Milk House on the Move in Oakland Township

Cranberry Lake Farm Historic District to receive a Milk House The new location had a milk house that burned in 1984. The Historic District Commission (HDC) intended to return a township milk house to the farmstead so people could learn more about our local agricultural history of dairy operations. In the early 1900s, local milk houses were used to store cans of milk sitting in cool water troughs. As people began to have their own kitchen refrigerators and grocery stores made it convenient … [Read more...]

The Man Who Went to School for 45 Years

The Rochester Community School District has named several of its buildings in honor of well-known educators, administrators, or civic leaders. However, the district’s oldest building is not named for a teacher or a public official—it is named after the building’s caretaker, who was a friend to all of the students he served during his 45-year tenure there. The 1889 school building as it appeared during William Harrison's tenure. The rise of Fourth Street as it approaches Wilcox Street was … [Read more...]

Oakland Township Seeks Historic District Commission Member

The Charter Township of Oakland welcomes residents that have a passion for our Township and local preservation. The HDC oversees local historic districts, offers guidance to homeowners, and attempts to educate residents on preserving our cultural heritage. The HDC also manages the operations of Cranberry Lake Farm (CLF) Historic District, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, a community gem being developed as a historic park and community historical center. will play a very … [Read more...]

Milo Prentice Newberry House Listed on National Register

Rochester House is Listed on National Register of Historic Places Michigan’s newest listing in the prestigious National Register of Historic Places is the Milo Prentice Newberry House in Rochester. The 1863 Italianate-Victorian farmhouse on Bloomer Road was listed in the National Register on October 9, after a yearlong process of application and review by state and federal officials.  Milo Prentice Newberry was part of one of the Rochester area’s pioneer families. He was born in New York … [Read more...]

Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm to Participate in Blue Star Museums

Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm is One of More Than 2,000 Museums across America to Offer Free Admission to Military Personnel and Their Families This Summer The Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm announces its participation in the ninth annual Blue Star Museums, a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 2,000 museums across America to offer free admission to the nation’s active duty military … [Read more...]

Oakland Township is Seeking a New Historic District Commission Member

The Charter Township of Oakland welcomes residents that have a passion for the Township and local preservation. The Historic District Commission (HDC) oversees local historic districts, offers guidance to homeowners, and attempts to educate residents on preserving the cultural heritage of the township. The HDC also manages the operations of Cranberry Lake Farm (CLF) Historic District, which includes the Axford-Coffin Farmhouse, a community gem listed in the National Register of  Historic … [Read more...]

How Ludlow Street Got its Name

Street and building names in a town often memorialize the people who helped to create them, but as time goes on and memories fade, the stories behind those names can become lost. Take, for example, Rochester’s Ludlow Street. Do you know for what or whom it is named?  The story of Ludlow Street starts with the Chapman family. William Clark Chapman and his brother, Charles Sherwin Chapman, grew up in and around Ludlow, Vermont. When William was 16 years old, the Chapman family moved from … [Read more...]

Rochester Hills Museum Community Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Founder’s Day Celebration

Rochester Hills Museum to Host Annual Founder’s Day Event March 11 The Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm will be inducting three new members into the Community Hall of Fame at the Founder’s Day Celebration on Sunday, March 11 at 2:00 p.m. The annual Founder’s Day program, sponsored by the Rochester Historical Commission, recognizes the founding of Rochester on March 17, 1817 by James Graham. This year’s event features renowned ragtime pianist, Bob Milne. Bob grew up in Rochester … [Read more...]

Six New Members to be Inducted into the Community Hall of Fame for Founder’s Day Celebration

Rochester Hills Museum to Induct Six New Members into the Community Hall of Fame The Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm will be inducting six new members into the Community Hall of Fame at the Founder’s Day Celebration on Sunday, March 12 at 2:00 p.m. The Founder’s Day program is sponsored annually by the Rochester Historical Commission to recognize the founding of Rochester on March 17, 1817 by James Graham. This year’s event features PBS personality Tom Daldin and his wife, Rochester … [Read more...]

Why the Rochester Elevator is NOT a Barn

Op-Ed: Why the Rochester Elevator is NOT a Barn During their August 8 meeting, members of the Rochester City Council discussed the pending development of the Rochester Elevator property. Council members were brought up to date on the negotiations and advised about the various options for preservation of the elevator structure. It is early days in the process, so no firm decisions have been made at this point. During public comment on this issue, Sue Douglas - formerly a member of both the … [Read more...]