1 OSHTEMO HISTORICAL SOCIETY Minutes November 18, 2010 The monthly meeting of the Oshtemo Historical Society was held on Thursday, November 18, 2010, at the Oshtemo Township Hall. President Sikora called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM. Guests were: Sue Anderson, Bill & Nancy Saunders, Lenett Graham, Margaret Wiswell, Phyllis Rose, Dave Hager, Alan & Kristin Hovestadt, Ken Schlaack, Deb Wittkowski, Ron Jenner, Carole Bickle, Phil & Betty Georgeau, Jerry Mandigo, John Skof, Tim Peterson, Paul & Pat DeHaan, Julie & Bob Peterson, Betsy Rice. PROGRAM John Geisler presented an interesting and lively program on the “Old Sauk Trail - U.S. Highway 12.” John was a WMU professor from 1976 to 2005. His background was in psychology but he has always had a keen interest in roads & highways. He took a course in Michigan History at KVCC & did a presentation on the Sauk Trail or “SAC” which was named US112 originally. 112 was an offshoot of a two digit highway. One “1” was omitted & it became US12. John handed out two maps, one of the Northwest Territory of 1787 & one of the US12 Heritage Trail. The Trail is so named after the Sauk Indians and began in the Saginaw Valley and ended in the Quad Cities on the Mississippi River. Fr. Gabriel Richard was the “Father of the Sauk Tribe” and founded the first church in “New France” which was St. Ann’s in Detroit. He brought the first printing press to Detroit, established at least six schools in the area, was one of the founders of the University of Michigan, and the first priest to be a delegate to the U.S. Congress. U.S.12 is a historic trail reaching from Detroit to Chicago and taking 13 days by stagecoach in its early days. John began his journey at the beginning of the Trail, at Washington & Michigan Avenue in Detroit. John pointed out numerous sites along the way such as: Michigan & Trumbull (home of the former Tiger Stadium),”Bomber Plant” in Ypsilanti, the St. Joseph Shrine in Irish Hills built in 1845, the Walker Tavern at M50 & U.S.12 to name a few. Along the way, John encountered numerous rocks put in place by women’s groups. He found Allen to be an antique dealer’s haven and White Pigeon being named for Chief White Pigeon. The Tasty Nut Shoppe in White Pigeon was a “must” stop and John brought 10 lbs. of nuts to share. In Mottville, he discovered the famous camelback bridge, it being the only one in south Michigan & Ontario. He traveled through Union, Edwardsburg & Niles which is the city of four flags. He found Three Oaks to be tiny but attractive having been home to the Warren Plant which made corset stays from turkey feather bones. He also visited Dryer’s Meat Market & brought tasty sausage to share with the group. It boosted that Carl Sandburg was a valued customer. It was a wonderful travelog with lots of laughs along the way. There was a break in the meeting to enjoy refreshments provided by Esther Wyman & Joan Young, along with the treats brought by John Geisler. Oshtemo Historical Society Minutes • Page 1 Approval of October 21, 2010, General Meeting Minutes - Motion was made by S. Rakowski, seconded by M. L. Pagelis to approve the minutes. Carried. TREASURER’S FINANCIAL REPORT– Starr Balance - $7, 727.86 Motion was made by M.A. Britvec, seconded by J. Britvec to approve the Treasurer’s report. Carried. COMMITTEE REPORTS PROGRAM - Joan • Appreciation Dinner - Encouraged members to attend & list the food item they will be bringing. • The 2011 Program schedule will be available at the Appreciation Dinner. • The program for February 17 will be Dr. Michael Nassaney who will speak on the Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Project which intersects the Sauk Trail. • Refreshments - New sign-up sheets for 2011are available. ARCHIVAL - Kay •Committee met October 25 and will meet November 29 to go through boxes which will probably complete sorting. •Several items have been received: • Four quilts, violin & case • Family photo album • Large showcase • Wooden display box from Clapp’s Drug Store, four page article by Mrs. Robert McGaw , Kalamazoo Atlas 1873, small photo of inside Clapp’s Drug Store, 1949 school project scrapbook, & commemorative plate of Oshtemo Methodist Church.. • A “Fainting Couch” which has not yet been transferred to the DH. • The Collection Policy has been approved with minor changes. • Future Archive meetings will be held at the Township office. MAINTENANCE - Millard • S. Rakowski & M. Loy will be working on the insulation. FUNDRAISING - Neil • Committee met on November 4. The next meeting will be December 2. • Exchange Tours with 4-H Club - A good experience for all involved. • Garden Council Event - $850 received from Garden Council, $500 designated for gardening, $350 for restoration. • Barn calendars - 2012 calendars will be available at the Oshtemo Days in August 2011. A related program is scheduled for October 2011 in which there will be a driving tour of barns in Oshtemo & gathering at the Drake House after the tour. • Solicitation Letter - to be mailed in early December. • Saturday, July 21 - Summer Social Fundraiser 3 RESTORATION & DESIGN - Kay. • Restoration Committee meetings will be changed to the last Wednesday of the month in 2011. • Lists of upcoming projects was given. • Roger Parzyck has completed the restoration of one chandelier at no cost. • Three remaining chandeliers - Tom Ouding & Larry Schuss have been asked to submit a bid for restoration. One of the chandeliers will need repair of a broken arm and it was suggested that a foundry in Marcellus be contacted. • Design Committee toured two homes - The Montague House on Oakland Dr. & The Stuart Avenue Inn Bed & Breakfast. The Committee will tour The Oaklands on WMU’s campus on December 4th. MUSEUM COMMITTEE – Mary Anne • The donated showcase will hopefully replace the present case in the Township lobby. It will need some repair which will be done by the Maintenance Committee. OLD/CONTINUING BUSINESS - • Appreciation Dinner - Encouraged members to sign up and attend this festive event. • S. Waldron will not be accepting membership dues at the Appreciation Dinner. • The next meeting of the OHS will be January 20 at the Township Hall. REMINDER: 2011 MEMBERSHIP DUES ARE DUE MAIL TO: Starr Waldron 4172 Wolf Dr. Kalamazoo, MI 49009 There was no further business and the meeting was adjourned at 9:34 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Mary Anne Britvec, Secretary Oshtemo Historical Society Minutes • Page 3 .