TOTALLY LAKE O!

The recent exhibition of "TOTALLY LAKE O!" was a great success. The displays featured items manufactured or produced in Lake Odessa over the years. It was quite amazing to see many of these items and the great variety.....from canned vegetables to metal pieces fabricated for machines. The photo above shows an ironing board manufactured by the Lake Odessa Manufacturing Company in the late 1890's. A recent acquisition of the Society was one of these ironing boards...which made a great display. A local visitor brought in and loaned a "Water-Witch" Fishing Lure which is quite a novelty and brought a great deal of attention. All in all the week-end was of interest to many as the spotlight was on "Totally Lake O!"

THE VILLAGE PARK

Many memories are connected with the Lake Odessa Village Park. It has been a focal point of Lake Odessa since its beginning and continues to host each new generation. Its trees guard the village with their shade and provide a harbor of rest and peace for all who visit. The Lake Odessa Area Historical Society would like to collect stories, memories, events and things of interest connected with the Village Park. Do you have a memory that you could share? Click below on the comment section and leave your thoughts or contact the society by email or regular mail. Your stories make our history stay alive!

PERE MARQUETTE IN SUNFIELD

The Pere Marquette Railroad extends to the west of Lake Odessa toward Clarksville and to the east toward Sunfield. The history of this area is closely linked to the history of the Railroad in each of these communities. This photo shows a crew working on the railroad near Sunfield in perhaps the 1930's. No identification is connected with the photo so the faces remain nameless. What a wonderful "bit" of history is shown in their faces....a hard day's labor yet greatful for the job!

CLARKSVILLE-OUR LOCAL HISTORY!

The Lake Odessa Area Historical Society strives to chronicle history of not only this village but the surrounding area. It is defined generally as any location within the Lakewood School District....and this includes Clarksville! Clarksville has an active Historical Group but over the years many items connected with that area have been donated to our society. This photo shows a creamery in Clarksville...but no other information. Can anyone help out with where it was located, when it was in operation and any other details that may be of interest? It is a wonderful historical photo but further information is needed to give it a story! Can you help!! Let us know if you can!

GAS STATION HISTORY

The February meeting of the Lake Odessa Area Historical Society featured a history of our local gas stations. President John Waite shared some early background concerning this business and then opened the floor for additional input. Many had come prepared with their own memories and stories concerning the many stations over the years. Photographs added a rich blend as many recalled having "full service," hearing the bell ringing when driving in and the cold pop from the machine. A display covering this history is being collected and any additional information or photos would be greatly welcomed. The photo above shows the stone station located on Fourth Avenue and First Street. This unique building remains today and is an historic testament to the gas station business.

CHRISTMAS MEMORY TREES 2010

The Annual Christmas Memory Tree Program was held on Thursday, November 11, at the Lake Odessa Freight Station Museum. Approximately 60 gathered for the tenth year of this holiday tradition. Ornaments were hung as the names were read of almost 600 loved ones. These ornaments have all been donated in memory of someone and represent our family, friends and neighbors. Shown in the photos are above Betty Erickson hanging an ornament in memory of her father, Lee A. Hazel. Below is Rosemary Hickey hanging an ornament in memory of her sister, Marie O'Mara. This is a special time that begins our holiday season at the museum. The Memory Trees will remain up through January....come and check them out!

DARBY SCHOOL HISTORY

A recent donation to the Lake Odessa Area Historical Scoiety was a project completed by Jack and Elaine (Allarding) Garnaat and Phyllis (Lepard) Olmstead. The project is a collected book form and focuses on the history of the Darby School. This rural school was located in southern Campbell Township which later became part of the Lakewood School District. The book includes photographs of the school and students throughout the years, a copy of the abstract and deed for where the school property is located, documents related to teachers and students, a list of teachers plus a great deal of additional information related to the Darby School. This wonderful history is an addition to the collection of rural school histories that are housed in the School Room at the Lake Odessa Museum Complex. This history and others are available for public viewing and anyone interested in the Darby School or others are encouraged to stop by. There are still many other rural schools that need to be chronicled and it is hoped that this project will inspire others to do the same. Thank you for this great contribution and for all the work that was put into this!