April 2012 - Spring Issue

Remus Area Historical Society (RAHS)

a nonprofit tax exempt organization

324 S. Sheridan, P. O. Box 71, Remus, MI 49340

Our Past, Your Future"

Consumers Energy Foundation awards Preserving Heritage Grant

The Consumers Energy Foundation has awarded the Remus Area Historical Society $1,000 toward a project named Preserving Heritage. protect against the main causes of deterioration of historical records and artifacts while conserving energy and cost. the Foundations commitment to Michigan Growth and Education, Community and Civic projects. The new conservation and preservation items will help to preserve artifacts. Museum displays educate residents and visitors about lessons we have learned from our history while celebrating the areas significance. Shown at left accepting the award from Yolanda Lewis of the Consumers Energy Foundation is Linda Howard, RAHS Board President.

Inside this issue:

Collection News Area Churches display Old School Photos Fall Fest Oct. 13, 2012 Sports & Recreation display New Book about Remus Spring Tea Quilt Trail Ed Walch Jr Memorial Work Day May 10, 2012 Veterans Display Match Day Donors 2011 Donors 2012 Donors Contact Info Purpose Statement Museum Hours Communication Display Loan 6 5 June 9, 2012 4 3 2

While recognizing the The project is designed companys 125th anniverto better monitor for and sary, the project also fit

Antique Quilt Block Billboards for Sale

Quilt Block painting on wood, for outdoor decoration. Hang them on your barn, garage, porch or shed! There are six block designs used by area ancestors from which to choose. Each one is made of heavy materials with multiple coats of paint to endure Michigan weather and the edges are trimmed. You can choose your own colors. We can create a trail like Osceola County did! (See page 4)

The Quilt Boards are available in a large size 4 x 4 for $150 or small size 2x 2 for $75. For more information, contact Sherry Marks at (231) 250-2441, email tsmarks1967@gmail.comH, or Mary Simon (989) 5612768, or send an email to HUmuseum@winntel.netUH.

Collection News (Contributors since October)

Dave AbelCivil Defense Box that hung in school Kathryn BennettChilds desk Mary & Terry Batchelder -Porcelain enamel Hershels Milk Chocolate Cow sign, Remus Heritage Barns poster, 4 barn postcards from Lakeview, 3 poster size barn info, 2 large framed quilt block pictures, 1 large framed Barn Picture, Notebook of Barn Memorabilia Tom Diehmnumerous old newspapers Karen DeLongChristmas String Lights that hung in Remus for years Linda Howard -Race Horse Poster of Hal Red Cloud, grandson of Electioneer, Book 30 Years in Pictures 1960-1990, Mecosta County 4H Plat Books 2003, 2007, 1996, 1972 Dale Karcher -carpenters hand saw, corn planter, kerosene can, Stanley circular skil saw, paste brush, wooden pulley Julie & Denny Nelson -2 old polaroids Dorothy Lipar -photos and news clippings of the area and of Remus Heritage Days Karen RhodeGerman Bible and Songbook Sandy May Roberts -1933 Girl Scout Manual that belonged to Alice May Wheatland Twp -Bundy Mountain Jubilee book from the old theatre, 1868 & 1908 Wheatland Union Cemetery receipts log and record of meetings

Come see the International Harvester Potato Digger located in south yard of the museum. The tractor shaft powered implement was used in the 1940s by area farmers. Donated by Don Hatfield and installed by Tom Marks, the equipment reflects the areas agricultural heritage.

Area Churches Display Under Development

Churches and faith based organizations were all important to the growth, development and support of area families, and, continue to be a mainstay of our area. Under the leadership of Ken Todd, the Museum is developing a new display that will celebrate the history of area churches. Churches or faith based organizations located in one of our ten township are invited to showcase your history. Artifacts that have dates, names of original donors, and, stories about the items history add to the intrigue of the item. Depending on the response, each display might need to be limited to 3 by 3. It might include: the story of your origin, founding families, baptismal clothes, a hymnal, photographs, birth, death, wedding, or funeral records, old Sunday school materials, an old family bible, communion certificates, jubliees, a chalice, hand bells, etc. Larger items that might represent your church might include a choir robe, a stained glass window, an old pulpit, a pew, etc. Items can be donated or loaned.

To confirm your groups participation please contact Ken Todd, Vice President of Remus Area Historical Society (989) 967-8249, by email at kentodd@cmsinter.net or stop by the museum on Wednesdays.

