Birch Run was originally founded as a station on the Pere Marquette Railroad by John Moore, its first postmaster, in 1852. It was named after its creek, which runs through a large birch tree area.   I could not find out why, but in 1863, the town was renamed Deer Lick until 1868 when it reverted to Birch Run. It was was incorporated as a village in 1955.

I remember Birch Run before the outlet mall was constructed, and the town sure has changed a lot. There was not much traffic and about the only place to eat was the Exit and Tony’s. It makes me wonder what the town would be like if it would have remained Deer Lick. I have a feeling Deer Lick Premium Outlets would not have been that successful, but I guess we will never know.

In the middle of town is this beautiful old house with a wrap around porch, It was built by Charles Wolohan,  he operated a granary elevator for local farmers and later added lumber as a sideline business, it was the sideline business that grew into Wolohan Lumber, it was evenually purchased by Wickes Lumber. I was told the room at the top of the home was used by Mr Wolohan to look out and watch over his workers.

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