BY TREVOR KEISER
Clarkston News Staff Writer
In 1830, a man by the name of Linus Jacox became the first pioneer settler from New York to what became known as the Village of Clarkston. The village was named in 1842, after the two settlers who did the most to improve the town ? their names were Nelson and Jeremiah Clark.
The history and even existence of this village was almost lost about 35 years ago, when the state of Michigan planned to widen Main Street to at least four lanes.
This plan would have caused many homes and businesses to be moved or torn down. But a group of determined and concerned citizens stopped the construction and worked hard to preserve this village by adding Clarkston to the National Register of Historic Places. That group of citizens became known as the Clarkston Community Historical Society.
The CCHS has been working hard since 1972 to preserve and educate the community about the history of this special village.
One of ways CCHS has preserved village history is through the Clarkston Heritage Museum, which opened seven-and-a half-years ago in Nov. 1999.
The museum is located in a room at the Independence Township Library. The CCHS paid $50,000 for the room. It was known as the Community History Room for many years, before it became a museum.
‘We are proud of our endeavors and accomplishments,? said Jennifer Arkwright, president of CCHS Board.
Joining with the library also opens up opportunity for grants.
‘Having a library-museum partnership is very valuable,? said Toni Smith, museum director. ‘This situation is great for us because we don’t have to be here at all times, and people can visit the library as well as the museum.?
The museum exhibits are changed every six months. It costs about $4,000-$6,000 per exhibit. On exhibit now is ‘Clarkston Childhood; From Schoolyard to Farmyard.?
A few of the exhibits have included Clarkston Schools? early years, early days of the Civil War and World War I and II, as well as different clothing fashions from late 1800s to mid 1900s.
The next exhibit is entitled ‘A Village Vacation? because Clarkston drew in many travelers from Pontiac and Detroit, who were looking for some cooler air and prettier scenery. It should be ready for viewers by the end of June.
Pictures, postcards, letters, and artifacts for the museum are found through antique shows, searches on Ebay, and donations. Smith is the only paid staff member.
‘One of the unique things about having Toni as the director is that she has a background in graphic design and is an avid antique collector,? said Arkwright. ‘She loves what she does and you can tell. She is very creative and professional.?
Members of other historical societies have been impressed, including directors of Cranbrook and Meadowbrook halls, noted both Smith and Arkwright.
‘The museum and the quality of it is taken with great pride,? said Arkwright.
‘It’s very unique; we are not just about the historic district, but about the community and all the history.?
The biggest source of funding for the museum is through Art in the Village, which this year marks its 33 year. It is set for Sept. 15-16 at Depot Park.
About 90 percent of proceeds from this event make up the whole year’s budget for the museum. CCHS is always looking for more help to run this event. Other funding comes from grants and membership to the CCHS.
Other events put on by the CCHS include house and barn tours, which had more than 300 people this past October, cemetery walks, story tellers, and historical speakers on such topics as the Civil War and Women in History. The next barn tour will be Oct. 21.
In 1995 the CCHS also published and edited a book called ‘Our Children’s Heritage – A History of Clarkston/Independence Twp.? This book is currently used in local elementary schools to teach second graders about Clarkston’s history.
The book was written by three school teachers, Bill Genshaw, Rosemary Lewis, and Julie Matthies. They wrote three books, all of which can be purchased through the museum or at the Union General Store for $10 each.
Arkwright is very proud of the individuals who represent the CCHS Board.
‘We have a dedicated group of 10 people on our board, the support of CCHS membership, which enables us to provide professional, interesting, and fun activities for the communities, from our newsletter to Art in the Village, to our museum and everything in between.?
For more information about the museum, call Smith at 248- 922-0270 or visit www.clarkston historical.org.
The museum is located at 6495 Clarkston Road and is open Mon-Thurs 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.