
In 1844 Fairfield Township was established in Lenawee County, Michigan. Located on the southern border of the county it contains forty-two square miles. Several unincorporated communities exist in Fairfield Township including Jasper, Ridgeville, Weston (originally known as Oakford), and Fairfield (originally known as Baker’s Corners).
In the 1800’s Fairfield became dominant in the dairy industry. The Fairfield Cheese Factory, opening in 1866, was the first cheese factory in Michigan. The name was changed to the Rufus Baker Cheese Factory, and with the joining of then son, E.L. Baker the name was changed to Rufus Baker & Son, and later to Rufus Baker & Company with the joining of L. Ladd. With the dairy industry prospering Samuel Horton also opened a cheese factory and the Fairfield Creamery was established on the south end of the township. Fairfield Township was a significant contributor to the cheese and butter industry in this area.
A depot was built in Weston for the Canada Central Railroad in 1872. Freight and livestock were shipped to and from the farmers and merchants. Through consolidation of several railroads the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway was created. This system also passed through Fairfield Township with depots in Jasper and Weston.
George B. Horton introduced the grange to Lenawee County. The purpose of the grange was to bring the famers together to discuss the best approaches to farming in their region. Local, state, and national granges developed. Activities such as square dances, picnics, and fairs allowed the families of the farmers to socialize. George Horton served as the subordinate Master of the grange for more than twenty years.
Agriculture continues to be the main industry throughout Fairfield Township.
THIS WEEKS
Anita Craig, Utilities
Debra Keller, Clerk
RECENT TOWNSHIP
UPCOMING EVENTS
SSunday | MMonday | TTuesday | WWednesday | TThursday | FFriday | SSaturday |
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26Sunday, March 26th
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27Monday, March 27th
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28Tuesday, March 28th
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29Wednesday, March 29th
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30Thursday, March 30th
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31Friday, March 31st
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1Saturday, April 1st
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2Sunday, April 2nd
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3Monday, April 3rd
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4Tuesday, April 4th
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Planning Commission Meeting - 7:00 pm – |
6Thursday, April 6th
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7Friday, April 7th
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8Saturday, April 8th
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9Sunday, April 9th
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Township Board Meeting - 7:00 pm – |
11Tuesday, April 11th
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12Wednesday, April 12th
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13Thursday, April 13th
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14Friday, April 14th
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15Saturday, April 15th
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16Sunday, April 16th
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17Monday, April 17th
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18Tuesday, April 18th
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19Wednesday, April 19th
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20Thursday, April 20th
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21Friday, April 21st
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22Saturday, April 22nd
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23Sunday, April 23rd
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24Monday, April 24th
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25Tuesday, April 25th
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26Wednesday, April 26th
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27Thursday, April 27th
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28Friday, April 28th
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29Saturday, April 29th
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30Sunday, April 30th
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1Monday, May 1st
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2Tuesday, May 2nd
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3Wednesday, May 3rd
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4Thursday, May 4th
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5Friday, May 5th
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Township Clean Up Day - 8:00 am – |