Old School Photo Project Continues

Ed Walch, Jr. started the Old School Photo project and after he became ill, Gary Cox began working with the Wheatland Township Library, and, Frank J Boles, CMU Clarke Historical Library historian/archivist, to get the old graduating class composite photos from 1925 1967 scanned. As of March 31st, the last batch of 19 photos of the 43 originals had been delivered to CMU to be scanned. Once scanned RAHS plans to print, mount and display them in the museums Old Schools Display. Each photo, like the 1937 class shown at right, will cost $36 to print and mount. If your family or your graduating class would like to adopt a year or contribute toward this project, please contact Gary at Ph (989) 561-2848 or by email Garylizcox@aol.com.
Page 2 Remus Area Historical Society (RAHS)

SECOND FALL FEST IS SCHEDULEDOCTOBER 13, 2012

The first ever Fall Fest was held in October 2011. Despite the weather, the event was a success. There were hands-on demonstrations like the cider press, weaving and spinning and petting zoo. Amish baked goods and candied popcorn and free locally made cheese! Many arts and craft vendors as well as a group of old time musicians entertained folks in the Township Hall. The scare crows all over town were a big draw! There were even horse-drawn carriage rides and locally produced garden items for sale. A former Remus resident, Mary Batchelder, gave an interesting presentation about the use, designs and purposes of barns to a standing room only crowd. A quilt block sign was presented to Remus Lumber in appreciation of their long support. So we are doing it again on October 13th!
If you or your organization would like space to sell area made products, educate the public about your business, demonstrate an old time craft, play music, or want to help plan or participate, we would like to hear from you! Email: museum@winntel.net

Deer Mount for new Sports and Recreation Display

A whitetail deer mount was hung in the museum lobby. The deer was taken by Ken Lobert on the Lobert Family Farm in Wheatland Township. The farm has been owned by the Lobert family since 1908 when the homestead was first purchased by Joseph and Julia Lobert. Although Ken Lobert has resided outside the state since 1988, he makes sure to make it back to Remus several times a year; including opening days for both deer and duck season as well as Remus Heritage Days. Ken is shown at right with son Max Lobert, age five, representing generation number five. When Kens father, Keith was growing up on the farm he would see deer tracks but rarely see deer. Keith didnt see a deer there until he was eight years old. Now deer are plentiful and the Remus area has some of the best deer hunting in the state drawing outdoor sportsmen and women from across the nation. The mount, provided on loan, coincides with the museums efforts to create a new Sports and Recreation display. If you have items that depict the areas Sports and Recreation history such as trophies, team photos, old fishing lures, or baseball bats, please contact Dawn Snyder at (989) 561-5469. 7th Annual Spring Tea Saturday, June 9, 2012, 2 p.m.
Tea, Cookies, Fancy Hats, Tribute to Ed Walch, Silent Auction, Music, and moreat the museum, 324 S. Sheridan , Remus. Because the cost this year is on a donation only basis we need to know how many will be attending, so please reserve your seats by contacting Sue Sheehan (989) 9673443, or , Mary Batchelder by email at mbatchelder69@yahoo.com .

New Book About Remus Area Compiled Don Hatfield, John Oswald and Gary Cox have been working on a new book about the Remus area and early families. Johns granddaughter Lily, a sophomore at St. John University in Queens, New York, is compiling the information as part of a writing and publishing project. They also enlisted the help of Char Lenon for copies of photos and documents the museum had already collected. Dons grandSpring 2012

son Zack Hatfield, and, Deb Bruener, both teachers at Chippewa Hills, are also helping. Don and John are conducting and filming oral history interviews with area elders. The goal is to have the book ready for sale by Remus Heritage Days. For more information contact Don at (989) 560-3224 or John at (989) 967 3416 or email museum@winntel.net.

Remus Area Historical Society (RAHS)

Building a local trail...

Elsie Vredenburg gave a presentation on the Osceola County Quilt Trail at our November 9th, 2011 annual meeting. That Quilt Trail is part of a volunteer public art movement that extends across the United States. The trail not only celebrates rural heritage but draws tourists that enjoy following the trail to locate the over 79 quilt blocks. They are mounted on barns, homes, businesses, township halls, fire barns and post offices all across Osceola County. Shown with Elsie is Sherry Marks holding one of the many quilt blocks produced by Remus Area Historical Society.

Ed Walch, Jr.
We bid a sad farewell to our board member, tech advisor and good friend Ed Walch, who passed away on December 14, 2011. He was a sweet man, always ready to help. He maintained the museum computers, initiated the Remus website, led the Post Office section of the Communications project, began the Old School Photos project and more. He is greatly missed. You are invited to join us in a memorial tribute to Ed on June 9, 2012 at 2:00 oclock at the annual Spring Tea. See page 3.

You can order your own quilt block in your own colors or design in either the large or small size. For more information, contact Sherry Marks at (231) 250-2441, email tsmarks1967@gmail.comH, or Mary Simon (989) 561-2768, simon4ma@yahoo.com.

WORK DAY PLANNED ! Please join Erna Lobert and other volunteers on Thursday, May 10, 2012 during a Museum Yard Clean-up Day. The day starts at 8:30 a.m. and continues until about 1:00 p.m. You do not need to work all day. Come for an hour or for the morning. We welcome any amount of time you can spare Please mark your rakes and shovels and bring them along.

PHOTO OF ED WALCH

THANK YOU TO HONOR OUR VETERANS DONORS

A SPECIAL THANK YOU to those that contributed to the Honor Our Veterans display:

American Legion Post 240 in Blanchard for making a gift of $100. Veterans of Foreign Wars Albert Schiffer Post 2335 for making a gift of $500.

