South Boardman, Kalkaska County, Then-and-Now: 1900-2020s

Who Says South Boardman is a Ghost Town?

Not that long ago, the village of South Boardman was called a ghost town, which doesn't sound right to me. Located about 25 miles southeast of Traverse City, it may fall into the 'shadow town' category, but 'ghost town'? Nah. There are still plenty of homes and old buildings.

South Boardman has been around since 1872 and kicked off with a population of around 25. By 1918 there were 400 residents with a healthy business section, brought on by a successful logging industry. South Boardman was doing great and serving the community with a boarding house, four churches, flour mill, two hotels, three lumber mills, post office, and five saloons.....just one thing was missing: a grocery. Residents had to walk 25 miles to Traverse City for their food and then back again.

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In 1923 the entire business district burned down. All was gone: the shops, stores and establishments. Currently, the downtown area – which was once a bustling district - has a museum and post office, with some old surviving shops renovated into homes. The Legion Post near the railroad tracks looks like it may have been an old depot.

Traveling thru the neighborhood streets you'll find some old and newer homes. It's an interesting chunk of Michigan History you should pay a visit to. South Boardman is located in Kalkaska County at the junction of US-131 and Boardman Road in Boardman Township.

Below is a gallery with some current photos and some from over 100 years ago.