No Stranger to Tragedy – Potterville, Michigan: 1881-2020s

“Pottersville” (with an “S”) was almost the name of the town in “It's a Wonderful Life” if George Bailey had never been born. In fact, some sites mistakenly call Potterville, Michigan as “PotterSville”.

Michigan's Potterville was named after Linus Potter, who settled here from New York in 1844. After arriving in Detroit, they carried their two small children as they walked the entire length to where Potterville was to spring up.

Potterville has been no stranger to tragedy.
In 1881, a massive block fire destroyed a good portion of the downtown section.
In July 1994,lightning struck at Fox Park, shocking and injuring 22 people on the beach.
In September 1994, an earthquake occurred, with its epicenter on the east side of town.
On Memorial Day weekend 2002, a train derailment included 35 railroad cars. The wreck cause propane to seep from the rail cars and the whole town had to be evacuated.

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Thanks to the perseverance of the residents, the town remained strong throughout it all and survives quite well. Potterville's current claim to fame is Joe's Gizzard City at 120 West Main Street which remains a favorite destination for many.

Scroll down to see a gallery of old photos that depict how Potterville looked over 100 years ago!

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