Unraveling Orion: From Canandaigua City to Lake Orion Village

Have you ever wondered about the intriguing history behind Orion Township and its village, Lake Orion? Delving into historical documents, we've uncovered a captivating story that sheds light on how this charming corner of Oakland County, Michigan, got its unique name and identity.

Back in the early 1800s, around 1824, Orion was merely a part of Oakland Township, which at the time comprised a significant portion of Oakland County. But in a turning point, Orion broke away from Oakland Township and became a part of Pontiac Township. Fast forward eleven years to March 1835, and the Michigan state legislature formally established Orion as a separate township. This marked a new beginning, with Jesse Decker appointed as the inaugural supervisor of Orion Township, earning a modest $2 annual salary.

However, it's the subsequent years that truly transformed the region into the beloved Lake Orion Village we know today.

In 1836, an ambitious venture took shape – the birth of the place that would later become synonymous with the idea that "living is a vacation." James Stillson, a traveling auctioneer, acquired 40 acres of land and skillfully divided it into various lots. His vision was nothing short of creating a bustling community complete with roads, buildings, and shops. Thus, Canandaigua City was born, a name that echoed this dream. The adjoining lake was christened Lake Canandaigua.

Jump ahead to 1854, and an unexpected issue cropped up – mail delivery troubles. With a city named Canandaigua already existing in New York, confusion led to mail mix-ups between Canandaigua, Michigan, and its New York counterpart. In response, the post office requested a new name for the Michigan town. The chosen name? Orion Village. The Post Office Department in Washington D.C. settled on "Orion" for its brevity and charm.

With this decision, both the township and the village finally shared a cohesive identity. This arrangement persisted for an impressive 72 years.

During this period, disaster struck in 1874 when a devastating fire razed a significant part of the village. However, out of misfortune grew rapid growth for Orion Village. This fire played a role in shaping the character of downtown, leading to the construction of resilient brick buildings that still stand today. Then, in 1928, a popular vote resulted in a shift from Orion to Lake Orion for the village's name, capturing the essence of its scenic surroundings.

This wealth of information was extracted from editions of the Orion Weekly Review dating back to 1931 and 1951. Additional insights were gathered from the Orion room at the local public library and "Images of America-Lake Orion."

The transformation from Canandaigua City to Lake Orion Village encapsulates the journey of a place evolving through history, a journey that seamlessly merges its past with the present, a picturesque haven where "Living is a Vacation."