When White Oak Became Millville: Ingham County, Michigan

The former Ingham County town of White Oak can be found at the junction of M-52 and Carter Road, in the same vicinity as the former village of Millville.

The area was first surveyed in 1824, creating the exterior lines of White Oak Township. Thanks to the overabundance of trees, especially white oak, that’s the name that was decided. Differing histories claim one of two residents were the first settlers: either Herman Love or Daniel Dutcher in 1834.

Dutcher built the first log cabin in the area, having no doors or windows. With an open space to enter the dwelling, they were living among the true wilderness, sharing their land with bears, wolves, Native Americans, and deer. A post office in White Oak operated from 1848-1902.

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A mill was constructed just a short distance away, and the surrounding property became known as Millville. Soon, there was a blacksmith, church, general store, and post office. For medical assistance, they had to send for the doctor in Unadilla to come all the way over for help.

Some items from the heyday of Millville have been saved and donated: a display case from the old Millville general store and three old wall lamps from the Millville Church. Where did they end up? The Millville General Store, which served the area since 1873, was sadly demolished on August 19, 1968 to make way for M-52.