Song of the Heron, Reflections on the History of West Bloomfield

Song of the Heron is a book written by local historian Charles H. Martinez on the history of West Bloomfield Township. The manuscript has been under development for several years and will be available for sale during the Island of Time event. The hard-bound, 260-page book will sell for $25. The author will be available Friday evening during the rendezvous to sign books. You can also order a copy using our mail-in order form.

Chapter 1: "Who's On First?"

Takes the reader from the Pleistocene (Ice Age) through successive climatic changes until the arrival of the first Native Americans in this area (Paleo-Indians) circa 10.000 B.C. Then follows a parade of other inhabitants (Archaic Indians) circa 8,000-1,000 B.C. and (Woodland Indians) circa 1,000 B.C.-A.D. 1,600. Each cultural group is described by their respective lifestyles. The protohistoric period (early contact) concludes this chapter and finds the presence of two major cultural forces: the Algonquian language group and Iroquoian speakers who would be at central stage for the arrival of Europeans.

Chapter 2 "The Lilies And The Lion"

Traces the arrival of the French and British in the region and their impact on native Americana here. Talks about trade networks, items exchanged, and forts. Ends with Chief Pontiac's War (1763) and his legendary presence in the Orchard Lake area. 

Chapter 3 "The Yanks Are Coming!"

Tells of the establishment of American government here, the arrival of surveyors, existing Indian reservations in Oak1and County, early white explorations into area, first landowners, motivations for settlement, pioneer life and the challenges met, and transition from Territory to Statehood.

Chapter 4 "Beautiful Isle Of Somewhere"

Apple Island -its owners and legends in prose and poetry.

Chapter 5 "Bringing In The Sheaves"

Variety of soils, timber, and water resources tempt farmers; creation of the homestead and the crops eventually produced; description of livestock; the farmer's health and that of his herds; national politics - slavery and the Underground Rai1road; the Civil War's impact.

Chapter 6 "Cannons, Crosses, And Cottages"

Story of the Michigan Military Academy and later that of the Polish Seminary and St. Mary's. Prep, resorts and summer homes become popular, interest in Sylvan Lake and growth of other communities.

Chapter 7 "Gathering Momentum"

Prominent landowners in first decades of 20th century, farming remains the major occupation, invention of the telephone and electing lights along with autos and motorized delivery of goods and services bolster social, intellectual, and economic contacts with outside world, advent of World War I, and the entrance into the decade of the "Roaring Twenties."

Chapter 8 "Le Vent de Mort"

The tornado of March 20, 1976 - a disaster tests the character of a community.