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NOTES FROM YOUR PRESIDENT
If you did not attend "Dining Around Town", you missed one of the best
events of the fall. This fundraiser was a huge success because of
both the Society members who opened their homes and the attendees
who enjoyed a special evening of fine dining, friendship and
education. A special thank you to those committee members who put
this event together. We have heard that "Dining Around Town" may
become an annual fall event. If it does, you should mark your
calendar now because I'm sure it will fill up quickly next year.
If you have not visited the Old School House History Center in the
last month, here are a few of the changes that have taken place:
1. The front sprinkler system is in.
2. The grass has been planted and growing well in the front and west
side
3. The donor wall is in and it looks great.
4. The "Super Map" is up in the front east room.
5. Both rooms on the second floor are carpeted and being used as
conference rooms.
6. One of Marcia Perry's benches is on display.
We are getting closer to having everything envisioned completed for
our Old School House History Center.
The museum only has a couple of weekends left to be open in October,
so if you have not seen this award winning display you had better
hurry. Plans are coming together for next year's display. Curator
Kit Lane said the exhibit is about village life.
Don't forget the chili supper for volunteers on Sunday, October 31,
at 7:00 pm at the OSH. This event is for all volunteers throughout
the year, and there were many. See you there.
These are just a few of the things going on in your Historical
Society. Hope to see you at the next meeting on November 10 at the
Presbyterian Camp and at other Society functions.
submitted by Harold Thieda
UPCOMING PROGRAM
Mark your
calendar
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Wednesday, November10 at
The Presbyterian Camps, 631 Perryman St. [Oval Beach Rd.] 4:30PM,
guided walk around the camps, 6PM dinner [reservations required],
7PM history and future of the camps. Questions, call Jane at
857-2268.
Our Wednesday, November 10 meeting will be at the Presbyterian
Camps. These camps have been part of the Saugatuck-Douglas community
since 1899, and have allowed thousands of inner city Chicagoans to
enjoy our woods and lakeshore.
Recently the Presbytery of Chicago has been forced to raise money,
and the camps have been offered for sale. The first part of our
meeting at 4:30 will be a guided tour of the camps led by Jennifer
Schuham, a third generation camp supporter. The second part of the
meeting is a chicken dinner and hot fudge sundae for dessert in the
camp dining hall at 6PM. There is a $10.00 charge for dinner and
reservations and payment must be made by Sunday, November.7.
The third part of the meeting will start at 7PM and include the
history, current programs and the outlook for the future. Questions
and dinner reservations --- call Jane at 269-857-2268.
submitted by Jane Underwood
You Are Invited to the ---
SOCIETY VOLUNTEERS "THANK YOU" CHILI SUPPER ON OCTOBER 31
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The SDHS Board members will again be hosting a chili supper to
show their appreciation to all the SDHS members who have
volunteered their time and efforts during the year for the
Society's many programs and projects. |
The event is on Sunday, October 31 at the Old School House
beginning at 7 PM. (The starting time has been slightly delayed
to accommodate those members who would like to enjoy
trick-or-treating.)If you will be attending, please RSVP by
REPLYING to this email or calling 269.857.5751. If you are
unable to attend, please accept the Board's thanks for your
support of your Society this year. |
SAVE THE DATE
Sunday, December 5 - 2010 Society Holiday Party at the
Saugatuck Center for the Arts. Look for your invitation in the
mail shortly.
ANOTHER TURTLE POND MEMORY
"I remember the turtle pond, though I did not know its name and
remember it more as a frog pond. I used to go there with Steve
Chadwick and catch frogs and tadpoles. It was fairly common for me
to take the tadpoles in an old plastic baby bathtub back to
Arlington Heights, raise them into frogs, then release them back
into the turtle pond upon our next trip to Saugatuck!" - Scott
Schultz, Raleigh, NC
submitted by Chris Yoder
WHO HAS FAMILY BURIED LOCALLY?
Do you have family buried locally? Go to the
SDHS On-Line Research Center and visit many of our area
cemeteries on the internet. We would like to get photos and
biographical data for the people interred here, these include:
Riverside- 3639 records; Douglas- 1920; Taylor- 1494; Plummerville-
651; Loomis- 170; and more. You can help build the history of the
Saugatuck-Douglas area through the stories of the people who lived
and died here. If you have photos for any of these folks, or have or
would be willing to prepare a biographical remembrance to go on the
internet, contact Chris Yoder at 857-4327, email:
cyoder@tds.net
submitted by Chris Yoder
WOMAN'S CLUB HOSTS
"A TEA WITH MAY"
On Oct. 8th, Marsha Kontio presented a special program for the
Saugatuck Woman's Club entitled "A Tea With May". This program was a
product of the SDHS May Francis Heath Study Group.
