Berrien Springs was originally named "Berrien" after the honorable Attorney General John Macpherson Berrien, once a member of President Andrew Jackson's cabinet. "Springs" was added to the name in 1835 at the request of merchant Robert E. Ward, after mineral springs were discovered near the town. Serving as the county seat of government from 1837 to 1894, the village continued to grow. The Village of Berrien Springs was plotted in 1831, but was not officially incorporated until 1867.

 

From its beginning, Berrien Springs has been essentially rural farming community, with only a few light industrial entrepreneurs. The Village enjoyed a mild success as a tourist resort in the late 19th and 20th centuries. In 1901 Berrien Springs became the home of Emmanuel Missionary College, a Seventh-day Adventist institution. This institution, renamed Andrews University, is now an important part of the community. Currently the villagers are working hard revitalizing the Village through a combination of historic preservation and aesthetic improvements.

 

Berrien Springs Village covers approximately 0.9 square mile, straddles two townships, and is located within the central region of Berrien County. The St. Joseph River, which gently flows along the eastern and southern boundaries of the village, has put its mark on the friendly landscape and has proved to be a year-round haven to many amateur fishermen. The Village proudly reflects a very hometown atmosphere. The combination of all their assets makes it a good place for families to raise their children.

 

 

Oronoko Township was organized on March 11, 1837 and became a Charter Township in 1988. Some believe that the township was named after Oronoko, an Indian Chief known by the Governor, George Mason. Others believe that the township was named after the heroine in the novel "Oronoko, OR, The Royal Slave: A True History", published by Mrs. Aphra Behn in 1688. The seat of Berrien County government was moved to Berrien Springs, the heart of Oronoko Charter Township, that same year of 1837.

 

Oronoko Charter Township is located amidst the rolling hills of Berrien County, in proximity of Lake Michigan and the St. Joseph River. The river and the American Electric Power Dam, completed in 1908, have become very popular fishing sites in the area. The Township is located right in the county's fruit belt and is home to many fruit and grape growers.

 

Oronoko Charter Township is a quiet bedroom community that prides itself on its fruit industry and its cultural diversity, due to the presence of Andrews University. The university, which is located on 1300 acres in the township, has enrolled students from over 80 different nationalities, and has proven to be a strength to the community's development. 

 

 

The community promotes and supports events at the Berrien County Youth Fair, the Rekindle Your Christmas Spirit celebration in downtown Berrien Springs and the Blossom Queen festivities.

 

More detailed information on specific dates will follow.