Ludington kicks off sesquicentennial year

March 22, 2023

Mayor Mark Barnett speaks

Jim Jensen talks about the city’s history

Ludington kicks off sesquicentennial year

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief

LUDINGTON — Ludington became a city on March 22, 1873. Tonight, the year-long celebration began with a Sesquicentennial Kickoff Event and Reception at Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Mayor Mark Barnett served as master of ceremony. Keynote speaker Jim Jensen, president of the Mason County Historical Society, gave a presentation on some of the highlights of Ludington over the last 150-plus years.

Sen. Jon Bumstead presented a proclamation from the state legislature on behalf of himself, Rep. Curt VanderWall and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The governor’s office additionally sent a separate proclamation which was read by County Commissioner Nick Krieger. A proclamation was also presented by Mason County Board of Commissioners Chair Janet Anderson on behalf of Mason County and greetings were expressed from Scottville Mayor Marcy Spencer. Ludington High School Mayor Kaylee Malt also spoke as did Rose Foreman (speaking with her daughter, Mary Jo Claire), who is 10o-years-old and has lived in Mason County her entire life. Songs were song by the Ludington High School Choir.

The event also included special guests which included past mayors and city managers along with current and past city officials and employees.

Read more about this year’s planned events here.