Ovid

The history of Ovid Township and the village of Ovid are closely linked. Both were originally settled by people from Ovid, Seneca Falls County, N.Y., who purchased land sight unseen in what would be their new home.

Early settlers of the village in July 1836 included Samuel Barker, Jabez Dennison - who was famous as a "slayer of bears," killing 19 - the Swarthouts and others.

The village of Ovid might have been located at Clark's Corners, one mile east of its present location, if the landowners at that point had not been asking exorbitant prices for land. Mr. B.O. Williams had put up a sawmill in Middlebury Township on the railroad line and expected to have the depot assigned to the property, so he platted a town there.

A.H. Frisbie, who operated a cooper shop, gave land to the railroad company - which accepted the gift and instead constructed a depot at that spot. The village was incorporated March 24, 1869.

Many industries were located in Ovid in the late 1800s and early 1900s, including a cooperage, flour mill, lumber company, foundry, saw mill, tannery, as were numerous retail businesses and hotels.

The most well-known business was that of Schafield and Danforth, which manufactured carriages. Ovid Carriage Days, which is observed each year in June, celebrates that industry and its heritage.

Ovid is home to several large operations today, including the Michigan Milk Producers Association and Great Lakes Hybrids, while retail establishments like Tom’s Western Store lure patrons from far and near.

The old Congregational Church that was built in 1872 is listed on the state and national historic register, a point of pride for village residents who are equally proud of the school system that serves families in the Ovid and Elsie areas. Quality programming in the areas of both technical trade skills and computer technology has put O-E on the map in educational circles.

Historical information taken from the 1980 History of Clinton County; complied by Edna I. Whittemore.

Ovid Public Library
206 N. Main St.
Ovid    834-5800