Page 10 - Wayne Dispatch Pages

A drawing of what the first log cabin would have looked like. Photo courtesy of the Wayne
Historical Society
What happened in 1824

As you drive into Wayne on Michi-
gan Avenue you are greeted by signs
in the median that say "Welcome to
the City of Wayne, Founded 1824",
but is Wayne really that old? Yes, and
this year, 2024, is the 200th anniver-
sary of the first settler in Wayne. On
February 27, 1824, George Johnson
purchased the first 80 acres in what
would become Wayne for $100.00 Chicago Road was so muddy and
(equivalent to $3,162.66 today). This poor that many travellers preferred
land was along the north side of to use the northern trail, the Ann
Michigan Avenue on either side of Arbor trail, to go west. In early 1825
Wayne Road. Michigan Avenue was one of the early local maps marks
nothing more than a dirt track "Johnsons", this is the first time
through the forest at the time and Wayne ever appeared on a map.
was called the “Chicago Road". The Johnsons struggled through
Hoping to set up a successful 1825, and finally had had enough so
stagecoach stop, George built the on December 2, 1825 sold the cabin
first log cabin in Wayne just west of and land for $500. More research is
Wayne Road, a green state historical needed into where the Johnsons
marker marks the site today. George came from, and where they went
had a wife and possibly children but after leaving Wayne, but we have
their names are unfortunately lost to them to thank for starting settlement
history. On October 11, 1824, his around here.
mortgage was paid off and he re- Within 10 years the area had a
ceived full ownership of the property. sawmill, general store, blacksmith
The Johnsons ran the stagecoach shop, some of the first frame houses
stop and tavern out of their log cabin and about 10 families. In 1836 the
through the winter, but did not have name "Wayne" was applied for the
much success. The state of the first time.

JURASSIC, Continued from page 4 “It’s a ton of fun,” said Sayed. “I
love seeing the smiles and kids that
trips with those schools, a portion are so positive and excited to be
will go back to them. They just have there.”
to come in and mention what school HYPE is also preparing for its
they are from to donate,” said Sayed. March Madness membership pro-
You can purchase tickets at the tion. For more information, visit mo
door or visit hypeathletics.org, or website or call. the
call (734)721-7400. “All are welcome. We’re so excited
Please call if you’d like to volun- to see everyone come to the center
teer for the exhibit. and see the exhibit,” said Sayed.
10 · February 2024 · The Wayne Dispatch