09/21/2026
We found some cool info about the Bayport Hotel on Long Lake (now Lake Fenton) on remembermichigan.com. They say they got this info from Ed Constable:
"At the North end of the lake, Capt. Foster built the Bay Port Hotel in 1903, and this area was destined to be a popular region of entertainment for many years.
The first wooden structure was a two-story affair with the bedrooms opening out onto a second-story porch and a pleasant view of the lake. Excellent food was provided in the first-floor dining room and the place was well patronized, though its accommodations were limited. There were two popular picnic areas at Bay Port, Robinson’s Grove, now Fenton Township Park and W.B. Banghart’s, the latter having the first sheds for horses.
Some improvements were made to the hotel in 1905, when Capt. Dave Sanders, who was operating the Mayflower (formerly the Maccabee) took it over. It changed hands again a few years later when Miss Jennie McLaughlin of Chicago acquired the property. The dances she held in her pavilion were quite an attraction twice a week. A notation in June, 1911, announced Roberta Barnays, violinist, a niece of John Phillip Sousa, as one of her musicians.
The Bay Port area was platted by Capt. Foster, Charles S. Brown of Flint and Edith Marsh, who with her father, was operating the hotel in its early years. Other Flint people to build early at this point were Perry Allen, Henry Ingham, Fred Swan, Clark Dibble (at that time, 1901, mayor of Flint) and Frank Rutherford, whose cottage is remembered by its name, 'Inside and Out'."
We have for you a sweet shot of the Bayport Hotel, and even a photo of the dancing pavilion referenced above. Enjoy!!!
