In addition to her career as a public school teacher and librarian, Isabel Bilz served as Secretary of the Tri-Cities Historical Society, President of Tri-Cities Garden Club, and worked with the Spring Lake Historical Commission. She and her husband W. Preston Bliz lived in the family historic home built on Spring Lake's South Division in 1872. In this interview, Isabel recalls the early history of the Village of Spring Lake and the City of Grand Haven. She also gives details about the Bilz family and their businesses with specifics about Aloyz Bilz along with other Spring Lake business enterprises. She remembers Mr. McClure and how he built the first automobile in the area and talks about the many fires that razed Spring Lake buildings, including the fire that destroyed the Spring Lake Hotel. The Spring Lake Magnetic Mineral Springs is also discussed in detail.
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