THE STORY OF GREEN OAK TOWNSHIP HISTORICAL SOCIETY

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BY MARIEANNA BAIR

The year 2000 would prove to be a beginning of a very difficult period for the Society. However, the able leadership of Newly elected president Gerry Macks, and the support of her responsible board, came to the fore and rose to the challenge.

The Annual Use Permit for 2000, from the Island Lake Recreation Area (DNR) was not forthcoming. This would be the first time in 20 years there would be no need to ready the Gage House Museum for visits from local elementary students, other organizations nor weekend visitors. By October 1, the Gage House Museum site was to be vacated. Many options were reviewed. Many society members and township board members searched for solutions to the crisis; none work.

To where would the artifacts, etc., be moved and safely stored? The Society board gratefully accepted the use of a dry, secure barn offered by township resident and business owner, Steve Gronow. He also provided a truck and labor to help with the move. The moving crew, comprised of many members, packed boxes, labeling and listing every item. The pea/bean threshing machine, donated by Loren Read, went to a new home; the Rentschler Farm Museum in Saline. In March, Green Oak Lodge, newly opened headquarters of the Wheels Organization, donated $5,000.00 to help preserve artifacts in the Society’s care. The principal at Brummer School, Dr. Anna Brunn, offered storage for archival written materials which were to be filed. These included much ephemera from James and Donna Taylor. Regular cataloging dates were scheduled at the school.

The Gage House Museum, and all for which it stood, was brought to an unhappy conclusion.

Even with al the emotional anxiety, physical work involved with the move, the Society continued to function. The newsletter was published regularly; early house histories were included. Readers were assured the "Society is committed to pursue its mission - with or without a museum." Mona Wenzel Day was observed, recognizing her contributions, at the Greenock Mill during the membership meeting in March. Mona was moving to Florida. Rhonda and Jim Fackert hosted this meeting as well as the one in May at which Diane Wynings presented ‘The Life of Kinsley S. Bingham’. At the invitation of Jim and Sandra Tuthill Green Oak Day in August was held at the Tuthill Farms. ‘From Trash to Treasure - the benefits of Compost’ included wagon ride tours of the entire complex. The Annual Meeting was a pot luck at the Fire Station on Whitmore Lake Road. ‘What’s New at the Old Rushton Mill’ was presented. The December Christmas lunch was held at the Brighton House restaurant.

The township-appointed Historic District Commission (which included several society members) recommended six sites for historic district recognition, including the 1856 Township Hall.