The year 2007 for the Salem Area Historical Society was one of big changes and lots of activity. The biggest news, of course, was the raising of the Dickerson Barn on the Salem Area Historical Society property. After many years and hundreds of volunteer hours SAHS hired a Barn Wright, Ken Brock, to reconstruct our 1830’s barn. Ken and his crew worked through the winter and spring to prepare the structure for its raising, which began on Tuesday, June 12th. The construction has ended for this year with the temporary installation of the doors that enclosed the barn for the winter. There is still much to do in 2008 on the Dickerson Barn. Among the goals for 2008 are making the doors functional, laying the floor, painting the walls and building the entrance ramps.
2007, also, saw the SAHS celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the building of the Jarvis-Stone School by holding a Birthday Picnic with Croquet on July 15th. There was attendance by members and non-members alike along with good press coverage. Warren Todd, once again, was the star of the Croquet Matches. Helen Gierman gave a presentation on the history of the school. Salem Township District No. 3 convened an elementary class for 110 consecutive years from 1857-1967 in our one-room schoolhouse. But this was not the only highlight for the school. Besides the regular use of it for the teaching of Latin by Don Riddering, it also hosted three SAHS General Membership meetings, three SAHS Board meetings and one private dinner party. In November, a crew of SAHS volunteers spent a couple of days replacing, repairing and painting its exterior trim to get it read for its 151st Michigan winter. Also, Jim DiMilia led a crew of volunteers for his Eagle Scout project. The tasks included building a ramp for the back door, refurbishing the Merry-Go-Round, and landscaping around the school, shed, sign and trees.
SAHS held its most successful Annual Dinner Auction on February 17th at Fox Hills Golf Course Clubhouse in terms of attendance (72), number of items auctioned (80+) and funds raised ($3,000+). The list of items and donors that were auctioned can be seen on our SAHS Website at: Annual Dinner/Auction.
This year’s auctioneer, Terry Cwik, had help entertaining the crowd during the event by Gilbert Terry and Randy Betki. The event included a presentation to Don Riddering for his many years of service and dedication to the SAHS and a birthday cake for him. This event was a success because of the many volunteers that worked behind the scenes to make it happen especially the gathering of the auction items.
In March at our annual election/dinner meeting, the presidency of SAHS changed for the first time in over 20 years. Don was finally able and willing to past the torch. This year’s meeting included presentations on “Easy Gardening”, “The History of Food Co-Ops from England to the Present” and “Yankee Air Museum.”
SAHS, once again, participated in the Annual Salem Flag Day by walking in the parade and hosting an information stand. Our annual Barn dance was held on September 14th at the Three Cedars Farm. Pix ‘N’ Stix provided the music to our largest crowd ever. In October, we held the first ever “Salem Jeopardy” event with Don Riddering, Jean Bemish and Sue Bejin as the contestants. Sue won the fun filled evening of history learning 11,800 to11,000 and 1,700. There are rumors that this might become another SAHS annual event.
The last event was held for 2007 our Annual Christmas Party. Due to graciousness of Sue Bejin and Mike Gaery, it was held in their home, the historic Renwick House on Curtis Road north of North Territorial Road.
SAHS honored Margaret DiPonio and Norma Schmeman for their many years of support.