A capacity crowd heard the 45 minute presentation about Saugatuck
Historian May Francis Heath and the town she loved. Included were
many photos from the Heath-Morrison Collection never before
available to the public and excerpts from Mrs. Heath's personal
diaries.
Mrs. Heath was a charter member of the Woman's Club and active in it
until her death. The Woman's Club has recently initiated an annual
scholarship program in her name. Ladies wore hats and gloves for the
"tea", and coffee, tea, finger sandwiches, and cookies were served.
A version of this program is scheduled for the March 2011 SDHS
monthly meeting. She will also be presenting the program at Grace of
Douglas (Formerly "The Harbors") on October 27.
submitted by Chris Yoder
WIDOW OF PROMINENT
ABOLITIONIST IN TAYLOR CEMETERY
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Mrs. Cyrus P. (Sarah) Grosvenor |
Sarah's Grave at Taylor Cemetery |
One of the earlier stones in the Taylor Cemetery, (Blue Star Highway
south of Hunt Tree) is for "Sarah wife of Cyrus P. Grosvenor"
"President of N.Y. Central College". Sarah died August 18, 1856.
Behind this simple stone is the story of a of the prominent
abolitionist leader who was a compatriot of William Lloyd Garrison.
Albion Historian Frank Passic writes:
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"Rev. Cyrus Pitt Grosvenor
was a major leader of the anti-Slavery Baptists in the
pre-Civil War 19th century. He was an officer of the American
Baptist Home Mission Society, and the American Anti-Slavery
Society. He was part of Boston's first anti-slavery meeting in
1828. He was one of the founders of the New York Central
College in McGrawville, Cortland County, New York. Cyrus
served as the first college president of this institution in
1849-50, and was on its faculty for several years afterwards.
It was the first college in the nation founded specifically to
educate both black and white students, both men and women.
Cyrus was an 1818 graduate of Dartmouth College, and also
attended Princeton Theological Seminary 1821-22, and later
received an LLD degree in 1867." |
In 1852, their daughter Sarah married the Rev. Austin Harmon, a
Baptist minister. Rev. Grosvenor retired from the faculty of the
college in 1853. The Rev. Austin served as a Baptist missionary in
Western Allegan County from 1854 until his death in 1865. The
Grosevnors followed their daughter to Allegan County, and Mrs.
Grosvenor passed away in 1856. At some point after her death, the
Reverend moved on to Albion, Michigan, and died there in 1879. He is
buried in the Albion Riverside cemetery.
Sarah Austin married Charles Fiegert in 1872 and died Jan. 23, 1921.
She is buried by Rev. Harmon in the Taylor Cemetery. Four children
of the Harmons lived to adulthood, including a daughter Emma who
married Christopher Ensfield. Some of Emma's descendants still live
in this area..
Rev. Cyrus P. Grosvenor (1792-1879)
Sometime after the death of his wife in 1856, Rev. Grosvenor moved
on to Albion, Michigan, where he lived until his death in 1879. He
is buried in the Albion Riverside cemetery.
contributed by Chris Yoder
DOUGLAS VILLAGE
DIRECTORY
(1846-1882)
A 40 page directory of early Douglas Village happenings, such as
businesses established and sold, fires, significant events, etc.,
can now be seen at the SDHS On-Line Research Center by clicking
HERE.
This collection of events from the old Commercial Records and other
sources was presented at an SDHS board meeting in 1993. Thanks to
Dawn Schumann for making a copy available. The initial pages include
a chronological listing by local historian Charles Lorenz, and it is
believed the balance may have been assembled by Bill Kemperman.
Thanks to whoever was involved!
submitted by Chris Yoder
IT'S DONATION TIME
Drop your donations off at the Old School House on:
l
Saturday, June 20 from 9:00 AM - Noon
l
Tuesday, June 23 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Additional donation dates will be held June 27 & 30 and July 7, 11 &
14.
