THE STORY OF GREEN OAK TOWNSHIP HISTORICAL SOCIETY

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BY MARIEANNA BAIR

In 1998 the Society’s newsletter and the year’s program were geared to commemorate the centennial of the Spanish/American War. This event was June 13-14, at Island Lake on the site of Camp Eaton, the training facility for the Michigan National Guard. The Society collaborated with the Brighton Area Historical Society, Great Lakes Living History Society and the Historical Society of Michigan, with support from the Island Lake Recreation Area. In March, Dave Washburn and Greg Beck of the GLLHS displayed and interpreted their collections of Spanish/American War memorabilia. At the May Meeting, John Field told ‘The Rest of the Story’ of life and times in Green Oak during that period.

Invitations were sent, publicity conducted, speakers contacted, a program planned, musical groups scheduled, supplies and materials donations requested, food ordered, families of local Spanish/American War veterans contacted, displays prepared (including suffragists), parking set up, etc., etc. June 13 came and, the weather (over which no committee has control) cooperated. An overflow crowd responded. Members of the Boys of ‘98/Michigan National Guard presented the colors. Jan Plas, Green Oak Township Supervisor welcomed all. Dave Washburn recounted events of that war. Hugh Gurney, Historical Society Michigan, told of the significance of that war, and the marker was rededicated ( the original defaced marker had been replaced by the Ann Arbor News.). The governor’s office, Michigan National Guard, 26th district legislators, local township supervisors, and the local press all commended the participants involved. The granddaughter of a veteran was present. ( Later that year Washburn and both local historical society’s received awards of merit from the Historical Societies of Michigan for their outstanding efforts.)

The second day the GLLHS conducted skirmish tactics in uniform on horse back. Visitors took advantage of enjoying a parade of colors, and weapon demonstrations. Many visitors appreciated being able to examine the tents and various equipment. The Michigan 5th Regimental Band and the Livingston County Concert Band provided stirring music of the period.

However, the Gage House Museum was not to be neglected. Thirteen volunteers helped get it ready for the year. The South Lyon Sayre third grade enjoyed the tours, the elephant tree, the manual typewriters, the rope bed in the attic, etc. Fourteen docents hosted those days and during the summer’s open weekends.

Suddenly it’s August and Green Oak Day must be kept. A picnic at the museum included a chance to tour the museum and examine the centennial memorabilia exhibit. A tour to Waterloo Area Farm Museum in September provided another version of Historic preservation. The October Annual Meeting was held at the fire station on E. Grand River. Elections were conducted, bylaws and dues changes accepted and the Hamburg Township VFW presented a U.S. Flag to the Society. Following closing of the museum for the year papering of an upstairs bedroom by Marieanna Bair and Gerry Macks, plus refurbishing help of many others, would provide fresh new display areas.

The South Lyon Board of Education was urged to name the new elementary school, being built in Green Oak, the Warden Elementary School to memorialize the early township family. This was denied. Attention brought to township cemeteries by the preparation of notebooks detailing the history and burials in each prompted the township board to assume more responsibility for their care.