Abel Town Page, one of the oldest, most energetic and most successful of real estate dealers in Grand Rapids, has reached his present prominence through his intelligent and liberal use of "printer’s ink," at which he is an adept. He is, moreover, a writer of more than ordinary attainments, and this gift has been employed, in part, in historical editorials on Grand Rapids, its growth and prosperity, and in advertising his business. In 1892 he published a quarto pamphlet of over a hundred pages, in which may be found a wonderful amount of valuable information. The primary object of its publication was to personally answer the many letters received from prospective buyers, relative to settling in Grand Rapids. The little work, however, includes choice selections of prose and poetry, as well as original articles on forestry, horticulture, heath, travel and a "thousand and one" interesting subjects, altogether practical and useful. In addition to this, Mr. Page has contributed special articles on various topics to the horticultural journals and city papers, evincing a familiarity with his subjects which renders his productions eagerly sought and as eagerly read. But it is necessary that his birth and parentage be spoken of, and his earlier career be traced:

Abel Town Page was born in Rutland, Vt., April 15, 1829, and is the fifth of sixth children whose parents were Abel and Zilpha (Barnes) Page. The former was born at Rindge, N. H., January 30, 1775, married October 17, 1809, and died April 30, 1854. The latter was born January 14, 1790 and departed this life at Grand Rapids May 25, 1849.

The subject of this sketch accompanied his parents to Detroit in 1835, and in the fall of 1836 to Grand Rapids. The eldest son, William B., remained at Detroit, where he died March 11, 1841. Abel T. was reared amid pioneer surroundings and associations and is therefore well versed in the early history and progress of Kent county. He obtained his early education at a village school taught in the old National hotel, on the present site of the Morton house, and subsequently on the corner of John and Barclay streets with Mrs. Streeter as preceptress; then on Prospect Hill in a school-house (used on Sunday for public worship), and taught by Mrs. Dr. Winslow, wife of a pioneer physician. He afterward finished his schooling at the academy taught by the late Henry Seymour, Rev. Addison Ballard, Rev. James Ballard, now deceased, also Prof. Franklin Everett. When young, he assisted his father in horticultural and agricultural pursuits, and in 1844 he and his father set out the first nursery within the limits of Kent county. He then went to Monroe, and for several years was employed as clerk in a store owned by James Armitage. He came back to Grand Rapids, and assisted his father in the nursery business until the latter’s death (in 1854), when he took charge of the business, which he operated until 1857. He then sold the nursery, and after a year’s residence at Grand Rapids purchased a farm four miles northeast of the city, where he resided, engaged in farming and horticulture, until the fall of 1860, when he sold his farm, and two years later returned to and engaged in the grocery business in the city. After being engaged for some years in different pursuits he established his present business, in which he has made a noble success.

Mr. Page is a member of the Old Resident’s association, the Y. M. C. A., the Kent county Horticultural society, the Grand Rapids Sanitary association, and board of trade. He was one of the founders of the Westminster Presbyterian church, and has been elected deacon, besides filling various other offices.

Mr. Page was first married December 21, 1852, to Martha Briggs, a native of Scio, Washtenaw county, Mich. Two children were born to them—William B., an expert machinist, constantly in the employ of railway companies, and Edward, who died at the age of one year. Mrs. Page died January 30, 1860, and December 30, 1863, Mr. Page married Harriet E. Butler, a native of Grand Blanc, Genesee county, Mich., and a daughter of John and Sarah P. (Walkley) butler, natives respectively of New York and Connecticut, but this lady died in this city April 13, 1887, since which time Mr. Page has resided in the family of relatives.

In 1890 Mr. Page became interested in a pleasure resort or summer home in northern Michigan. He purchased seventy acres of land on Omena bay and set about improving and beautifying it for a home. Always a lover of Nature and a close observer of her laws, he made this ideal spot soon a popular resort for pleasure seekers. It was christened "Che-Minwahbe," an Indian word signifying "Fine view," and the application of the aboriginal term was no misnomer. Nature, art and science, combined with a liberal expenditure of money, have rendered "Che-Minwahbe" "a thing of beauty and a joy forever."

Mr. Page having devoted much time and talent to the collection of fruit and ornamental trees, in his earlier years, "Che-Minwahbe" farm has received its share of attention in this direction, partly for profit, but more largely for the pleasure of employing his knowledge of horticultural science. Omena Resort adjoins this farm, and recently Mr. Page purchased five lots on the extreme point of land extending into the bay.

In 1896 he built Omena Inn, a summer hotel for the accommodation of pleasure seekers. So popular was this resort that it was found necessary to build large additions in 1898, doubling the capacity of the house. Beautiful natural scenery, heightened by the intelligent ingenuity of the owner, renders this a most beautiful spot. The hotel, built after the idea of modern cottages, is a handsome structure, very inviting to the weary, overworked pleasure seeker. Parties from Grand Rapids, and from various states as well, have erected summer cottages there and spend their vacations among the rustic beauties of nature. Among those who have availed themselves of this privilege are Rev. D. F. Bradly, Gen. B. M. Cutcheon, the Bevere Sisters, Mrs. Judge Whithey, F. H. Graves and Mrs. Willard, of Grand Rapids. Besides these, Prof. Currier, of Oberlin (Ohio) college, and others have purchased lots and are constructing cottages this summer. Three years ago the site of Omena Inn, with its beautiful surroundings, was in its primitive state, covered with natural timber. Che-Minwahbe farm is also in a high state of cultivations with good buildings and other improvements. It is leased, and serves to supply the cottagers and hotel guests with fresh fruits and vegetables in season, together with necessary poultry and dairy products. Omena Inn is also leased to competent person, who caters to the wants of the pleasure seeker or careworn man of business.

Mr. Page takes great interest in his possessions in the north and usually spends his summers there, as far as business in Grand Rapids will permit. Though already past the three score and ten years allotted to man, he is active and energetic, and in the full possession o fall his faculties to a remarkable degree. Yet he feels that his pilgrimage here will necessarily be of short duration, and his only regret is, that he has not been able to accomplish more for the benefit of his fellow-man. Mr. Page is a republican, yet cast his first vote for John. P. Hale, a free soiler; but upon the organization of the republican party he cast his influence with it, though ever voting for the best man, regardless of the party, in local affairs. He is a member of the Humane society, and is thoroughly domestic in his tastes.