Foundations of Ada Magdelaine Laframboise the First Lady of Ada The fur trade was an important part of the settlement of the Grand River Valley area. Many explorers and fur traders who came here were French Canadian Madelaine was born in 1780 to a French Canadian father and Ottawa mother. At age 15, she married fur trader Joseph La Framboise at Mackinac Island which was the center of fur trading for the Northwest Terri- tories. She and her husband developed outposts at present day Ada and Lowell. There they traded goods such as axes, knives, and pots for furs. Madelaine spoke several Native dialects as well as French and English which served them well for their thriving business. The furs were gathered throughout the winter, shipped to Grand Haven then on to Macki- nac Island for sale. In 1806, Joseph was murdered by a disgruntled Indian who was refused liquor which was illegal to sell to Na- tive people. This left Madelaine and her two infant children alone. However, she kept trading and over the next 14 years became very successful. She eventually Want to know more sold her business to John Jacob Astor, and Rix Robinson purchased her outpost. about Madelaine Laframboise? She then built a large home on Mackinac Island where she founded a school for Native children. Her daughter was educated in Montreal and eventually married Pick up the book the brother of President of the United States Franklin Pierce.. “Angel of Mackinac” She was a patron of St. Anne’s church and today the home of this remarkable by Keith Widder in woman is a bed and breakfast facility on Mackinac Island close to her grave site the Ada Historical and St. Anne’s. Museum gift shop Status Report– New Ada History Exhibits The generosity of the community in our last capital campaign has enabled AHS to move into phase two of our museum renewal project. Phase one was completed last fall with the addition of a new com- munity meeting room, office space, kitchenette, bathrooms, and new collections management building. Now we are able to turn our attention to the front of the facility through the renewal of all five per- manent Ada history exhibit rooms. The first room Ada is ...Over the Rivers highlights the bridges, dam, and flooding. Ada is...Right on Track is about the railroad and depot. Up next will be Ada is.. Kid- ding Around featuring area schools and our children’s toys collection. On the horizon we venture into Ada is.. Taking Care of Business about the evolution of Main Street. There will be something new to see each time you visit. So make plans to drop by the Museum and check it out! New exhibit. Ada is… Kidding Around We kid you not, the museum has a new permanent exhibit and it is a class act. Kidding Around makes its debut in November. An exhibit that appeals to young and young at heart. Go back to school– way back.-from Ada’s one room schools, through the Forest Hills consolidation, right up to the new St. Robert’s school. The rest of the exhibit highlights the historic toy collection. Its never too late to learn and play. Join the fun in November. Annual Board of Directors Elections Oct 10th. Board Elections will be held at the upcoming membership meeting, Thursday, October 10 at 1pm at the museum. According to AHS by- laws “ members may vote either in attendance at the annual member- ship meeting, by mail, email, or dropping off their signed ballot at the Society office. Drop off, mailed, and emailed ballots shall be signed and received at the office no later than two (2) days prior to the annu- al membership meeting” The slate of nominees is as follows: Bernard Veldkamp– President Marie Vierson—Vice President Art Kroon—Treasurer Marilyn Thompson—Secretary Chris Czekai—Director Betty Jo Crosby—Director Frank Hoover—Director Marilyn DeGood—Director Tom Mulligan—Director Matt Michiels—Director Kevin Moran—Director Sandra Sefton—Director Coming Events at the Ada Historical Society Monthly Board Meetings October 10, November 14, and December 12. The board meetings are open to the public. Join us to find out how we are mak- ing history. Call or email in advance with any questions.. Thursday, November 7th– Veterans Day lecture 7:00 pm at the museum. In partnership with the Cascade Historical Society, featuring Dr. Michael Ste- vens. He will talk about the Grand Rapids 3rd Michigan Infantry’s roll in the Civil War. He will dress in Civil War uniform. Monday, November 18—Decorate for the Holidays. 10:00am at the Museum. Time to get the museum all dressed up. If you enjoy seasonal decoration we welcome your involvement Friday, November 22. Wreath Sale fundraiser begins. Beautiful fresh ever- green wreaths go on sale in the barn. An order form with sale hours will be available soon. Every year this is the biggest fund raiser for the Ada Histori- cal Society. Friday, December 6. Tinsel, Treats, and Trolleys. 5:30-9:00 PM Around the village and Museum. Enjoy the annual bridge lighting ceremony, trolley rides with stops at area businesses. Caroling groups/entertainment and many other “treats”. Ada’s Fading History Just recently a historic Ada home, the Bradfield House, fell to the wrecking ball and soon the Sisson house will as well. The Bradfield House was built in the 1870s by business man Edward Bradfield who’s name is also attached to the Ada Covered Bridge The Sisson house was also built in the 1860s. For a time it was a butch- er shop as well as a home to former Civil War soldier Albert Sisson, wife and children. While it is too late to save these historic homes, the images remain with the Ada Historical Society. We are working everyday to preserve the history of this community. You can help by becoming a member or volunteering for the many projects we have to keep our heritage alive. Our Bus trip in September included a visit to the R.E. Olds Transportation Mu- seum in Lansing, the Duran Union Station museum, and the Paine-Gillam- Scott house museum in St. Johns. We are working on the Tri-River museum’s 2020 booklet. The theme for 2020 is “Celebrating Women’s Suffrage” because it is the 100th anniversary of women receiving the right to vote. Order form with sale hours will be available soon .