A Capital City
The adjournment of the thirty-ninth legislature takes from Lansing
200 or so more people who, during their five months of labor have acquainted themselves
with the capital city life and had learned to enjoy their existence here. They made many
friends, whom they were sorry to leave and who were just about as much grieved to see them
leave.
Lansing State Republican, June 1, 1897
Lansing owes its existence to the establishment of the state capital
on this site in 1847. Incorporated in 1859, Lansing was the metropolis of Ingham County in
1897. State and city government kept the citizens' attention,
although the county seat was south of the city in Mason. (The current State Capitol building,
pictured, was dedicated and occupied in 1879.)
Lansing's status as the state capital was more important psychologically than
economically in the 1890s. Permanent state employees were few. The legislature held a
five-month session every two years and many other state officials (including Governor
Pingree) came to town only when they had business to transact. Many of these transients
had personal contact with city residents, either as boarders in their hotels and homes or
as visitors to their churches.
Hazen Pingree: Governor of Michigan, Mayor of Detroit
 Hazen S. Pingree took office as Governor of Michigan on January 1, 1897. He was halfway
through his second term as Mayor of Detroit, and planned to hold both jobs at once. Others
challenged the legality of dual office holding and in March the Michigan Supreme Court
ruled that Pingree must step down as mayor if he wished to remain governor.
Pingree had earned a
reputation as a reformer in Detroit. Opposition within the state legislature, however,
limited his accomplishments during two terms as governor from 1897-1901. The walnut roll
top desk featured in the exhibit may have been used by Pingree while governor. Displayed
on the desk is a violin given by Pingree to a Traverse City girl who asked him to keep a
campaign promise. Follow the link below to see its story.
Three Artifacts and Their Stories
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