Welcome To Hamburg Historical Museum

Welcome to the Hamburg Historical Museum

May, 2010

HAMBURG HISTORY MOMENTS

This article first appeared in the Livingston Republican, the local newspaper on May 17, 1905. Re-printed with permission from the Livingston County Genealogical Society Spring 2010 newsletter.

THE GOLDEN WEDDING OF MR. & MRS. JOHN BENNETT

John Bennett and wife celebrated their golden wedding Saturday, May 12, 1905. On May 13, 1855, John W. Bennett and Miss Mina Swiggles were married at the Hamburg Hotel. Mr. Bennett has been a continuous resident since he was eight years of age with the exception of about nine months during the year 1864 when with some others, he crossed the plains with teams and on foot to Pike’s Peak. After peaking over the top to see the other side long enough, they hiked back again, feeling like there was no place like old Hamburg.

He has held the office of constable for 49 consecutive years. Nature’s grandeur was as sweet and the sun shone as bright fifty years ago which made the day as beautiful as it was on May 13, 1905, when about 35 of the relatives gathered at the pleasant home of John Bennett and wife to greet them on their golden anniversary. The relatives from out-of-town were Dr. E.K. Bennett and mother, of Detroit; Isaac Bennett; Albert Bennett and wife; Mrs. Ary Lumbard of Green Oak; Mr. & Mrs. Cutler of Hastings; Henry Swiggles and wife of Grand Ledge; Miss Cora Aulthouse and Mrs. Jessie Shelwin of Hastings; Mrs. Harriett Howlett of Mason; Mrs. Martha Sweet of Ann Arbor; Milton Field and wife and Rush Clark of Green Oak.

There were invitations sent to some that could not be present, but remembered them by letter. A bountiful and sumptuous dinner was served for them at one o’clock. The table was set with cut glass, chinaware, silver and gold. The floral decorations were beautiful, consisting of carnations and smilax. Rev. Quinn, of Brighton, acted as toastmaster, and delivered a very fine address to the occasion. Carrie Dewolf and Pauline Royce rendered some very select pieces of music. The presents were beautiful and some very costly, among them being a number of $5 gold pieces.

Hamburg Historical Society
Board of Directors:

Suzanne Hines, President
Wayne Burkhardt, Vice-President
Sandy Grabczynski, Treasurer
Directors At Large:
Pat DeWolf
Toot Golden
Joyce Terry
Sarah Bennett

Membership in the Hamburg Historical Society

Send your name, address, city, state, zip code and phone number together with your check for annual dues to: Hamburg Historical Society, P.O. Box 968, Hamburg, MI 48139. Or, better yet, drop it off at the Museum. We would enjoy your visit! - Thank you.

Annual Dues:

Individual - $15.00
Family - $20.00
Student - $2.00
Business - $40.00
Life Membership - $200.00
Honorary - 70 & Ove

hamburg_historical_museum Hamburg Historical Museum
7225 Stone Street
(Old Library Building)
Hamburg Village
P.O. Box 272
Hamburg, MI 48139
Open: Wednesdays 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Saturdays 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Special Tours By Appointment

Contact Us:
Museum Phone: 810-986-0190
Or, Contact Suzanne Hines at
Cell: 586-904-9346
E-mail: suzanne@pendragon-design.com.

Opened in 2004, the goal of the museum is to preserve and present the history of Hamburg.

The museum is located in one of Hamburg's major historic buildings. The building began in the mid-1850's as a Methodist Church; housed the Township offices in the mid-1900's and was the home of the Hamburg Township Library for over 20 years.

map

Mapquest Directions to 7225 Stone St.

What’s the point of saving history?

In 1837, just six years after the first settlers arrived in Hamburg, the population in the Township was 490 brave souls. By 1900, the population was 876, by 1970 it was 5481 and by 2010 it is 23,655.

Except for approximately 950 current residents, no one else can trace their family history back to those who settled Hamburg in 1831. For the most part, everyone else came from Detroit and its suburbs. Family history is back in the city-not out here.

So why should people out here care about preserving Hamburg history? What can it mean to them? What is the point of not just saving history, but studying it and learning from it too?

Personally, I take comfort that those who lived before me had the same problems and concerns, but found solutions and lived their lives so I could live mine. I am connected to something that happened before me and am a link in what happens after me. That is my reason for saving history. You may not be interested in helping to save Hamburg history.

But you might want to consider saving your history. Make a memento box of photos and items that belonged to family members. When your child whines about that boring history class, don’t agree. History is not just what happened 100 years ago, it’s what happened yesterday. It’s what happened to you.

We are working on more ways to save Hamburg history, including the changes to the newsletter. We have mailed this copy out to over 500 people. Because of the cost, we cannot continue to do this. This will be the last newsletter you will receive unless you are a member of the Historical Society or donated items to the Museum. However, we can send the newsletter via email. Send your email address to:
suzanne@pendragon-design.com.

If you would like to join the Historical Society, the application is on the back page of the newsletter.

-Suzanne Hines, President
Hamburg Historical Society