Owen-Withee History

The City of Owen was founded by the lumber baron, John S. Owen, in 1883, and was incorporated in 1904. One of the most historical buildings remaining in our community is the Old Woodland Hotel on Main Street built by the Owen Lumber Company in the early 1900s. The historical Carriage House, along with the gymnasium, are being refurbished.

The Village of Withee was founded in 1870, and named after a school teacher from Maine, W.H. Withee.  It was incorporated as a village in 1901. The Soo Railroad brought in booming business to the area, developing into the principal shipping point for D.J. Spaulding Mills. Withee retains all its small town charm with a friendly population of 555 people.