If you see somebody stopped on the side of the road, or near your house taking photographs or writing notes, breathe easy.
It’s only your friendly neighborhood field researcher on the lookout for historically significant buildings and resources.
Starting mid-February, project coordinator Maura Johnson of The Mannik & Smith Group, a historic preservation consultant, will begin collecting data about our oldest resources in the township.
The Orion Reconnaissance Survey for Historic Preservation will result in a list of the top 200 buildings that will be used to update the portion of the township’s master plan dealing with historic preservation.
The township board of trustees approved funding for the survey because they believe the resulting information will be valuable for future planning as the township grows in size.
‘This information can be useful in other ways as well,? said Janine Saputo, of the Orion Historical Society and a survey committee member. ‘We hope to eventually put the information that is collected into a format that will be fun and educational for the public. Some kind of booklet showcasing Orion’s heritage and electronic access to it would both be great resources for residents and visitors alike.?
After the sites have been identified, Johnson hopes to cull additional information about many of the sites from knowledgeable local historians and longtime residents who have memories of the buildings and places, particularly about previous owners and significant events that took place there.
‘These are the pieces of information that fill out the story of a place, and that really bring interest to it,? Johnson said.
Anyone with questions should contact the Orion Township offices at (248)391-0304.