Howell is located about two hours east of Kalamazoo, tucked in between M-59 and I-96. While visiting relatives on the east side of the state, I sometimes swing through Howell for a quick stop or bite to eat. I love the downtown and the dozens of century-old or older two- and three-story brick buildings.
The City of Howell was established as a village by an act of Legislature on March 14, 1863.
The first actual settlements in Howell were made in the year 1834. The village was laid out by Flavius J. B. Crane and Edward Brooks in July 1835, and was named Howell in honor of Thomas Howell, a friend of Mr. Crane and son of Judge Howell of Candaequa, New Jersey.
In 1835, John D. Pinckney built the first log house in this area and the settlement became known as Livingston Centre. In this year, Moses Thompson and his family migrated here from New York, and Livingston Centre began to grow in population.
The first building erected was a two-story frame house, which was a public house known as the Eagle Tavern, or hotel.
Other public houses and taverns came along including the Temperance Hotel, which was just what the name implied – no liquor. It was said you had to get a room in the Temperance to get a good night’s sleep as the other hotels had taverns connected to them.
This past fall, I met my brother and sister for breakfast at the Sunrise Family Diner with the classic orange train caboose parked out front. The restaurant was busy and the food was great.
We headed south for a hike around the Howell Nature Center and Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic. It is a great place to hike and see many interesting animals.
In driving into Howell, it is hard to miss the massive Livingston County Courthouse in the center of town. The classic bright red brick building opened in 1890 and in walking through the lobby, I marveled at the wonderful oak and maple woodwork.
The wonderful Howell Carnegie Library first opened in 1906. The rotunda of this gorgeous building has been described as “breathtakingly beautiful,” and I would be hard pressed not to agree. A 1991 expansion and restoration of the original 8,000 square foot building added another 22,000 square feet that quietly complements the old Carnegie building.
There is an interesting statue in front of the library which I later found out was Duane Zemper. Duane was a legendary photographer who photographed the town and its citizens for over 50 years.
The Historic Howell Depot and Museum is open during the summer Sundays, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Depot is listed on the National Register of Historical Places.
The historic Howell Theatre opened in December 1928, with Marion Davies in “Show People.” It has opened and closed many times over the last 20 years or more. I stopped in and talked with owner Tyler DePerro, who completed a major facelift including renovations, new decor and installation of new digital projectors, screens and surround sound in 2014. It reopened on September 26, 2014. He also added two stages and a cafe vibe in the lobby to host community activities and create a venue to showcase regional artists.
Across from the theatre is a new business I had never seen before – Coratti’s Pizzeria Bar and Bocce. A modern looking building with great decor, pizza and indoor bocce ball. Jackie and I will have to dine here on a future trip through town.
I peeked in the door of Aberrant Ales Brewery, which was packed. This newer brewery prides itself on “departing from the standard and deviating from the norm” as its name implies. They look to have a great food and beer selection.
Loving baked goods, I had to stop into M Street Baking Co. to check out their selection and was thrilled with a tasty thick slice of iced raisin bread.
On the main corner downtown is Diamonds Steak and Seafood, an upscale steakhouse that I have heard good things about.
Before I continued with my drive home, I grabbed a quick cup of coffee at Black Iron Coffee Roasters. They are known for their small batch, artisan coffee as well as a nice sandwich and soup selection.
The big event each year is the Howell Melon Fest on Aug 18-20, 2023. The festival, held in downtown Howell since 1960, is a great family-friendly Howell tradition, celebrating the famed, delicious cantaloupe grown only in Howell.
