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THE STORY OF GREEN OAK TOWNSHIP HISTORICAL SOCIETY page 4 BY MARIEANNA BAIR Edna Peach, founder, served as president in 1990. Under her leadership, and her desire to spread the knowledge of the history of the township, a program was developed to host tours for the South Lyon Sayre Elementary School students at the Gage House Museum. Arrangements were made to bus the children to the site, knowledgeable docents were scheduled to each area of the museum and the farm yard, packets of information were prepared for each child. This program was a tremendous hit - children often requested their families return during the weekends from May through August. Much effort was spent on preparation of the site, indoors and out, by cleaning and setting up displays and exhibits. A list of procedures for the various rooms, including the cellar, ensured nothing was missed. It followed that a procedure for closing the museum for winter was prepared: drain water, cover exhibits, reduce heat, proper storage of vulnerable items, varmint control measures, security, etc. Having those procedures in place enabled inexperienced members to participate. Regular membership meetings, held at the township hall, began with Mary Griffiths presenting slides and a program on the history of the Livingston County Courthouse in January. In March, for members only, a resident opened an early home for touring. Photographer Duane Zemper invited members to bring their old photos to his program on Protecting Your Photos, in May In July a call went out for help with a three day yard sale at the museum. Proceeds paid the insurance which the Society was required by the DNR to provide. Plants and baked items were also donated. August 11, Green Oak Day was held at the museum with a picnic. Early farm/household crafts were demonstrated. Basket weaving, quilting, toys, carving and old cars were exhibited. Buzz-saw wood cutting was presented, old cars plus a "show and tell" rounded out the day. Visitors toured 12 rooms of artifacts in the museum. At the Annual Meeting Marvin Brosnan presented "You Oughta Have An Auto". The chronology of development, automotive giants, WWII and clothing evolution during the period were noted. A holiday gathering at the home of Herb and Ruth Munzel included all Society members. The Society was recognized for having the only farm house, 1839. as a museum in the state. Ruth Munzel was elected president in 1991. To continue the regular weekend hours for visitors, the tours of Sayre Elementary School children and the many other organizations who wished to tour, called for early and energetic work both in the museum and out. All summer long landscape work and regular grass mowing presented a "cared for" appearance of the site much appreciated by visitors. The elephant tree southwest of the house commanded the attention of a great number of admiring viewers. Special exhibits were developed using sewing machines, fabrics, dolls, early pantry and memorabilia housed in the museum. The guest register proved hundreds had visited by the end of summer. The continuing care of the Museum was a major concern. Roof re-shingling, foundation repair, continued attention to the large farm yard and repairs to the well combined to assure financial tumult. In addition to the newsletter several publications were underway. A collection of early residents’ memories and a history of Kensington 1850-1880 were being complied. It was determined a proper inventory of artifacts must be begun. The Livingston County Historical Society hosted area societies at the depot museum in Howell. The March meeting "The Life of Henry Clay Matrose the story of a Civil War Veteran, was by Phillip Crown, Larry and Jean Clark told of antique clocks in May. Ron and Karen Spangler, who had purchased the Bingham mansion, served as gracious hosts for the annual Green Oak Day. A picnic, a tour of the house, and Indian exhibit, art and crafts, old cars, drawing for a quilt and a dulcimer player were all part of the day’s festivities. "The Big Band Era" , narrated with pictures by Dr. Weldon Petz was well attended in September. Susan Cooper Finney told of "The Victorian Christmas Tree and Its Decoration" at the Annual Meeting after a pot luck dinner. The Society’s holiday gathering was hosted by Bert and Marieanna Bair.
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