BY EDNA E. MOINE

The village of Waldron is located in Wright Township in the southeastern part of Hillsdale County. It has one lake called Lime Lake, and one river the St. Joseph.

The first white man in the township was Russell Coman who came in the year 1835 with his wife and three small children, by wagon drawn by oxen, from Dearborn Indiana. They erected a small log cabin on section 15, which is located north of the present village. In a short time several of his relatives and other settlers came. As yet the place of settlement was unnamed.

A daughter born to Mr. And Mrs. Coman on April 1837 was the first white child. Wishing to name the place coman in its honor, though some conspiracy it was thought, in sending it to Ypsilanti the letters were changed and it was named canan. This it retained until in the year of 1844 when it was changed to Wright Township, being named after a great Democratic leader, Hon. Silas Wright of New York.

In the same year the first schoolhouse was built on the northeast corner of section 8, made of logs. In 1850 this was replaced by a small brick structure. At this time the settlement included a small brick structure known as a hotel, one store owned by James Wilson, an ashery and a post office run by Joel Hubbard. Previous to this mail had been carried by horseback for 12 miles. The first road was an Indian trail extending from Toledo to Chicago, called the Territorial Road. The other roads were corduroy and plank running west and north of Waldron. Later the roads were graveled. In 1869 the first gristmill was built and in 1871 the first church was erected, the Wesleyan Methodist. Previously the schoolhouse had been used as a place of worship.

In the year 1877 a meeting was held for the purpose of building a new school building, which should be large enough to accommodate more pupils. This meeting caused a disturbance, which eventually went through court, as it could not be settled where the building should be placed. Finally the matter was compromised, and a two-story brick building was built.

Henry Waldron of Hillsdale observing the progressive spirit of the people of South Wright donated $100.00 to the school for a bell, and in his honor the name was again changed to Waldron. A farm Bureau and Grange were organized soon after. The village was plotted February 16, 1877 by Geo. Marks.

The leading political party at that time was the Democratic, Alvin S. Wilson being the leader.

Daniel Morrison was the earliest Doctor. In December 1866 the first telegraph message was received in Waldron. The following month in January 1887 the first passenger train, the Cincinnati & Northern passed through Waldron on twice a week schedule. May 6, 1889 and August 6, 1890 marked two dates people will never forget. Two disastrous fires burned down more than 40 buildings in the village. The town people bravely built up new building, and in 1897 several new stores were built and several organizations were started. Including Knights of Pythias, Pythian Sisters, Masonic and Eastern Star Orders. In 1901 another church was added, the Christian church or Church of Christ.

The first automobile was bought in Waldron in 1902 by Edward Connor. The people thought it was the wonder of the age. The year 1905 was long to be remembered by the people in Waldron. The majority of the people, with W.I. Hadley leading, decided it would be for the good of the place to become incorporated. A lively meeting was held in the school house building where the matter was accomplished, the election resulting as follows: President, Dr. J.M. Barnes; Clerk, E.T. Abbaduskus; Treasurer, W.I. Hadley; Trustees, Phocian Gleason, S.D. Spray, John Walkup, Ed Cockin, and E.J. Wilson.

Shortly following fire equipment was purchased. The year 1906 was important for the village when a one-story brick building was erected, the first graduating class in 1907 having 15 graduates. During the next few years many improvements were made in the village and community. Wooden sidewalks were replaced with cement, gasoline street lamps were added, and on Christmas Eve 1914 these were replaced by electric lights. Down through the years the village had many minor improvements featuring the organization of a High School Band in 1935 with 48 members. This band has made outstanding progress and has featured in many concerts outside the village.

In 1936 a new $15,000 community hall and gymnasium was built. Over 600 people attended the dedication in January 1937. In September 1936 a new $2,300 fire truck was bought for the community. Village officers for 1937 & 1938 include President, Leroy Wilson; Clerk, Mrs. Hazel Case; Treasurer, Mrs. Inez Smith.

Board of Education members: President, A.L. Rufenacht; Secretary, Estel Pifer; Treasurer, Lloyd Mann. School faculty: Superintendent, C.M. Simon; Principal, James Pepper; Assistant Principal, Leslie Graham; Intermediate, Miss Cora Mitchell; History & English, Miss Barbara Yeagley; Grammar room, James Stevens; Primary, Miss Lois Laser.

Village Postmaster, Max E. Wilson

Three active clubs are in progress, the women’s literary club, women’s art club and the Waldron garden club.

Population of Waldron numbers 583.

In the Jackson Citizen Patriot {1937}