Freedom Township, Michigan - Freedom Township 175th Anniversary Picnic and History Day a Big Success

The Organizing Committee is pleased to report on a very successful 175^th anniversary picnic and related history events on September 26 and 27. We were blessed with a miraculous change in weather, and a turnout approaching 300 township residents and other guests who returned to the township to remember their earlier lives here.

We began with a picnic under tents at the Township Hall, consisting of hot dogs, hamburgers and brats served with a variety of drinks. The meal was supplemented by a large variety of home-cooked potluck dishes. Children’s activities included a moonwalk, games and coloring books. A display of antique farm equipment drew the attention of many visitors. Indoors, we had a display of historic farm tools, artifacts and maps, as well as family history research being conducted on-line for our visitors. Take-home historic photograph placemats and pens were provided.

Many of our picnic guests re-established old friendships.

State Representative Pam Byrnes presents the 175th tribute to Supervisor Dale Weidmayer.

We also provided copies of the newly-published history book “Freedom Township – The Early Days” to our donation sponsors, and sold copies to other interested guests. This 157 page book provides a good sampling of historical material on Freedom Township, available both in our Freedom Township archives, and in other public domain sources. Copies are available for $ 15.00 by contacting Bob Miller (734-428-8222) or Ray Berg at rayberg@att.net.

The Antique Farm Equipment Display

Overall View of the Picnic

At 7:00 PM, the celebration moved inside the township hall. Welcoming remarks were provided by Dale Weidmayer, Township Supervisor, and tributes from State Rep. Pam Byrnes and County Commissioner Jessica Ping were presented. Historical remarks, introduction of special guests, and presentation of gifts to honorees were made by Robert Miller, Township Historian. A door prize drawing was conducted by Beth Heuser, including reproductions of the historic 1874 Freedom Township map, two historic Michigan maps donated by David Davis, walking sticks handmade by Bob Miller, flower bulbs provided by C. R. O. W., and Haab’s Restaurant gift certificates. The evening closed with a historical presentation by Ray Berg on Freedom Township’s early days.

Inside the Township Hall during the presentations.

Activities continued on Sunday, September 27, with church tours of the four Freedom Township churches: Bethel United Church of Christ, Zion Lutheran Church, St. Thomas Lutheran Church, and St. John’s United Church of Christ.

We thank the Organizing Committee of Bob Miller, Beth Heuser, David Davis and Ray Berg, and our many volunteers, for their work. We are also extremely pleased by the very generous donations of our sponsors, which far exceeded our initial expectations.

A complete list of our sponsors and volunteers is available by downloading our program.

Thank you for coming!

Jean Little receives tribute of appreciation for services of Bob Little.

The Moonwalk was a big success!