THE TYPES OF ITEM YOU SHOULD DONATE
The sale, to benefit the
Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society, will focus on high-quality
items such as antiques, framed art, collectables, jewelry,
small-scale furniture, toys and games, housewares and small
appliances that will maximize the event's profits.
Unfortunately, we will be unable to
accept clothing, large scale furniture pieces, computer or home
electronics, exercise equipment, 50-cent items or the like.
Donating is a great way to support the
Society and receive a tax deduction too!
The sale will be being held on
Saturday, July 18 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on the grounds of the Old
School House History Center in Douglas. A preview sale and party
will be held on the evening of Friday, July 17 beginning at 5:30 PM.
For additional information, questions
about what items you can donate or to inquire about a donation
pick-up call (269) 857-5751.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE SEEKS MEMBERS
The Nominating Committee of the Society needs two member to join
board members on the Nominating Committee to select the board
election slate for 2011. Recently members including Dawn Schumann,
Ken Carls, Janie Flemming, and Peg Sanford have served on the
committee. Members should contact Vice President, Jon Helmrich, if
they are interested in working on the committee for 2011. Please
e-mail or call: jon@ibctv.info,
857-3574. |
DINING AROUND TOWN
64 people enjoyed our first SDHS Dining Around Town. Dinners were
served at seven homes and everyone including hosts and chefs met
back at the school house for dessert and entertainment by the
Lakeshore Community Chorus. A wonderful time was had by all and
everyone is looking forward to a repeat Dining Around on October 15,
2011. Call Judi Vanderbeck or Ken Carls if you are interested in
hosting at your home next year.
IMAGES FROM OX-BOW
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Judy Bowman
Anthrop
David Baker
Images
of Ox-Bow
A Place for Study and Reflection
The
Old School House
130 Center Street,
Douglas, Michigan
Saturday, November 6, 5-8 p.m.
Sunday, November 7, 1-5 p.m.
The works are available for
purchase.
Anthrop, The Lagoon in Winter,
watercolor
Baker, An August Morning,
watercolor
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Two artists who share a love for a local art school will team to
present a display of their recent paintings. The exhibition, titled
"Images of Ox-Bow, A Place for Study and Reflection" features the
work of Judy Bowman Anthrop of Douglas and David Baker of Dowagiac.
The works will be shown at The Old School House in Douglas.
Ms. Anthrop is a fiber artist and historian as well as a painter.
She has studied painting for many years, both at Ox-Bow and in
numerous workshops throughout the country. She is the author of "A
Portrait of Ox-Bow, Architecture-Art-Artists". The book added
valuable scholarship on the School and its publication coincided
perfectly with Ox-Bow's 100th year celebration. Included in this
exhibition are many of the watercolors from her book. These
paintings document Ox-Bow's unique architectural heritage.
Mr. Baker has a long career as an artist/educator. Currently he is
Painting Professor Emeritus at Southwestern Michigan College in
Dowagiac. He has an association with Ox-Bow that dates back two
decades, both as a student and frequent instructor. His oil and
watercolor paintings have been featured in dozens of solo
exhibitions throughout the region, including several at Vesuvius
Gallery in Glenn, Michigan.
Prominent in this display are a suite of watercolors done "en plein
air" on the Ox-Bow campus. For this body of work, Baker completed a
new painting for each week of the School's Centennial season.
The exhibit will be shown November 6 from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. and
November 7 from 1:00 until 5:00 p. m. at The Old School House, 130
Center Street, Douglas, Michigan. Refreshments will be served and
the works are available for purchase. For additional information
phone: 269-857-1183, or e-mail:
djbaker2@frontier.com
MUSEUM EXHIBIT WINS STATE HISTORY AWARD
Vic Bella, Sandy Stamm (of the Plainwell Historical Society who also
received an award that night), Sally Winthers and Jim Schmiechen
"A Place Called Ox-Bow. 100 Years of Connecting Art, Nature and
People" received an achievement award for excellence in exhibitions
from the Historical Society of Michigan.
The award was presented at the Historical Society of Michigan's
136th State History Conference on October 15.
If you haven't already, be sure to see the award-winning Ox-Bow
exhibit before it closes on October 31st. The Saugatuck-Douglas
Historical Museum is open on weekends in October from noon to 4pm.
The winner of the Park House Dinner Raffle is Janie
Flemming
Janie Flemming and seven lucky friends will enjoy a three-course
harvest dinner at Saugatuck’s oldest residence: the Park House Inn
at 888 Holland Street.
