On the North side of old U.S.16 (now Apple Drive), about
1/2 mile West of the present State Road overpass, was located The Little Village Rest Home. Begun in August of 1947, by Mr. & Mrs. Harry Perry, it at one time served 23 residents. It was a long low building, resembling a motel, with a porch across the entire front. Mrs. Perry was an experienced private nurse and was able to give her patients the best of care.
One of the best known residents, since 1952, was" Pancho" (Candelerio Rameriz) who had lost both legs in a fire in 1951. He spent his days in a wheelchair on the porch waving to every car that passed by. Many motorists looked for him each time they passed and occasionally would stop by to just chat or drop off a carton of cigarettes or box of candy. "Pancho" died several years ago and, when no family could be located, was buried on the Perry family lot in Muskegon.
The home operated until the early 1970s when State regulations made it impossible to continue. The Perrys then retired and continued to live in their home at 12775 Apple Drive. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Sept. 7, 1972.
The Little Village buildings were later sold but still exist in 1994, a reminder of a needed, useful enterprise.
Data obtained from local newspapers and from Mr. and Mrs. (June) I. VanderJagt.