TOP ROW - Salute Gun

Salute Gun, 1867

Donor:  Mrs. Henry F. Badger, Jr., 1948

The loud BOOM! of a salute gun could be heard at the start of a race, the arrival of guests, or to signal a special event. This gun was used by a fishing club at Gun Lake in Barry County.  It is inscribed “Presented by Capt. R. B. Forbes of Boston to the Kalamazoo Gun Lake Fishing Club, September 20, 1867.”

A Special Connection

Robert Bennett Forbes (1804-1889) was a member of the prominent Boston family whose wealth was made in banking, the China trade, and railroad investments.  Among the family’s descendents is the 2004 presidential candidate, John Forbes Kerry.

The Forbes in Michigan 

Robert Forbes’ brother, John Murray Forbes (1813-1898), served as president of the Michigan Central Railroad from 1846-1855.  Through his brother, Robert may have developed social and business ties to members of the Kalamazoo Gun Lake Fishing Club. 

The fishing club ceased operation in 1906 and the property was purchased by club member Henry Badger. His family found the salute gun in the old clubhouse when they put the property up for sale in 1948.