How ‘Whore’s Corners’ in Newaygo County Got Its Name
Whore's Corners? Supposedly.
This Michigan ghost town has been said to be in two locations: in the U.P. and down here in Newaygo County. From the information I could gather, I believe it was down this way, at the intersection of E. 13 Mile Rd. and N. Oak Rd. in Home Township, Newaygo County, somewhat northwest of Ferris University in Big Rapids.
The current structures on that particular corner belie the area’s alleged past that gave it the nickname “Whore’s Corners” - On the northeast corner is a church, while on the southeast corner is an old schoolhouse, still in use as the ‘Big Jackson’ school.
Why was this intersection given that particular nickname?
Thanks to its location near the Huron National Forest, many lumber camps sprung up, surrounding the site. In this little village was a church, restaurant...and a rooming house that was notorious for the prostitutes that would bring in and "entertain" many of the lumberjacks. It didn't take long for the men in the lumber camps to come down with cases of venereal disease. Of course, it affected their ability to work to full capacity, therefore, the lumber camp owners banished the women from the area...with business gone, the rooming house closed up and the town didn't last much after that.
As far as I know, the actual name of that alleged town is lost but the nickname "Whore's Corners" is still whispered about from time to time. The current church and school at that intersection are both called “Big Jackson”, but there’s no mention of a place with that name on maps or atlases. Not even Google maps except for the buildings.
Other sources claim there have been other locations in Michigan with the nickname ‘Whore's Corners’, like a couple in the U.P., which were favorite hangouts for lumberjacks.
As for ‘Big Jackson’, it’s a K-5 public school that began in 1894. It is one of the smallest school districts in the state, and is commendable for lasting so long and living down the rumors of the area’s past. The school website states “Big Jackson works to provide individual attention and support to each of our students.” Evidently, they are doing it right, as they continue to get kudos and admiration from the local families, as well as the entire state.