History
Looking Back – March 2019
by Diane Rockall In recognition, preparation for and celebration of Women’s History Month, this column will veer a little from its norm and look back at local women who made it into our historical records, a major feat for the time. Space forbids the possibility of including all those who contributed to what we have […]
Sleigh Bells by Ron Kaiser
by Ron Kaiser The season brings the question: “Why do horses wear sleigh bells?” Do people just like to hear them ring, or do they serve a practical purpose? In earlier times, winter brought different modes of travel. Wagon boxes were moved from running gears to bob-sleds, and the buggy and surrey were replaced by […]
Looking Back – January 2019
Closing out 2018 the microfilm reader at Stockbridge’s Library is in for repair so no film copies of old papers are available to view. As a result this months column covers more recent history. Our library has been saving print versions for about thirty years and they are the source for this column. Twenty years ago […]
Happy birthday, Michigan: 182 years old and still scrapping with Ohio
by Ron and Arlene Kaiser What do Toledo, Ohio, Michigan Statehood, Robert E. Lee, the Upper Peninsula, Lake Michigan and the Maumee River have in common? Answer: the Toledo War, also known as the Michigan–Ohio War. This little-known conflict back in 1835 and escalated to the two state governors each deploying about 1,000 militiamen. Armed […]
Looking Back – December 2018
by Diane Rockall December 1968 the Stockbridge village iron removal plant became operational greatly improving the quality and taste of village water according to those interviewed. The postmaster Elmer Lehman encouraged early mailing for the Christmas holidays. Santa arrived at the “Stockbridge Ambulance Building” on Dec. 7, sponsored by area businesses. Stockbridge First Baptist Church had […]
Looking Back – November 2018
November 1918, 100 years ago, was a significant time for our community, our country and the entire world. On Nov. 11 of that year at 11 a.m. local time, Germany’s ruler signed a truce with terms ending World War I. President Woodrow Wilson previously had announced the exact time the war would end. In Stockbridge, […]
SAGHS 10th annual Cemetery Tour
2018 Stockbridge Area Genealogical/Historical Society Oaklawn Cemetery tour The tenth tour of Oaklawn Cemetery presented by the Stockbridge Area Genealogical/Historical Society was held October 7. Ten individuals who had a lot to do with making Stockbridge what it is today were brought back to life. Individuals featured were: Dr. Herman Brown, Corporal Edwin Parks, Merna […]
Looking Back – October 2018
One hundred thirty years ago, in 1888, the then-Stockbridge Sun editor W.B. Gildart reported on visitors to the community and surrounding areas, a slow recovery from illness by Charles Low, and the death of Mr. Chappell from Williamston at a pole-raising. The Detroit Journal, it was announced, was offering a $1,000 prize in gold for […]
Look Back in Time – September
One hundred years ago, Stockbridge was a quiet little town as were the many surrounding villages. School opened in the village on Sept. 3 and opened within a week in most other area communities. The Community School District was yet to be created. In Stockbridge (the village), Miss Carr resigned as principal and Miss McKenzie […]
Unadilla Township Police Department Celebrates Golden Anniversary
by Judy Williams Unadilla Township residents have had the good fortune to have their own local police department for 50 years. The township officially formed a police department March 19, 1968, with Earnest Clark hired as the first constable and serving until 1978. Constables served as the only peace officers until 1978. In 1978, […]