Orion Historical Society (OHS) is celebrating a highly successful year of restoration, special events and historic preservation. Our motto is ‘preserving yesterday’s history to enrich tomorrow’s future.? This is a summary of some of the society’s current projects:
HOWARTH SCHOOL: The Howarth Schoolhouse is the only remaining one-room school in Orion Township and is listed on the State Register of Historic Places. It was used as a school from 1859-1954. Leslie Pielack, a local preservationist and OHS member, wrote the original Save Our History grant for which OHS was awarded $9,986. The grant provided funds for research, archeology, oral history and documentation including a DVD. The grant also provided for stabilization, repair and restoration of the school for its public and educational use.
The archeological excavation was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Richard Stamps, Oakland University, and Darrell Zehell, archeologist. Students from Upland Hills School worked on the excavation and the preservation of the bell tower. The Project was selected as one of ten nationwide History Channel Save Our History grants to be given special recognition from the White House. A group of adults and students visited the nation’s capital in May to receive this special honor, which included a $10,000 award to continue to preserve local history.
Also, a community-wide collaborative effort that included OHS, Upland Hills School, Lake Orion Community Schools, Orion Township Library and Orion Neighborhood Television began to document the archeological digs and historic preservation efforts. An outpouring of support came from the community. A ‘Math-a-thon? was initiated by Matt Gibb, with the assistance of Vice-President of OHS Patti Abate, and Linda Schenburn. The Lake Orion students raised $23,221.04 with only $780.00 expended for the effort. There is currently a balance of $22,441.04 that is being held in a restricted account that will go toward an eventual move of the school to Friendship Park.
SCRIPPS MANSION: The Orion Historical Society is conducting the Arts, Autos and Architecture event at the Scripps Mansion. It is owned by Guest House and has received recognition by the National Register of Historic Places. Members of OHS and volunteers will be conducting tours of the mansion on September 22-23. All proceeds will go toward the continuing restoration of the mansion. Volunteers are needed. For more information or to volunteer, please call Sara at (248)693-4154.
OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The Orion Historical Society was instrumental in:
? Working with the Lake Orion Downtown Development Authority and providing funding for signs to mark the Lake Orion Historic District in the Village of Lake Orion;
? the Indian Lake Road Bridge receiving recognition as a National Register of Historic Places thanks to the efforts of Leslie Pielack;
? completing the initial renovation of the Union Church that included creation of a Master Plan to complete the work. Several years ago, OHS raised over $50,000 that was matched by Orion Township. Major repairs have been completed, and Phase I of the Master Plan that included HVAC is nearing completion;
? publishing two books that were written by OHS members: A Church for All Seasons: The History and Architecture of the Union Church by Leslie Pielack, and Images of America – Lake Orion written by James E. Ingram and Lori Grove. All proceeds from the sale of these books are restricted to the continued restoration of the Union Church;
? assisting the Village of Lake Orion with obtaining its historical designation and documenting its historic structures. We were also instrumental in requesting a similar study of Orion Township historic structures. The Township Board funded the project, and the results are nearing completion;
? conducting an annual boat tour of historic Lake Orion. The event is for members only and is free. Anyone who wishes to become a member or to obtain more information about the Orion Historical Society is invited to visit our website at www.orionhistoricalsociety.org.
The Orion Historical Society meets monthly at the Orion Senior Center on the second Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. We invite new members who are also interested in preserving our local history. You may contact Lisa Sokol at (248)693-2066 or Alice Young at (248)693-3152.
— Lisa Sokol and Alice Young