Down on the Farm in Oakland Township

The Oakland Township Historic District Commission to include Vintage Apron Exhibit at Event, as well as all the usual 'Down on the Farm' favorites The Oakland Township Historic District Commission will share a Vintage Apron Exhibit at their annual Down on the Farm event on Saturday, October 5 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The exhibit will celebrate the newly restored clothesline at Cranberry Lake Farm and showcase a collection of vintage aprons. The history of aprons goes back to the Middle … [Read more...]

Historic Door Photo Contest in Oakland Township

The Oakland Township Historic District Commission is Hosting a Contest for Historic Door Images The Oakland Township Historic District Commission is taking submissions of historic Oakland Township door images to celebrate the Bicentennial and the varied history in Oakland Township. The doors can come from any type of building, including barns, houses, garages, sheds, and more. The 12 winning entries will be selected and featured on a poster that will be distributed to Oakland Township … [Read more...]

Hitching Posts at Cranberry Lake Farm Historic District

"Living in a township where horses are not only welcome in its parks, but are given parking privileges is great. I know of many equestrians who are selling their acreage due to lack of riding trails. Thank goodness this is not the case in Oakland Township,” said resident equestrian and Addison Oaks Trail Rider (AOTR), Libby Dwyer. “Having the Addison Oaks Connector Trail linked with Cranberry Lake Park was a great addition to our Annual Camp ’N Ride Event at Addison Oaks County Park this … [Read more...]

Crafting your own Bluebird House for Nesting and Birding History

Thursday, April 5 - 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Cranberry Lake Farm Hen House - the long red building, 388 W. Predmore Road, Oakland Township.  $25 fee includes materials to build a wood Gilwood Slotbox Bluebird house. Must RSVP to reserve your bird house kit to assemble as only so many will be available. Please reserve yours early, however, if we run out, the plans and supply list will be available so you can buy the materials to build your own. $5 fee for presentation only and to … [Read more...]

Plein Aire Painting at Cranberry Lake Farm

Oakland Township Historic District Commission invites artists to Cranberry Lake Farm Historic District for an outdoor “Plein aire” painting class DATE OF CLASS:  Thursday, June 22, 2017, Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Fee: $30 for class registration. Bring your own bag lunch please. Location of Class: 388 West Predmore Road, Oakland, MI  48363 Contacts for questions: Janet Almstadt-Davison Davison.davison91@yahoo.com Barbara Barber, Historic Preservation Planner, 248-608-6807   … [Read more...]

Preservation Month at Cranberry Lake Farm in Oakland Township

Celebrating May is Preservation month at Cranberry Lake Farm (CLF) Historic District and the Oakland Township Historic District Commission (HDC) has been working hard restoring the seventy-five year old apple orchard. Aerial photographs from the 1940s of the farm show the array patterns of a plotted apple orchard. Over the years, unfortunately, many of these trees have been lost. After receiving a grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation to acquire the services of landscape … [Read more...]

Cranberry Lake Farm Landscape Master Plan

The Oakland Township Historic District Commission (HDC) is very excited to update the public on the progress of the Cranberry Lake Farm Landscape Master Plan. After a very successful design open house in March of this year, historic landscape architect Brian Devlin presented his Landscape Master Plan to the HDC at their July meeting. His plan was aimed at returning the historic farm to its agricultural history, citing the 1940s as the period of significance.  The proposed Master Plan not … [Read more...]

Down on the Farm Writing Competition and Awards

The Oakland Township Historic District Commission and the Oakland Township Historical Society are excited to present our first ever Writing Competition. We are looking for writers in grades 7-12 to reflect on the agricultural heritage and farming history of the Greater Rochester area. What does it mean to you? Do you know of a place where the grasses grow and where the landscapes produce crops? Submit your 500-750 word essay by September 20 for your chance to win the first place prize of $100. … [Read more...]

Annual Free Square Dance at the Historic Cranberry Lake Farm

This fall, the Oakland Township Historic District Commission is excited to sponsor our annual free Square Dance at the historic Cranberry Lake Farm with dancing in the Flumerfelt Barn or on the lawn. Join us Saturday September 10 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. when we welcome back Glen Morningstar calling to the live music by the Ruffwater Stringband. “This band has been playing with us since 2011, they are always entertaining, and Glen’s calling guides the beginning dancer as well as the more … [Read more...]

Have some fun Down on the Farm!

Come on out to Cranberry Lake Farm Historic District Saturday, August 3, 2013 From 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. 388 West Predmore Road, Oakland Township Family fun and activities include: Historical displays and tours, traditional outdoor games, butter churning, chickens and horse display, horse grooming and care, and more outdoor fun! The event is free and open to the public! In collaboration with the Oakland Township Historical Society, Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve, and Oakland Township … [Read more...]