Village of Benzonia
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History of Benzonia


Benzonia began in 1858 as an educational Christian colony on the model of Oberlin, Ohio. Its founding was under the leadership of Charles E. Bailey. The village, which was once the county seat, was incorporated in 1891.  In 1863 Grand Traverse College was chartered and began here. It was renamed Benzonia College in 1891. In 1900 the college was changed to a preparatory school named Benzonia Academy. The academy continued to function until 1918 when it was closed. In his book Waiting for the Morning Train, historian Bruce Catton captured local history and documented his perspective of growing up in Benzonia as his father was an instructor at the academy. Information from Wikipedia.org.
Photo of Mills Community House, part of the Benzonia Academy
Mills Community House was part of the Benzonia Academy
Letter written in 1986 from
Gayle Hayes, Village Clerk
​to an elementary student asking
​how Benzonia got it's name.
Quill & paper clipart

Letter written in 1986 from Gayle Hayes, Village Clerk ​to an elementary student asking ​how Benzonia got it's name.
Click on letter to read a PDF version

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​Master Plan 2020
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History of Benzonia​​​
AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY: 
​Call 911 for water line breaks or downed trees when the office is not open.
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Academy Park pavilion and ​Ice rink are both open to the public ​free of charge.
No reservations, ​
1st come, 1st serve.

The Village of Benzonia maintains this web-site to enhance public access to information. Content is for informational purposes only. In the case of any discrepancy between ​this version and the official hard copy, the official ​hard copy will prevail. ​Contact the Village of Benzonia with questions. Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider.

​Village of Benzonia
PO Box 223
1276 Michigan Ave.
​Benzonia, MI 49616
231-882-9981     
www.villagebenzonia.com
AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY: 
For water line breaks or downed trees
when the office is not open, call
​Benzie County Sheriff's Dept.  231.882.4484
Send us a note

The Village of Benzonia is quaint, friendly and walkable. Close to Crystal Lake and Lake Michigan, it is home to delicious restaurants, shops, parks, and grocery stores plus a library and museum. Benzonia is perfect for living & visiting!

​Copyright © 2021
  • Home
  • Residents
    • Hours and Staff
    • Payment Options
    • Calendar
    • Water Service
    • Helpful Tips
    • News of Note
    • CTVRS Program
    • Contact Us
  • Government
    • Village Council >
      • Minutes
    • Planning Commission >
      • Minutes PC
    • Zoning >
      • Ordinances
  • Vision
    • Master Plan
  • Community
    • History of Benzonia
    • Beautiful Benzonia
    • Academy Park
    • Academy Ice Rink
    • Parking
    • Helpful Links