Like many small towns during this era, Gowen was settled as a lumber community about 1847. It was first called Gregor's Mills and later Kaywood. [MPN] Gowen was located on a Detroit, Grand Rapids & Western railroad (later Pere Marquette) about five miles northwest of Greenville in Montcalm County.
In 1871, the town has a drug store, three general stores, grist mill, saw mill, planning mill, and two shingle mills. [I&L]
Image Info: Top, an early view of the DGR&W depot at Gowen. [UML]. 2nd image, a short PM train crosses the Flat River bridge at Gowen. [Greenville Historical Society]. 3rd image, the Pere Marquette depot at Gowen, MI [Jack Stewart collection]
1871. The railroad builds a Howe truss bridge over the Flat River at this location. [I&L]
1871. Flat River Boom Company mill.
The following sources are utilized in this website. [SOURCE-YEAR-MMDD-PG]:
