SNOW AND MORE SNOW!!!

This photo was taken about 1915 and shows the west side of Fourth Avenue looking north from Second Street. Looks like they had a lot of snow that winter too and how did they clear the streets?? That would be a lot of shoveling!

QUILT SHOW 2009

A successful Quilt Show was the most recent activity at the Lake Odessa Museum Complex with a good crowd enjoying the creative handiwork of many local quilters. The Saturday and Sunday Show resulted in over fifty quilts that have never been displayed at the museum plus many other historical pieces. Newly quilted, vintage and antique quilts filled every available space with a large variety of patterns and colors. Many thanks to those who contributed their quilts and other items to make this show one of the best!

1913 SIGNATURE QUILT

One of the highlights of the recent Quilt Show was a quilt made in 1913 by the Christian Endeavor of the Lake Odessa United Brethren in Christ Church. With almost 500 signatures of local townspeople the quilt becomes an historical work of art. The quilt was created as a fund raiser with pieces being sold and then signed and pieced together. The quilt is in exceptional condition and was a stunning display as one entered the museum. Many comments could be heard as various spectators found names of relatives and friends. There appears to be only one person still living whose name was found on this quilt. Natalie Barker was eight years old in 1913 when the quilt was made and is now almost 105.

RAILROAD HISTORY

Constructed in 1887, the Lake Odessa Depot remains a landmark of local railroad history. The Depot structure was moved to its present location at 1117 Emerson Street, Lake Odessa, in 1988. Since that time it has been restored and has become a focal point of the Lake Odessa Museum Complex. Displays in the Depot interpret the history of the railroad beginning with the first passenger train that came through Lake Odessa on July 16, 1888. This railroad was a part of the Detroit, Lansing and Northern Railroad at that time. The engine shown in the picture above appears to be Pere Marquette number 378 (perhaps a Pere Marquette historian can help us in identifying this engine better!). The view is taken from the west looking east and is an excellent view of the Depot at its original location.

LOHS CLASS OF 1917

The Class of 1917....I bet they never dreamed their picture would be on a blog!!! This is an experiment in posting old pictures from our collections. It is hoped that this will be a new medium in sharing and identifying many scenes from our past. At the present the names of this class have not been matched to the faces. Can you help identify anyone?

BOOK SHOW FEB. 21-22

The Historical Society will be hosting a Book Show during our regular monthly hours on February 21 and 22. Displays will feature rare, unique and historical books and will be divided into categories, such as children's books, fiction, cook books, Bibles, etc. The museum has several interesting books in its collections but we are currently seeking books for donation or loan to be added to this upcoming display. If you have a book that may be of interest please contact John Waite or any Board Member.

WELCOME TO THE LOAHS BLOG!

This is an experiment taking the Lake Odessa Area Historical Society in a new direction! As we work to preserve our past we must also connect with the present and look to the future. This blog will be a means to connect with society members and friends and to reach out beyond our local community. Continue to watch this blog as it grows and improves. Your input is needed and welcomed so please "add your two cents" to help make this project successful.