Flushing History
Flushing saw its beginnings in the 1830's when early settlers from upper New York and the New England states came to Genesee County. Other settlers came directly from England and Scotland. Flushing Township was organized in 1838. The Village of Flushing platted in 1840 and 1847 and finally incorporated on March 21, 1877.
The Founders
Local historians credit the name, FLUSHING, to Charles Seymour, who with his brother James, founded the town in 1835 after purchasing a large tract of land in the area and building a saw mill on the Flint River to process lumber being harvested in the area. Charles had lived for some years in Flushing, New York. His family had ties to Vlissinger, Holland (which translates as "FLUSHING").
It is likely that James Seymour, a prominent state Senator at that time, submitted the name FLUSHING on Charles' recommendation after the first choice of "Dover" was rejected by the State Legislature. Flushing was also one of the communities suggested as a state capitol site, due to Seymour's influence.
The Bridge
The center of activity in FLUSHING was originally located on the old mill sites on the river and continues to this day. A vital link in Flushing's development occurred when the first bridge linked the east and west sides of the river in 1839. The BRIDGE continues to be a focal point of the community and has served as a rather significant factor in Flushing's growth and development, even before the arrival of the railroad in 1888.
The Depot
The beginning of the railway in FLUSHING's hey day had a big impact on the history of Flushing. The "DEPOT" was the center of prosperity for over 100 years. It is currently the site of the Flushing Historical Society and home of the Flushing Museum and Cultural Center.
Education
Flushing Schools, first founded in 1844, have progressed to an educational system highly respected for its graduates by major universities, business and industry. The school's Community Education concept emphasizes excellence in academics and total education opportunity for the entire community.
Community Services
FLUSHING has self supporting community services such as our On-Call Fire Department which was founded in 1875 and continues to be a model for highly trained public safety volunteers. Water and sewer facilities have progressed with community growth over the years and major improvements are on going. Communications are vital to the services and development on any community. Flushing has enjoyed the services of a newspaper from the "Flushing Patrol" founded in 1878 to the "Flushing Observer" founded in 1882. The "Flushing Observer" currently covers the news of the area.
Entertainment
Music first came to FLUSHING by way of the "Flushing Concert Band" in 1849. Music such as "Flushing Ladies Band" was the predecessor to today's "Concerts in the Park" series. Highly respected, nationally known and award winning musicians make up the Flushing High School "RAIDER MARCHING BAND." Flushing's "Marching Raiders" are our young ambassadors to the world. Wherever they travel, their honors truly reflect the pride and tradition of excellence which reflect the Flushing spirit and history.
