Coloma Township is a relatively new municipality in the history of Berrien County. Until 1917, the land that is now Coloma Township was the eastern half of Watervliet Township. At the October 1917 session, A. W. Baker, supervisor, proposed that Watervliet Township be divided, providing the citizens on the eastern side access to a government that could better serve their needs.

Prior to the formation of Coloma Township, the area was best known for its plentiful supply of timber. Prosperous sawmills encouraged the formation of the early village of Shingle Diggings, which was followed by the start of the cities of Coloma and Watervliet.

As the twentieth century approached, the tourism trade exploded. “No longer was the cash crop logs or apples, but rather vacationers.” Tens of thousands of tourists came to Berrien County every summer on steamers, such as those from the Graham & Morton Ship Company, that could accommodate up to 2,000 people. By 1927, a businessman by the name of George E. Klotter had amassed over 700 acres along the southwest end of Paw Paw Lake. His goal was to develop his dream of a “City of Islands,” which would take five years and over $150,000 to complete. It was the largest development undertaking in Michigan to that time and was so huge that trade journals kept the nation up to date on its progress. Klotter’s dream was never realized due to a combination of engineering problems, Mother Nature and the 1929 stock market crash. Instead of completing Wil-O-Paw Islands, Klotter built and ran the bar/restaurant, Wil-O-Paw, until its sale in 1947.

Several pavilions were established on the shores of Paw Paw Lake during the Big Band Era of the 1930’s and 40’s, bringing such entertainers as Perry Como and Doris Day to Coloma Township. The Crystal Palace was a landmark that is still remembered today by those who danced within its walls. Its destruction by fire in 1965 brought the day of the resort pavilion at Paw Paw Lake to an end.

The Great Depression and Word War II both took a toll on Coloma Township’s tourism trade. Land and buildings were often forfeited to the government due to delinquent taxes. Later, gas rationing deterred vacationers, and building materials became so scarce that new development came to a halt. Though the boom in tourism slowed dramatically, today the Township continues to serve vacationers well.

Coloma Charter Township is located in the northern portion of Berrien County. Paw Paw Lake, which is shared with Watervliet Township, is one of the main attractions in the area. The Township has become a popular area for vacationers and second homeowners. During the hot summer months the population almost triples around Paw Paw Lake. Although Coloma Charter Township is highly residential there are still many lots available for either residential use or light industrial development. The community has a good police, ambulance and fire department and has been very supportive of its school system. A beautiful gymnasium was recently added, which further enhanced the already excellent facilities offered to students. The community spirit, the location, and the services provided, make Coloma Charter Township an attractive location for both residents and businesses.

In the future, the township would like to attract more light industrial entrepreneurs, to provide the community with additional sustainable businesses.

A. Attract more light industrial entrepreneurs.

B. Maintain the status quo of a resort type, bedroom community.

C. Encourage retailers to set up shop in the lake area.

Coloma City, in cooperation with Coloma Township, Watervliet City, and Watervliet Township, have formed a Strategic Planning Task Force, which submitted a Strategic Plan in January 1991. The proposed strategies are as follows:

A. Develop a Master Land Use Plan as a cooperative venture among the four communities of Coloma City, Coloma Township, Watervliet City, and Watervliet Township.

B. Support, market, and promote retention of existing industrial and commercial sites.

C. Market and promote the development of potential commercial and industrial sites.

D. Maintain and expand the agricultural industry and related operations.

E. Utilize waste gas generated at Orchard Hill landfill site.

F. Develop signage on major and minor arteries including Interstate routes 196 and 94, State route 63 (33), Red Arrow Highway, and M-140 to promote commerce, tourism, and industry in the Coloma-Watervliet area.

G. Plan for future expansion of water and sewer services to serve the needs of existing and future residential, commercial, and industrial development.

H. Pursue improvement plans to upgrade transportation systems included but not limited to roads determined to be vital to the success of tourism-related, commercial and industrial establishments in the area.

I. Expand industrial capacity energy utilities to potential industrial and commercial sites.

J. Promote and expand both rail freight and rail passenger services to enhance both local industry and tourism.

K. Provide a greater variety of retail shopping opportunities.

L. Expand the hospital services in Watervliet to further meet the needs of Coloma residents in an economically viable manner.

M. Establish a linear parkway along the Paw Paw River from Watervliet to Coloma.

N. Promote and enhance recreational opportunities of Paw Paw Lake and area waters; explore public/private use issue on Paw Paw Lake using watershed management guidelines.

O. Establish community goals to prevent or alleviate environmental hazards or nuisances, especially those that relate to surface and groundwater quality, wetlands, air quality, noise levels, and solid waste management.

P. Attract and obtain a new motel or hotel in the Coloma-Watervliet area to enhance tourism and to possibly serve as a meeting facility; encourage Bed & Breakfast operations in the Coloma-Watervliet area

Coloma Charter Township Hall

4919 Paw Paw Lake Road

Coloma, MI 49038

Phone: (269) 468-7212

Fax: (269) 468-6503

Website: www.colomatownship.org

Second Wednesday of Each Month Start: 7:00 p.m