The Milne Letter

In 1833, James Milne and his young son left England for the Michigan territory. They found their way to Portland, which he called Porter Town, and established a farm named Swaisland. After he was somewhat settled, he sent for his wife and other children.

Recently the Portland Area Historical Society came into the possession of the letter he sent summoning them to join him. It is a fascinating read describing what Portland looked like when the first settlers arrived and the preparations his wife would have to make to undertake her journey with the other children.

The society paid for the letter and to have it preserved and transcribed. At the meeting on November 29, 2022, there will be a Power Point presentation of the transcription so that present day citizens can get a glimpse of life here in 1833 when the first settlers began arriving. Please join us at 6:30. There will be a business meeting and then the presentation and reception.