How about the village of Rathbone? Ever been through it?

You very possibly could have driven through and not even known it was once a nice little town.

At the intersection of E. Tyler & N. Barry roads, Lafayette Township, Gratiot County, lies what was once Rathbone.....still is, but a far cry what it once was.

It was established in 1891 as a post office, smack in the center of the township. The P.O. shut down in December, 1904.

Looking at the photos below, it may be hard for some to imagine what once stood at that downtown intersection. It not only had the post office, but a blacksmith shop, one-room schoolhouse, church, and two other shops. Rathbone is now referred to as an 'unincorporated community' but was called Lafayette Township's 'small business hamlet' in the late 1800's and early 1900's.

These days there are no restaurants, stores, gas stations, or any shops/stores of any kind. Rathbone is a quiet little nook in Michigan's countryside and that's the way the remaining residents like it; so be respectful when you take a drive over.

Once you know more about these cool little Michigan spots, visiting them makes it even more enjoyable. Take an afternoon drive to Rathbone now that you know something about it!

MORE FORGOTTEN MICHIGAN:

Franklin - The Town That Time Forgot

Forgotten Cemetery in Salem, Michigan

The Five Forgotten Great Lakes

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