GWBHS begins “Called by the Peal of the Bell” project - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"Called by the Peal of the Bell," a new undertaking by GWBHS, will describe and interpret the history of the West Bloomfield Schools. “Since its earliest settlements the residents in the West Bloomfield area have been deeply committed to education as the key to passing on their heritage and preparing their children to shape the future,” said Dr. Dennis Zembala of Linkedge Consulting and former director of the Detroit Historical Museum, who has been hired as project manager. In its first phase, “Peal of the Bell” will create a digital database of text and images about the stories of the children living in this area and the history of the school buildings they attended, past and present.
Daniel Whitfield School - Second Grade 1947 Keego Harbor School Keego Harbor School - The Rules of the Game Michigan Military Academy Ground Michigan Military Academy Cadets Pine Lake School Roosevelt School First Grade Roosevelt School Postcard Roosevelt School Scotch School Bus Scotch School Daniel Whitfield School Daniel Whitfield School 1919 Orchard Lakes Schools - Chemistry Lab Michigan Military Academy Mess Hall Green School - Class of 1932 Roosevelt School / Keego Harbor - Growth Chart Keego Harbor - Class of 1920 Keego Harbor Football - 1930 Keego Harbor School

Apple Island Tours - May 2012

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Apple Island Tours
Saturday, May 19, 11 am - 5 pm
Sunday, May 20, 11 am - 5 pm

Orchard Lake Museum
3951 Orchard Lake Road

Tour Tips and Info

  • Sign-up only in person at the Orchard Lake Museum, First-come, first-served sign-up begins at 11 am, no phone reservations
  • Last tour group leaves the museum at 3:30 pm - $15 for adults, $10 for children 12 years and under GWBHS members free, including new memberships
  • Time Travelers members receive $2 off admission
  • Professional photographer available to take color photo of your group on the island
  • Activities and demonstrations on the museum grounds
  • Wear walking shoes and dress for the weather as the boat ride and island are cooler than the shore
  • No strollers on the boats or island

New features on the always popular public tours of 35-acre, historic Apple Island in the middle of Orchard Lake are a docent-led island group tour and then, at your own pace, spend time with...

  • Genot Picor as a 1700s French - Huron Metis’ with storytelling & games
  • Mike Jewell as Mikwandahn demonstrating, Native-American life skills
  • Jeff Vallender portraying a 1700s explorer at his campsite
  • Ed & Dennis Milkowski families portraying 1740s - 1840s trappers at their campsite

Friends of Apple Island Spring Forum - April 18

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apple-island-pic-for-webFriends of Apple Island Spring Forum
Wednesday, April 18, 7-9 p.m.
Orchard Lake Community Church Presbyterian
5171 Commerce Road

Presented by archaeologist Dr. David Brose.
  • Update on the National Historic Place nomination.
  • Chief Pontiac: This controversial Ottawa leader challenged
British rule in the Midwest 250 years ago. He led a rebellion that failed to oust the British from Fort Detroit in 1763. Legend has it he was buried on Apple Island after assassination in 1769. Who was he? Why the controversy?

Fire House History Wednesday, March 28, 2012

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Fire House History
Wednesday, March 28, 7-8:30 p.m
Orchard Lake Museum, 3951 Orchard Lake Road
Please join us for a look back at our early fire department.
Retired Fire Chief Dan Miller will share memorable stories
and history of how the Tri-City Fire Department was founded and grew.

Underground Railroad - Wednesday, February 29, 2012

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West Bloomfield Main Library Meeting Room  7 - 9 p.m.
4600 Walnut Lake Road
Metro-Detroiters will share their knowledge of local history about the Underground Railroad.
• Bruce McIntyre on his Orchard Lake house
• Hildy Corbett on the Macomb County entry point Beacon Tree in Shelby Township
• Susie DiPace on the underground stop at the 1860 Andrus Octagon house in Washington Township

No charge.
Co-sponsored with the West Bloomfield Library.

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Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society

The Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society began as The Orchard Lake Scenic and Historical Society on January 28, 1974. At the first meeting in Abbott School's Community Room, the Reverend Walter J. Ziemba was elected president In May 1978 the name was changed to the Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society to reflect the involvement of Orchard Lake, Keego Harbor, Sylvan Lake, West Bloomfield Township and surrounding communities.

Keego Harbor

Orchard Lake

Sylvan Lake

West Bloomfield

About the Society

The GWBHS is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization. The Society's goal is to provide a vital museum to familiarize residents with the history of our area. Preserving our local heritage requires volunteers and financial support. Please consider joining today.