Renovating Historic

Township Hall

The Historical Society greatly appreciates this show of support by the Township.  It will encourage past, current and prospective donors.  A large amount of work is still needed to bring the 19th century Township Hall to 21st  century standards while keeping it as historically accurate as possible.

The Society was striving to complete at least the exterior  of the 1856 Township Hall by its 150th birthday in 2006, but we will miss the mark.  We do hope to finish the exterior in the spring.

PRESERVATION OF HISTORIC DISTRICT UNDERWAY

“ 1856 HISTORIC TOWNSHIP HALL"

The renovation and restoration of this wonderful 1856 Township Hall right here in our own community  brings the national preservation movement  to Green Oak.

The Township Board designated this building and the grounds an Historic District in 2000, at the suggestion of the Green Oak’s Historic District Study Committee and after review by the State Historic Preservation Office. It is one of eight structures to be named so far in the township.  The “1856 Historic Township Hall” is the only one open to the public. The other seven are private homes.

The renovation/restoration project began with the foundation.  As any good project, you start at the bottom.  The foundation was in very poor shape.  The hall had to be jacked up and all of the old foundation removed.  A new wider foundation was poured and new floor joists installed.  Now the Society literally has a new foundation to build on.  The floor in the hall has been leveled and new siding has been installed along the bottom of the exterior along with a vapor barrier and new sub-floor.  

All of this work has been done at a very reasonable rate, new windows  have been installed, which are historically correct  in design, plus thermo-pane of the best quality.

We have installed new heating ducts under the floor in the meeting hall, so as to be ready when our fundraising committee can raise the funds for a new furnace.  This along with the addition of insulation should provide us with a warm place next winter along with reduced heating costs. 

We have now completing the roof repairs & overhangs on the addition.  All new shingles were installed on the  roof  in March.  The building was painted last spring, and a new front door has been hung.  These projects will continue as funding becomes available.

HUGE OPPORTUNITY FOR FUND-RAISER VOLUNTEERS

You could be the person we are looking for.  Do you have some free time on your hands? Do you like working with people. There is a huge opportunity to help the Society with our current fund-raising efforts.  Could this  be something you would be interested 

Our current Fund-Raiser, "engraved Pavers".

The Historical Society is continually engaged in fund-raising to pay operating expenses such as gas, electric, telephone, alarm system, insurance, postage, plus cleaning-office-exhibit & program supplies plus the renovation and restoration costs of the 1856 Historic Township Hall. 

We are currently seeking Pledges from local individuals and corporations, while a small group works on grants. The community has been very generous when it comes to our Annual Garage Sale, which is in its third year. We have revenue coming in during the year from the  Re-Sale Shop, and from the sale of books & other publications that help supplement the costs of running the Society.

Volunteer opportunities include all levels of time and talent.  Please consider responding to the challenge. Contact Jo Ann Williams to explore the possibilities.

248-437-8461 or JoWilliams@aol.com