Grand Blanc, Michigan
Population: 8,242
Located in Genesee County
Grand Blanc, Michigan"A PORTRAIT OF GRAND BLANC" On wooded acres, winding roads and nature trails, Genesys Regional Medical Center at Health Park is the tallest structure in Grand Blanc. Surrounded by 478 acres of natural beauty, this 379-bed hospital of the future held an open house in February 1997 to celebrate its opening. In the heart of downtown, the Mayor's Memorial Clock is a lasting tribute to Paul T. Galuszka. Over 200 area residents contributed to make Galuszka's wish for a town clock a reality. Dedication was held May 21, 1994. Stately white pillars on Hill Funeral Home mask the Queen Anne design of this nineteenth century structure. The home was originally build in 1889 by hardware merchant James Maxwell for his bride, Harriet for the cost of $3,000. Clarence W. and Louise Hill purchased the home in 1946. On February 22, 1945, 68 signatures representing 41 families petitioned Joseph H. Albers, Bishop of Lansing to create a Catholic parish in the Grand Blanc area. On August 4, 1946, with Father John Bush as Pastor, the first Mass was celebrated in a small building referred to as White Hall. With the acquisition of land, construction of the new church to hold 400 people was started in 1951. A new addition to increase seating to 1,196 was started in 1963. Growth continues with the expansion of the school in 1997. The Church of the Holy Family recently celebrated 50 years in Faith. On an estate formerly owned by General Motors vice president, Arnold Lenzand his wife Amelia , Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club was built 41 years ago. Buick was a pioneer in bringing corporate sponsorship to the PGA Tour, with the creation of the first Buick Open in 1958. People come from all over the world to enjoy the tournament. A portion of the proceeds from the Buick Open are given to charity. In 1967 the City purchased the First Congregational United Church of Christ property. Offices and police facilities were housed in the east wing. During the 1976 Bicentennial, the Grand Blanc Heritage Association asked to use a room to display pioneer memorabilia. In the years that followed, the community supported the idea of a local museum by contributing funds and items of historical value. With no increase in taxes, the new city hall and police facility was constructed. The architect used the Queen Anne influence of the church which had been built in 1885 to project the new with the old. Dedication for the new city hall and police facility took place on April 3, 1989. There Heritage Museum is housed in the old church which is a State Historical Site. On the ashes of the old schoolhouse, which was the first in the State of Michigan to consolidate districts, the new Grand Blanc Centralized School (now known as the Ezra Perry Center) was opened January 1922. The first floor was devoted to vocational work, the second to use of the grades, and the third to the high school. A gymnasium on the north side was a delight to students and community center for the town's people. Three students graduated the following June. In 1923 there were eight graduates. Construction began on one of the largest developments with the groundbreaking celebration October 10, 1995. Service Parts Operations (SPO World Headquarters) adjacent to I-475 at Hill Road utilizes 37 acres. The 300,000 sq. ft. building began consolidation late 1996 with completion by early 1997. Said to be the oldest building in Grand Blanc, this Stage Coach Stop was used by weary travelers. Coming from Detroit to Saginaw, an overnight lodging was provided for horses on the lower level while passengers rested upstairs. It is located across from the high school. From 1917 generations of the Day Family operated the hardware store. When the store opened, it also carried groceries, farm implements and feed. A tour of the building reveals original timbers in basement rooms. Next door, Little Joe Dewey opened a tavern in July 1935. After his death, the spirit of hometown fun and laughter remains once you enter the establishment for food and drink. The glow of the street lights, the sunburst locust trees began with donations from the community for a Streetscape in 1988. Brick pavers and park benches were added to enhance the streets. Strolling in the evening is enjoyed by many residents. Organized June 1, 1833, the First Baptist Church members met in homes, barns and schoolhouses. A site was secured in 1843 and the church structure began in 1849 with completion in 1851. A dedication and celebration was held May 21, 1851. Elder T.H. Facer preached the sermon and the dedicatory prayer was given by Reverend Joseph Gambell. The blend of Georgian and Greek Classic Revival styled structure has served the community well for many years. In 1975 the Michigan History Division declared it a State Historical Site. It is also a National Historical Site.
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