"All Aboard for Kalamazoo": on the Old Plank Road

“All Aboard for Kalamazoo” on the Old Plank Road
Date & Time: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 • 10:00–11:00 AM
Location: New Groningen Schoolhouse (Paw Paw Drive, Zeeland, MI)

How did early West Michiganders get from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo before paved highways? They bumped along a wooden plank toll road—paying a few cents at gates, dodging mud, and fueling a growing region.

Join speaker Marty Thompson Arnold for a lively, image-rich talk on the Old Plank Road that once connected Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. We’ll explore why and how the road was built, who used it, what travel was really like (tolls, time, hazards), and what traces remain today.

You’ll learn:

• Why plank roads boomed in the 1840s–50s—and why many didn’t last
• Where tollhouses and key stretches of the GR–Kalamazoo route were located
• Travel stories and artifacts that bring the journey to life
• How the route shaped settlement, commerce, and community connections

In addition to her talk, Marty will have copies of her books available:

• Raised in Captivity (2019)
• Charlotte’s Crossing (2022)

Who should attend: History lovers, road and rail buffs, educators, lifelong learners, and anyone curious about everyday life in West Michigan’s past.

Schedule:

• 9:45 AM – Doors open, seating begins
• 10:00–10:45 AM – Presentation
• 10:45–11:00 AM – Audience Q&A

Tickets: Free; donations to the Zeeland Historical Society are appreciated and support programs like the School Bell Series.

Accessibility & Parking: Ground-level entry with nearby parking. If you have specific accessibility needs, please let us know in advance so we can accommodate you.

Questions? Email or visit

Also check out other Nonprofit events in Zeeland.