Join Rochester-Avon Historical Society (RAHS)and local historian and society member Deborah Larsen for the presentation titled "Early Faith Communities of Rochester and Avon," Thursday, February 6 at 7 p.m. at the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Rd., Rochester Hills. Former St. Andrew Roman Catholic Church, Larsen will host a lively and in-depth discussion of the history of religion and faith within the community of Rochester and its surrounding … [Read more...]
Rochester-Avon Historical Society Presents: “That Old-Time Religion: Early Faith Communities of Rochester and Avon”
January 30, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Rochester-Avon Historical Society presents “Rochester Under the Bridge: A Walking Tour,” on August 8
July 23, 2024 by Leave a Comment
Join the Rochester-Avon Historical Society (RAHS) on Thursday, August 8 at 6:30 p.m. for a summer historical walking tour. Thousands of people drive over the South Hill Bridge into downtown Rochester daily, but did you know that almost immediately under the bridge exists remains of the failed 1830s Clinton-Kalamazoo Canal? Or that it was once the site of a paper mill that was burned down in the 1870s by a woman who claimed to be having “crazy spells?” Also, there is documented evidence that a … [Read more...]
Rochester-Avon Historical Society presents “A Walk on Walnut” historical walking tour, on Wednesday, July 10
June 26, 2024 by Leave a Comment
Join the Rochester-Avon Historical Society for a summer walking tour on Wednesday, July 10 at 6:30 p.m. Rochester’s Walnut Boulevard once played host to seven churches within a two-block stretch. Walk with us as we tell the incredible stories of these buildings and the residents who called Walnut home. A Walk on Walnut hosted by the Rochester-Avon Historical Society. Hear of the Methodist Reverend who recruited unemployed workers from the Upper Peninsula’s Copper Country to staff … [Read more...]
Rochester-Avon Historical Society’s 30th Antique Appraisal Day is April 7
March 19, 2024 by Leave a Comment
The Rochester-Avon Historical Society (RAHS) is hosting its 30th Antique Appraisal Day on Sunday, April 7 from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. at the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, Rochester Hills, MI. Except for 2020 during the pandemic, RAHS has held this event annually for three decades. This is RAHS’s biggest annual fundraiser and a popular community event. Nine local appraisers will be available to provide appraisals on antiques, including coins, toys, art, … [Read more...]
Rochester-Avon Historical Society presents “SS Eastland: The Titanic of the Great Lakes” on April 4
March 19, 2024 by Leave a Comment
Join the Rochester-Avon Historical Society (RAHS) and local historian Alex Kercher for a fascinating talk titled, “SS Eastland: The Titanic of the Great Lakes,” on Thursday, April 4 at 7:00 p.m. at the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, Rochester Hills, MI. Although few have heard of it, anyone who hears the story will never forget it. The SS Eastland was the greatest loss of life in a maritime disaster on the Great Lakes when she flipped onto her side in the … [Read more...]
The Rochester-Avon Historical Society presents “The Vietnam War” with Rochester University Professor John Todd
October 8, 2019 by 2 Comments
Professor John Todd of Rochester University will present "The Vietnam War -- From Start to Finish" on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Rochester Hills Public Library Multipurpose Room. Todd served in the Army from 1968 to 1969 in Vietnam as an Army helicopter pilot but was shot down by the North Vietnamese. Following this life-changing event, he graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Political Science, earned his law degree from Georgetown Law School, and … [Read more...]
Local Artist Gerry Post Passes
November 26, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Local artist Gerald "Gerry" Gust Post passed away on Monday, November 23, 2015 at the age of 82. A post on the Rochester-Avon Historical Society Facebook page read: "Many of you are probably familiar with the art work of Gerry Post. It can be seen on our cover photo, in the collection at Crittenton Hospital, posters in the Rochester Hills Public Library or in city hall. It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Gerry." The visitation and funeral service will be held at Modetz Funeral … [Read more...]
Rochester-Avon Historical Society Presents Fourth Annual Mount Avon Cemetery Walk & History Tour
August 20, 2015 by Leave a Comment
The Rochester-Avon Historical Society (RAHS) will present its fourth annual Mount Avon Cemetery Walk & History Tour on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 1 - 5 p.m. The event combines community theatre and local history in a fun, entertaining living history presentation. This year’s tour features “Women in the Stones.” Reenactors will portray several historical female figures from the community’s past. Each one will share with tour attendees the character’s unique experiences in shaping Rochester’s … [Read more...]
RAHS September Brown Bag Meeting to Feature “Fifty Years of Meadow Brook Theatre”
August 11, 2015 by Leave a Comment
The history of Meadow Brook Theatre (MBT) will be the topic of discussion at the Rochester-Avon Historical Society’s lunchtime Brown Bag meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 1 from 12 - 1:30 p.m. at the Rochester Community House, 816 Ludlow in Rochester. Maryann and Thom Foxlee will discuss the theatre’s beginnings, as well as their collaboration on a new book celebrating the theatre’s golden anniversary season. Meadow Brook Theatre opened in 1966 as part of a strategy to bring professional music and … [Read more...]
Rochester Avon Historical Society Hosts “Detroit’s Historic House of Worship”
April 21, 2015 by Leave a Comment
The Rochester-Avon Historical Society (RAHS) will hold its evening meeting for members and the public on May 7 at 7 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room of the Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Town in Rochester. Barbara Krueger, author of the book, Detroit’s Historic Houses of Worship will discuss the art and architecture of historically significant religious buildings representing eight denominations and nearly one hundred years of history. Churches discussed in her book include Sainte Anne in … [Read more...]
