On Sunday, February 26 at 2:00 p.m., Brian Golden will present The Interurban Railroad System: Mass Transit 1900, and on Sunday, March 18 at 2:00 p.m., Fred Liimatta will host The Root Cellar: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Stayin' Alive!. Small Talks are informative and engaging presentations on topics of local interest. Admission is $5, or free to new members who join on the day of the presentation. Click on the attachment link below for the flyers about these talks, and be sure to visit our Events page for a list of additional Small Talks as they are scheduled.

In 2010, a vandal severely damaged the Wisner House. He was caught and punished, but his damage led to more than a year's worth of restoration effort to repair the Wisner House. A preservation project of this magnitude would not have been possible without the generous support of many members, volunteers, and donors. That support enabled us to repair the extensive masonry damage from the vandalism, to repair exterior wood trim and install new gutters and downspouts, and to completely replace the aging and damaged roof. Work continues, and donations are still welcome to help cover costs incurred and to fund the remaining phases of this project, including repairing interior plaster damage, making additional masonry repairs to the Wisner House walls, and continuing security upgrades for the property. To make a contribution, please visit our Donate page and note Roof/Restoration as the purpose of your tax-deductible gift. Thank you so much to those who have supported this project.

Our members are important not only for their financial support, but for the interest and involvement they contribute toward preserving Pine Grove and Oakland County's heritage. Everyone is welcome, so if you're not already a member, or if you have yet to renew your dues, please visit our Membership page and select the membership level that is right for you. New memberships or renewals received now will be good until July 1, 2013.

We are grateful to all who visited, performed, or volunteered at our Victorian Christmas Open House on December 10, 2011. This annual community event showcases Pine Grove and helps convey Oakland County's history to all ages through enjoyable activities, tours, and performances. December's festivities included strolling carolers from Notre Dame prep, and programs by local children in the one room school house, who performed to the delight of their families and guests. Thank you to all who played a part in making this event a success for OCPHS.

Members of OCPHS joined more than 100 other groups for a terrific show of community pride at the 2011 Holiday Extravaganza parade through downtown Pontiac on December 3. At right, docents Catherine Hoffman and Rodger Zeller prepare to walk the route! There were more than 1,000 people in the procession, including marching bands from area high schools, churches, civic groups, and others who gathered for this annual event.

On Saturday, September 17, 2011, members of the Lydia Barnes Potter chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented OCPHS with the Historic Preservation Recognition Award, a national award to "honor an individual or group that has done remarkable work at the community level in the area of Historic Preservation." DAR member Kim Smith presented the award to OCPHS President Mike West, who accepted it on behalf of OCPHS volunteers, past and present, who have worked to promote and preserve Oakland County's history through their service. The ceremony was attended by OCPHS and DAR members, and included reflections by Claire Pryor about volunteers she has known from both groups. OCPHS received one of only four Historic Preservation Recognition Awards granted in Michigan. For more information about the Lydia Barnes Potter chapter of the DAR, please visit http://www.waterford.michdar.net/

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