Wabaningo, now a resort community, was originally settled in the 18th century by the Grand River Band of Ottawa.[2] It was first called Sylvan Beach, but the post office, established in 1897, was named Wabaningo, after the Ottawa leader Wabiwindego, who Whitehall founder Charles Mears met there in 1837.[3] It was made a branch of the Whitehall office in 1954.[4] The office operated as a summer post office from 1897–1938, 1939–1942, 1944–1953, 1954–1965, and 1966–1999.[5] Wabaningo is no longer an acceptable name for delivery, although Sylvan Beach is an acceptable name with the Whitehall ZIP code 49461.[6]
It is also the location of the White River Light station, which includes a lighthouse built in 1875, which now houses a small lighthouse and maritime museum. The original Fresnel lens is on display there.
^McClurken, James M. (2009). Our People, Our Journey: The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. East Lansing, MI: Michigan State University Press. p. 3. ISBN978-0870138560.
