Below are stories of how township flags were created. If you'd like to see your township's flag story featured, contact jenn@michigantownships.org.  

Representing the township's history

In Alcona Township (Alcona Co.), the then-treasurer's grandson designed the township's flag to represent the township's history. The flag is bordered in red to represent the French influence in the area. Crossed logs symbolize the logging area, and fish in a stream represent the township's many outdoor activities. The sun signifies the township's location on Michigan's sunrise-side.

Depicting the township's natural assets

Filer Charter Township (Manistee Co.) became a township in 1868 due to population growth during the lumbering era. For the past 140 years, timber has been a continuing important resource for the township, which includes a paper mill that serves as one of Manistee County's largest employers.

In 1996, by township board action, we became a charter township. Today, we strive for planned growth and maintaining our excellent quality of life for all generations.

Our township flag depicts colors of blue for our Lake Michigan shoreline and numerous inland lakes, as well as green trees to remember our forest.  A golden border comprises the perimeter.

Displaying the flag is Ed Williams, who has served as trustee since November 1992.

--Submitted by Lynn Kooyers, Secretary, Filer Charter Township

‘Reflecting the township's roots'

Ingersoll Township (Midland Co.) created its township flag more than a decade ago-after years of work.

 "We tried to produce a township flag for four years, but it was difficult to get everyone to agree on a design," explained Clerk Mary Ellen Keel. "We were trying to depict too much, and the patterns looked cluttered." The design that was chosen features a farmer in a straw hat with his sleeves rolled up, swinging a sickle in a field of grain. In the background is a barn and fence.

"The picture we finally agreed on shows what the township was like when it was founded in 1855," said Keel. "The flag reflects the township's roots."

The flag hangs in the township hall, and the flag's design is imprinted on the township checks. The township board also plans to put the design on the township's stationery.

The only township flag in Cass County

Mason Township (Cass Co.) boasts of having the only township flag in Cass County. In 1998, officials asked residents for design ideas. The late Bob Brockus submitted his idea and Irene Thompson incorporated it into the layout. She arranged to have the flag made and personally fringed it in gold. An appliqué of the township hall, set in a gold seal, rest on a white background, bordered by the main roads in the township (U.S. 12 [the Sauk Trail] and Mason Street).

--Submitted by Arlene Chew, Mason Township treasurer

‘Part of creating history'

After attending the Opening Session at the MTA Annual Educational Conference back in 1996, Millington Township (Tuscola Co.) Secretary Diane Jones decided that her township should have a flag for the Parade of Flags.

"At the time, Tuscola County did not have any townships with flags," explained Jones. "Our then-township clerk and I thought it would be nice to have a flag represent what is unique to our township." 

The township placed an ad in the local newspaper asking residents to submit sketches for a flag design contest. The board chose Millington Township resident Jessica Leach's design and contacted a local seamstress to sew the flag.  

Leach's design shows four hands, with each one symbolizing the township's pride in working together in the past, present and future to build a better community. One hand holds an ear of corn to represent the farming community, one has a dollar sign to represent the local economy, one has a computer to symbolize technology and one holds a hammer to represent the construction industry. The phrase "Millington Township...Built on Hard Work and Friendship" also appears on the flag.

"I'm proud to have been a part of creating history and seeing this project completed," said Jones. "We had a great time developing our township flag."