Mann School House

 

The Mann School house was carefully moved and rebuilt behind the Old Mill in the end of the last century. The building beautifully demonstrates the era of one room school houses.  Children today visit from local Brandon schools to reflect on the educational past in Ortonville.  Tours of the school house can be scheduled by appointment and during special events.  Please contact us if you have an interest in the school house.

The Old Town Hall

 

The village Government of Ortonville is most likely one of the last to utilize it’s original town hall by holding council meetings there twice a month.    The hall is owned by the village of Ortonville.

 

Built over 130 years ago, the hall boasts an original stage.   Over the century, the hall has been used as a basketball gymnasium, home to a past theatre group, an extension of the old library, for numerous scout meetings, co-ops and as a church of various denominations.

 

The historical society, through it’s Folk with Shades of Blue music committee, has been hosting acoustic music jams and performances since November of 2002.   Musicians rave about the stage acoustics.  The hall provides an intimacy unlike any other between the performer and the audience.  You can find a calendar of music events at;   www.folkwithshadesofblue.com

...shall be a volunteer organization committed to preserving and safeguarding the history of the Ortonville area

Our Mission Statement

 

The Ortonville Community Historical Society works with local government, businesses, organizations, and citizens of all ages to research, collect, and safeguard our local heritage through living displays and authentic educational experiences.

The Historical Society

 

The Ortonville Community Historical Society represents the historical interest of not only the village of Ortonville, but also the townships of Brandon and Groveland in north central Oakland County and Hadley township of southern Lapeer County.

 

The mill is home to the society where membership volunteers work to build and maintain the museum  exhibits and  the Mann School House.  The society holds it’s meetings at the mill.

 

The OCHS has a board of elected trustees, president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and general membership.

 

The historical society is fortunate to have in it’s membership, descendents of Ortonville’s original founders.  Much of their genealogy and heritage are found in the museum displays.  Utilizing some of their stories and memories of the past, the society plans events that share Ortonville traditions with the community.

The Old Mill

 

Ortonville’s Grist Mill is a true gem within the village of Ortonville.  Built 150 years ago by Amos Orton, the original mill was 36 x 48 feet, three stories high with a rubble stone basement.  The water wheel that once was a part of the mill was powered by the flow of Kearsley Creek.  The mill pond that was once behind the mill has long been  filled in, but the creek continues to flow along the “Mill campus.”

 

Efforts to maintain this building’s historical integrity while bringing it into the modern century has required community involvement.  The Grist Mill today serves as a meeting place for the historical society, a museum, a coffee shop, and a luncheonette during special occasions. 

 

The “Mill Campus” is currently owned by the Village of Ortonville, thus securing it firmly in the future of Ortonville.

President Elect

 

Dean Salley

(248) 627- 2185

 

Vice President

 

Agnes Oakley

(248) 969-2106

 

Secretary Elect

 

Carol Kachmar

(248) 628-8456

 

Treasurer Elect

 

Marilyn Salley

(248) 627-2185

 

Trustees

 

Ron Turnbull

(248) 627-2447

 

Lee Stewart

(248) 627-3324

 

Ken Bush

(248) 627-3766

 

Laurie Dalappe

(248) 627-2248

 

Norm Taylor

(248) 627-2412

 

Mary Alice Seelbinder

(248) 627-4429

 

Marilyn Featherston

(248) 627-3529

 

Tom Stowell