Singapore, Saugatuck Harbor As described by one former resident, "this great human beehive" was a gray and unpainted house (60'x 40'), three stories high and had a bar room, dance floor (the kitchen), and an "immense" cooking stove. Over its lifetime it housed hundreds of mill workers as well as travelers/immigrants seeking land and jobs. Drawing by Margaret McDermott, based on recollections of Laura C. Hutchins, cited in H. H. Hutchins, Western Allegan Pioneer Days (1919, reprint, 1995).

Image caption from "Raising the Roof" 2nd ed., page 13: THE BOARDING HOUSE AT SINGAPORE 1837-1869 Singapore, Saugatuck Harbor As described by one former resident, "this great human beehive" was a gray and unpainted house (60'x 40'), three stories high and had a bar room, dance floor (the kitchen), and an "immense" cooking stove. Over its lifetime it housed hundreds of mill workers as well as travelers/immigrants seeking land and jobs. Drawing by Margaret McDermott, based on recollections of Laura C. Hutchins, cited in H. H. Hutchins, Western Allegan Pioneer Days (1919, reprint, 1995).

Name/Title

Boarding House, Singapore

Entry/Object ID

2021.41.62

Description

Ink drawing on watercolor paper of a large, multiple-story building that once existed in Singapore, Michigan. Drawn by Margaret McDermott based on a description by Laura Hudson Hutchins interpreted by architectural historian Dr. James Schmiechen. The drawing appeared in SDHS publication "Raising the Roof" 2nd edition page 13 and "Remembering When" newspaper articles [see 2021.87.114].

Type of Drawing

Ink - Black

Context

The Big House or Astor House was built in 1837 or 1838 as housing for Singapore mill workers and their families. Early immigrants from the Netherlands, traveling by ship on the Lake Michigan, often stayed at Singapore before attempting the final leg of their journey to Holland, Michigan.

Collection

Buildings: Lost, Buildings: Commercial

Cataloged By

Winthers, Sally

Acquisition

Accession

2021.41

Source or Donor

Schmiechen, James A.

Acquisition Method

Donation

Made/Created

Artist

McDermott, Margaret

Dimensions

Height

7-1/2 in

Width

11 in

Location

Box

039 Singapore

Create Date

September 30, 2025

Update Date

September 30, 2025