The Country Capitol

This modest farmhouse played an important role in Michigan politics in 1939 and 1940. Luren D. Dickinson, the state´s thirty-seventh governor, lived here with his wife Zora, from 1911 to 1943. As Frank Fitzgerald´s lieutenant governor, Dickinson became governor upon Fitzgerald´s death in 1939. Breaking tradition, Dickinson took the oath of office here rather than at the capitol so that Zora, an invalid, could be present. Shortly after taking office, Dickinson proved his vigor to citizens by spending his eightieth birthday working on the farm where he lived as a boy. As governor, Dickinson conducted much state business from this house, earning it the nickname the "country capitol."

[Back]: Michigan´s thirty-seventh governor, Luren D. Dickinson (1859 ~ 1943), prided himself of being a frugal farmer. As a young man he taught school and served as principal of Potterville High School before becoming superintendent at age 21. He later served as assessor, township clerk, township supervisor, state representative, state senator, and seven terms as lieutenant governor. In 1939 he became governor, at age 79, upon the death of Governor Frank Fitzgerald. In 1940 he appointed the state´s first woman lieutenant governor, Matilda Dodge Wilson. A devoutly religious man, Dickenson claimed he had "a pipeline to God," ardently opposed liquor, and waged war on "sin and high life practices." He lost his election bid in 1940.