If you have Veteran items for the display, please contact Mary Simon at (989) 561-2768 or Gary Cox at (989) 561-2768.

Page 4

Remus Area Historical Society (RAHS)

Thank you Match Day donors and Mecosta County Community Foundation!
On November 3, 2011, the Mecosta County Community Foundation received donations designated to Remus Area Historical Society. These gifts were matched by the Foundation up to fifty cents on the dollar. For more information, see www.mecostagives.com. MATCH DAY 2011 was the single largest one-day fundraiser in Mecosta County history.
Thanks to your support, Remus Area Historical Society received $ 4037.74 (your gifts and MATCH DAY funds.)

MATCH DAY DONORS

Bandit Industries Nancy Baldwin Pamela Burke Jane/Bruce Carlson Marjorie Chandler in honor of Ray & Ann Simon Robert/Christine Cook Gary/Carrol Cox Art Diehm Cynthia Diehm Karen/Ed DeLong Nancy Doyle Audrey DuBois Pamela S. /Michael J. Forbes Edwin Gingrich GFWC Heart of the Lakes-Mecosta Neil/Linda Hopp Isabella Bank Hometown Health Foods Darlene Howard Linda Howard Hosking and Killian Dentistry Arnold & Isabella Kempton Patrick Kowaleski Chris/Fred Kuebler Char Lenon M.E. Lobert Patricia Loers Wayne/Jean May Tom/Sherry Marks Steve/Karen Moore Maureen Nelson Michael/Diane Ockert Elsie Packard Sue Parker in memory of Carl & Ardyth Wernette Jann/Dowayne Parks Mary Jane Post Beatrice Ransom Remus Bowling Center Remus Heritage Days Remus Lumber Company Remus Tavern Robert/Bonnie Ruetz Sackett Potatoes William/Beverly Sheehan Ron/Paula Smith Larry/Elizabeth Snider Sweeney-Holbeck-Schuberg Insurance Beverly Visser Charles/Sharon Wernette Jack Wernette

OTHER 2011 CONTRIBUTORS

Doyle & Dorothy Esch John & Nancy (May) Doyle Mike Gingrich Don & Edna Hatfield Harriet Marks Craig & Dianne Nasson Ken & DeLoris Todd Mecosta County Community Foundation Community Needs grant toward a new Sports and Recreation display

2012 CONTRIBUTORS
Terry and Mary Batchelder Linda Berry

Spring 2012

Page 5

Remus Area Historical Society (RAHS)

324 S. Sheridan, P. O. Box 71 Remus, MI 49340
For more information, call Linda Howard (989) 967-3468, Char Lenon (989) 967-8153, or Sherry Marks (231) 250-2441 or Email: museum@winntel.net .
H H

COMMUNICATION DISPLAY for LOAN The Communications display is now available for loan to area Schools, Museums, Libraries or other public sites. The display kit comes with an EARLY COMMUNICATIONS 66 sign and two large tubs of materials. One tub contains tin can phones, an old crank phone, old rotary dial and push button phones, an early car phone, educational cards, photos of Barryton switchboard workers, a notebook, and information boards. The second tub includes examples of insulators on posts, old phone wire, modern cable, area phone company histories, and a linemans belt, gear and spurs for climbing poles. The display was made possible by gifts from the Blanchard Telephone Association, Inc., The Foundation for Rural Education and Development (FRED) affiliated with the Organization for the Promotion and Advancement of Small Telecommunications Companies (OPASTCO), Mecosta County Community Foundation, Remus Heritage Days, and, supporters of Remus Area Historical Society. Your site may reserve the kit for one, three, six or twelve months for a donation to the Remus Area Historical Society. To make loan arrangements, contact Pamela Burke at (989) 9678808 or email museum@winntel.net.

If you wish to be deleted from this list or if this email should have been directed to a different email address please let us know.

WERE ON THE WEB!

WWW.REMUS.ORG

Because Remus Area Historical Society, Inc. is an incorporated tax exempt nonprofit, all gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law. The purpose of the Remus Area Historical Society, Inc., an educational and charitable organization, is to celebrate the heritage, and preserve the cultural and historical resources, of the Townships of Wheatland, Broomfield, Rolland, Millbrook, Colfax, Morton, Martiny, Austin, Hinton, Sheridan, and surrounding area.

MUSEUM HOURS:
The Museum is open to residents and visitors every Wednesday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 2 through October 31. Volunteers are welcome to help staff the museum, Memorial Day through Labor Day this summer on Saturdays 11-3. If you are interested, contact Ken Todd (989) 967-8249, email kentodd@cmsinter.net , or, Char Lenon (989) 967 8153 email cklenon@frontier.com.
H H

and a new Genealogy computer station! The genealogy computer station has internet access and a scanner and printer. It is free and available to the public whenever the museum is open. Online and printed Genealogy resources are also available. COME TO A MEETING! Regular meetings are held the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 5 p.m. at the museum. Come find your niche. Propose a project or topic that you would find of interest.

Check out the handicapped ramp entrance made possible by your gifts and grants! Come see the brightened upstairs with its new coat of paint