MILITARY DISPLAY COMING SOON!

This display of military photos was exhibited during World War II in 1943. Community members were asked to bring a photo of their family members who were in the service. This was a great reminder of who was serving our country at that time. The Lake Odessa Area Historical Society will be hosting a Military Display and Tribute during Memorial Day Week-end 2009. Displays will feature all eras from the Revolutionary War to the present. The Society is asking those that have photos, memorabilia and other items related to anyone who has served in the military at any time to please loan, donate or share your items for this display. It is the goal of the society to represent everyone who has served our country from the Lakewood area.

For more information please contact the Society through this blog or by email.

WOODLAND HIGH SCHOOL

On Saturday, May 16, the Woodland High School Alumni will hold their annual Alumni Reunion at the Woodland School. The Lake Odessa Area Historical Society chronicles all of our AREA history and this includes Woodland. The photo above was taken in 1907 of the Woodland School showing the interior of the first school building. There is no identification on this picture and if anyone can help with this please contact the Society. Congratulations to those who will be gathering this Saturday and to those celebrating 50 years.....the Class of 1959!!!!

(Notice that this picture was taken on May 8......102 years ago today!)

MAIN STREET

Even though this photo is not dated there is not any question where it is! Main Street Lake Odessa is unmistakable......the landscape has remained pretty constant over the years. Some things are noticeably changed today....the absence of the water tower, the brick street, etc. But, for the most part anyone who grew up in Lake Odessa would recognize the scene. The street was laid out as Fourth Avenue in 1887 as the town was first platted. It is hard to imagine but before this time a small creek ran from the west to the southeast directly through this area. The water still runs underground in what is known as the Brisbin Drain. The photo above depicts a quiet small town....one that holds a great deal of memories for many. The stores have changed, the people have changed but the street remains as a landmark of our history.

LOHS 1959

June 27, 2009, will soon be here and the Class of 1959 will be celebrating their 50th Anniversary! The photo above shows this class.....we don't have the names put with the faces so if anyone can give us identification that would be a great help! All classes will gather on June 27 for the Alumni Reunion and the Lake Odessa Museum Complex will host an Open House featuring all classes and the history of Lake Odessa High School. Make plans to be a part of this memorable time.....this is open to everyone in the community even if you didn't graduate from Lake Odessa High! We are working toward the inclusion and transition to Lakewood High School and its history and a display will be included covering that history also.

PLANTING THE FUTURE

It was great to have several of the "younger" generation share in the recent Mother-Daughter Tea. Planting strawberry plants was a treat and each one was able to take some home. One of the goals of the Lake Odessa Area Historical Society is to continue to encourage younger interest and this is just one more example of this. Look for more activities as we plant for the future!

MOTHERS, DAUGHTERS, TOURS AND MORE!

It was a busy time around the Museum this past week-end! That's exciting! There was the Garden's Club Perennial Exchange, the Mother-Daughter Tea and the Tri-Rivers Museum Tour. Lots of activity to kick off the month of May. Robin Michalski and Alma Gray organized the Mother-Daughter Tea which was a great success. Some new faces were in the crowd and that was great to see! A nice afternoon of sharing and good refreshments emphasised the special relationship between mothers, daughters and grandmothers. Thank you to all who helped make this a special time. In the midst of this, the Tri-Rivers Museum Tour brought in several out of town guests who got a taste of the many varied interests that are focused on here in Lake Odessa.

IT'S PLANTING TIME!

The Lake Odessa Garden Club held its annual Perrenial Exchange this past Saturday at the Lake Odessa Museum Complex. It was a great time to trade plants, get garden tips and be motivated to go home and garden! The Lake Odessa Garden Club is part of the Lake Odessa Area Historical Society and maintains the flower gardens on the museum grounds. Their dedication and expertise make a beautiful setting for the historical buildings. The Garden Club meets the first Monday of each month at the Lake Odessa Museum and is open to anyone interested in gardening. For more information please contact the Society. Don't these ladies look like they are having fun???!!!!! Thanks Garden Club for a great job!!!!