Harold Thieda, SDHS president, conducted the drawing at the
conclusion of the 2010 Heritage Awards presentation.
Thank you for to Park House Innkeepers, Toni Trudell & Melissa
Raywood for hosting this fabulous fundraiser.
Thank you to Kristi Baker-Mueller for creating the event graphics.
Thank you to Judi Vanderbeck for making the connections so this
entire fundraiser could happen.
And ---
Thank you to everyone who purchased raffle tickets. A total of 176
tickets were sold!
submitted by Sally Winthers
ANNUAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION AWARDS
The Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society presented its annual
Heritage Preservation Awards on Wednesday, October 13 at the Old
School House in Douglas, honoring fourteen local individuals, groups
and businesses within six award categories recognizing new
construction, restoration, renovation and other activities that
respect our area's architectural traditions, historical
rural/village character or natural landscape. Winners were selected
by an 11-member committee chaired by Judy Hillman, professional
designer and member of Saugatuck's Historic District Commission.
Heritage Preservation Awards were established by the Historical
Society in 2001 in pursuit of its mission "to provide leadership in
enabling the community to connect with and understand its past, to
preserve the quality of community life, and to respect and use the
area's history to shape its future."
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Sole winner of the "New Construction"
award was a residence at 3035 Lakeshore Drive in Saugatuck
Township, received by Wendy Batchelor as co-owner with Dan
Batchelor. The award honors new buildings or additions that
respect the architectural integrity of existing structures and
their area's historic character. |
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Six area homeowners received "Preservation of the Historic
Built Environment" awards, honoring renovations that
preserve the architectural integrity of existing structures and
respect the area's historic character: |
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Doug Widener (L) and Mark Becker, for residence at 638 Allegan
St., Saugatuck. |
Laura and Ryan Petroeljc, builders receiving award on behalf of
owners Frank Vandervort and Darin Leese for residence at 6643
Bandle Ave., Saugatuck. |
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John and Kathryn Mooradian, for residence at 728 Lake St.,
Saugatuck. |
Joe and Linda Leonatti, for residence at 712 Allegan St.,
Saugatuck. |
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Mike and Sharon Minster, for residence at 525 Butler St.,
Saugatuck. |
Sandra and Russell Johnson, for residence at 6768 122nd Ave.,
Ganges |
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Three area homeowners received "Honor and Respect" awards
for owners whose historic properties have been maintained and
remain true to their original design, scale and character: |
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Barb Tully Petersen and Ryan Petersen, receiving on behalf of
owner Howard Tully, for residence at 750 Allegan St., Saugatuck. |
Kate McPolin, as co-owner with Andrew Bartlett, for residence at
165 Elizabeth St., Saugatuck. |
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Rob Waters, as co-owner
with Mary Waters, for
residence at 143 Elizabeth
St., Saugatuck. |
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Sole winner of the "Blue Star Corridor" award, for
Summertime Market, on Blue Star Highway in Douglas, was owner
Andrew Milauckas. The award honors new or restored structures
that enhance the Blue Star Corridor and respect the area's
historic character. |
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Sole winner of the "Preservation of Historic Landscape"
award for protecting and promoting the history and enjoyment of
the natural landscape, was the City of Saugatuck, honoring its
Mount Baldhead stairway restoration.
Receiving it on behalf of the |
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City was Mayor Barry Johnson, accompanied by Roy Huffman, winner
of a recent Douglas Elementary School raffle to be the Mayor's
"Shadow for a Day". |
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April Scholtz, Land Protection Director for the Land Conservancy
of West Michigan, received the "Heritage Preservation
Leadership Award" honoring the Conservancy's negotiation
assistance in the City's purchase of the Saugatuck Harbor
Natural Area. |
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Not present for photography were Norm and Connie Deam, who also
won a "Heritage Preservation Leadership Award" for their
protection of the historic Saugatuck Lighthouse property.
This award recognizes outstanding commitment to the
preservation of the area's historic rural and village character. |
HOLIDAY SHOP AT THE OLD SCHOOL HOUSE
Can you help out this December at the SDHS Holiday
Shop at the Old School House? We need volunteers to help with the
planning, set-up, and running of the Holiday Shop which will be open
on the first three weekends of December again this year. We had a
lot of fun and made money for the Society last year. If you can help
out, please contact Jon Helmrich at
jon@ibctv.info or 857-3574. |
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