The Village of Carpenter

A century ago, the Village of Carpenter was the largest community in Hamel Township. The flourishing village on two railroad lines was a central location for ship­ping in the township. However, when the railroads expanded to other communities and transportation to nearby towns became more convenient, Carpenter businesses have closed as the population declined and transportation made shopping in nearby population centers more convenient. Today, there is little left but the people. Most are descendants of those earlier families who are close-knit for good reason. Nearly all of the early families of Carpenter are related by blood or marriage and can be placed on the same family tree.