The Friends of Highland Recreation Area will be doing a spring installation of Memorial Brick Pavers in the growing circle at the Haven Hill Gatehouse in the days prior to the annual Redbud Reveal event on May 11, 2024.
Read MoreThe Friends of Highland Recreation Area will be doing a spring installation of Memorial Brick Pavers in the growing circle at the Haven Hill Gatehouse in the days prior to the annual Redbud Reveal event on May 11, 2024.
Read MoreSpring is arriving soon, and the beginning of the new season also marks an opportunity to order these engraved commemorative bricks for installation.
Read More
Haven Hill area visitors to Highland State Recreation Area in Highland/White Lake. Michigan are in for a big treat at this years’ Haven Hill Festival on Saturday the 19th of October - “peak” Fall tree colors!
The 2019 Haven Hill Festival at Highland State Recreation Area celebrates the beautiful recreation area and the historic Haven Hill estate which was once the country home of Edsel and Eleanor Ford. This year's event will feature a 1860’s style base ball baseball food and beverages, kids games and arts and crafts, historic Haven Hill items on display, and vintage Model A Ford automobiles for everyone to enjoy.
A shuttle bus will take you up to the Haven Hill Lodge site and Carriage House area which will be hosted by volunteer members for tours and info. And the Edsel Ford Barn will show off it’s new doors and paint job which is underway!
The Vintage Base Ball game in Goose Meadow will be played in front of a backdrop of Fall colors and feature the Novi Brass Band playing live brass instrument music as the ball players exhibit how ball was played in the 1860’s. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy a hot dog and snacks as the game is underway.
Come on out with the family and enjoy the day in the park! State park entry is via the Recreation Passport. The event is free to the public. Donations accepted to support the Friends of Highland Recreation Area volunteer organization.
ABOVE: The Edsel Ford Barn in Highland State Recreation Area is having the old paint removed and new paint applied this summer of 2016.
For the first time in many years (unknown) the Edsel Ford Barn is going to get a newly painted exterior! The Friends of Highland Recreation Area have worked with the MDNR, Oakland County historic structure color experts, and old photographs to finalize choices of a light exterior with dark trim. See historic photo below.
ABOVE: Old photo of Edsel Ford barn showing light exterior and dark trim.
A local area professional painter has been recruited by the volunteers to perform the job. The Friends group and its' supporters have prepared the building since the 2008 collapse with walls, beams, rafters, shingle and siding replacement, corner trim, and new windows.
ABOVE: Strong but "gentle" pressurized washing techniques are being used to remove the layers of old paint and mildew.
Come see the Barn's new paint job underway at the Haven Hill Festival on August 27th between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. There will be an Antiques and Collectibles Sale at the Barn during the Festival. All proceeds go to FOHRA as a fund raiser. Come out and see the inside of the Edsel Ford barn on this special day open to the public!
Date: April 29, 2015
Location: Howell Opera House 123 W. Grand River, Howell MI
Time: Doors open at 7:00 PM Program Starts 7:30 PM
Admission is Free - Public Welcome
In the 1920’s Henry Ford visited and spoke at the Howell Opera House. Related and
virtually unknown is the fascinating story of his only son Edsel and his wife Eleanor who,
in 1923, embarked on the creation of a 2,300 acre working farm state on present day
M-59 just east of Livingston County. They named their farm estate Haven Hill. For some
20-23 years Edsel, Eleanor, and their four children - Henry II, Benson, Josephine, &
William Clay (past owner of Detroit Lions), enjoyed Haven Hill as a refuge and retreat.
Edsel tragically died in 1943 at the young age of 49 years and the estate was passed
on, by his wife Eleanor, to the Michigan Department of Conservation (today Mich. Dept.
of Natural Resources).
On Wednesday April 29, at 7 pm, the Haven Hill story will fittingly be told at the Howell
Opera House with a presentation by the Friends of Highland Recreation Area (FOHRA).
Come learn of the estate architecture and unique landscape setting plus hear of the
estates many world famous guests and visitors such as Charles and Anne Morrow
Lindbergh, Thomas Edison, Admiral Byrd who first flew over the North and South Poles,
and the Duke of Windsor from England's Royal Family just to name a few.
The evening will include a very entertaining video presentation of the history of Haven
Hill and an update on accomplishments to date and future plans. Also on display, for
one night only, will be select nature photographs of the area plus a fine art portrait
series paying tribute to the people of Haven Hill.
Date: April 29, 2015
Location: Howell Opera House 123 W. Grand River, Howell MI
Time: Doors open at 7:00 PM Program Starts 7:30 PM
Admission is Free - Public Welcome
For more information & contacts:
Dick Russell - Friends of Highland Recreation Area
Phone: Cell: 248-563-7428 Email: FireExplr2@aol.com
Sharon Fisher - Howell Opera House
Phone: 517-294-7562 Email: sharon@howelloperahouse.com
For more information please see attached flyer and visit:
http://fohravolunteers.org
http://friendsofhighlandrec.wordpress.com
http://thepeopleofhavenhill.com
Come out and enjoy seeing the kids race their snakes!
Read MoreHappy Holidays 2014/2015!
Read MoreThe Cedar Creel trail has portions that skirt the edge or even cross wetland areas. New decking has been installed to minimize impact on the landscape. The deck will also provide a nice view to the east.
Read MoreFriends of Highland Recreation Area
PO Box 800, Highland, Michigan, 48357
fohravolunteer@gmail.com | Map and Directions | Privacy Policy
Within one of the most picturesque, fascinating, and historically significant state parks in southeast lower Michigan, our goal is to combine the former Haven Hill estate history with Highland Recreation Area’s existing amenities, wilderness, and recreation.
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