The Orion Historical Society completed a successful archaeology site investigation on June 10-11 at the Howarth Schoolhouse.
The Howarth United Methodist Church is donating the schoolhouse, located on Silverbell Road, to Orion Township’s Friendship Park. Otherwise, the schoolhouse would be demolished when the property is sold.
The OHS is coordinating the relocation of this significant historical building later this year. Before disturbing the site with the move, the society has been able to arrange an excavation by a local archaeology team, led by Dr. Richard Stamps of Oakland University.
Dr. Stamps is well known in Michigan for his work on historical sites.
‘In the eyes of most people, we’re not exactly unearthing buried treasure,? said project director Leslie Pielack. ‘But to us, old buttons, broken ceramics and pieces of children’s slates are priceless—they are our history.?
By excavating and saving these school-related artifacts, the OHS can do additional research at a later time, and display them for the public.
To give local students a chance to learn firsthand what it’s like to work on a dig, the OHS has invited teens from the Orion Library’s advisory group to lend a hand. They are gathering local history information, to write a book on early Orion for younger students.
In addition, ONTV is working with video production students to film all stages of the schoolhouse relocation, and learn about historic preservation in the process. After the building is moved later this year, a complete video documentary is also planned.
Pielack said the schoolhouse has been on the property since before the Civil War, and was used for almost 100 years.
‘That’s a lot of children, and a lot of history,? she said.
‘And it’s the last one in Orion.?
Volunteer opportunities are available to help relocate the schoolhouse, which will be coming up in the months ahead.
For more information, contact Leslie Pielack at 693-6718.