Place Your Legacy Brick at the Highland State Recreation Area Historic Haven Hill Gate House

Starting in the fall of 2017, the 501c3 volunteer group “Friends of Highland Recreation Area” will create a commemorative brick circle at the Haven Hill Conversation Ring in Highland State Recreation Area. The site is on the grounds of the Haven Hill Gate House, which was the former entrance to Edsel and Eleanor Ford’s historic estate. The peaceful garden location is ideal for quiet personal reflection and thoughts of loved ones. Consider a brick paver as a tribute to a friend, family member, or a beloved pet.

Your chosen wording will be engraved on a personalized brick that will become a permanent part of Haven Hill’s rich history.

Brick Dedications: For a donation of $60.00 your brick will be a wonderful and unique gift and a lasting legacy. Bricks are 4”x 8” and can be engraved with 3 lines with up to twelve letters and spaces per line (content is subject to approval). If you desire a special symbol on your brick, please call so we can determine if the one you want is possible to produce.

Proceeds: All proceeds from the brick sales will be used to support the continuing efforts of the Friends of Highland Recreation Area to renovate and repurpose the Edsel and Eleanor Ford buildings at Highland Recreation Area and to maintain the commemorative brick circle.

Special Note: The first commemorative bricks will be installed beginning in August of 2017. Subsequent brick orders will be received and processed for two installation sessions each year.

Ordering is Easy: Complete your form from the website and include a check or money order payable to Friends of Highland Recreation Area. Head to our website, www.fohravolunteers.org. "Click on the Brick" and download an order form.

Additional Questions?  Email us at fohravolunteers@gmail.com. Or call 248-494-8919. 

Soar in a Quadcopter for Amazing Aerial Views of Haven Hill

Have you ever flown over Highland State Recreation Area in Highland/White Lake, Michigan and looked down upon the gorgeous landscapes and historic structures within this truly special Michigan state park? If not, take a few minutes of your time right now and see a variety of beautiful "birds eye" views of these beautiful landscapes and historic landmark areas. See Edsel and Eleanor Ford's historic Haven Hill estate from high above the ground using a quadcopter and a tiny video camera. 

The Haven Hill Gate House, Cedar Creek wetland and the new Cedar Creek Trail, Goose Meadow and Haven Hill Lake, the Haven Hill Lodge site, and the famous Edsel Ford Barn are all in view "out of your window seat" as you watch this amazing aerial film footage.

The members of the Friends of Highland Recreation Area are starting to shake off their winter "cabin fever" and begin spring and summer activities at the park. Come out and join us as we celebrate the season-opening Redbud Reveal and Antiques and Collectibles fundraising sale at the Edsel Ford Barn on Saturday, May 14.

2012 Redbud Reveal and Art on the Hill, Sunday, April 29

Redbud Reveal 2012

The 2012 "Redbud Reveal" ceremony will be presented on the lawn of the Haven Hill Gate House at Highland State Recreation Area on Sunday, April 29 at 1:00 pm. Our organization's President, Mr. Dick Russell, will give a kick-off speech for the 2012 spring and summer season. Casual refreshments and snacks will be served.

"Art on the Hill: Maps Art - Haven Hill in Place and Time" In addition to a few words from Mr. Russell at the Gate House, FOHRA is pleased to announce a 2012 season event series "Art on the Hill" that will debut on Sunday morning. During the day we will display an art show on Haven Hill on the lower section  of this beautiful and historic road. Our first display, "Maps Art - Haven Hill in Place and Time", was curated using amazing full color graphic maps that were designed, developed, and donated by Oakland County Planning & Economic Development Services. The maps depict many fascinating aspects of our local area. Please park at the circle parking lot and walk a short distance to see this outdoor presentation before or after the Redbud Reveal at the Gate House.

Come out and visit historic Haven Hill on Sunday, April 29th!

Haven Hill Gate House Exposed!

Members of Highland State Recreation Area's support group, FOHRA, got together on November 8 and cleared away years of brush in front of the Haven Hill Gate House. The old building can now be seen from the M-59 entrance station as visitors enter the park. Above: Heavy brush blocks the view of the Haven Hill Gate House.

Above: Members clip and pull the years of brush that had obscured the Gate House from view.

Above: FOHRA members Tim Wiles and Jerry McManus review the clearing.

Above: The Haven Hill Gate House, once the entrance to Edsel Ford's Haven Hill Estate, exposed to public view beyond the entrance station turn-around at Highland Recreation Area.

Above: Friends of Highland Recreation Area marvel at the new view.

FOHRA plans to improve these sites within the park. The Haven Hill Gate House may become an informative Visitors Center some day. Come on out and help the effort. Visit www.fohra.org for more info.