Press Release: Haven Hill - The Edsel & Eleanor Ford Family Farm Estate - The Untold Story

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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

Edsel Ford Barn New Roof Installed!

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The Miller Construction Company, on behalf of the Friends of Highland Recreation Area, have just installed a new roof on the historic Barn after a winter of heavy interior post and beam repairs. We cannot thank the crew of Miller enough for there excellent work. Great job!


See a video of the new roof below...


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John Fitzgerald

The Friends of Highland Recreation Area (FOHRA) volunteer organization was established in 2007, and is a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt non-profit organization operating under lease agreement with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. 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.

2015 Antiques and Collectibles Sale to be Held at the Barn

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News Flash! The Antiques and Collectibles Sale on Saturday, May 9 has been moved to the Edsel Ford Barn. Anticipation of a large crowd and not enough parking spaces at the Gate House prompted the FOHRA team to relocate the site of the Sale.


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John Fitzgerald

The Friends of Highland Recreation Area (FOHRA) volunteer organization was established in 2007, and is a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt non-profit organization operating under lease agreement with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. 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.

Recreation Passport - Do You Know What It Gives You?

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Savings on golf and clothing and rentals and services and many, many other discounts!

Passport Perks Program
You can easily save hundreds of dollars a year just by using your Passport Perks!
Passport Perks is a statewide shopping discount program for Recreation Passport holders who check 'YES' to the Recreation Passport when renewing their license plates through the Secretary of State. Every year, you can save hundreds of dollars at local restaurants, your favorite hometown store, on vehicle oil changes, on your tax preparations and more -- all on services you need and businesses you already frequent. Visit www.michigan.gov/dnr-perks/ to view the many discounts through Passport Perks. 

Not sure if you have your Recreation Passport? If you checked "yes" to the Recreation Passport when you renewed your registration, the words "RECREATION PASSPORT" will be printed at the top of your paper registration, and that's your proof of purchase (you'll also see two small "P"s on your license plate tab.) To receive your discount at a participating business, simply show your vehicle registration to the store or businesses representative. It's that easy!

- From the Website of the MDNR.

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John Fitzgerald

The Friends of Highland Recreation Area (FOHRA) volunteer organization was established in 2007, and is a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt non-profit organization operating under lease agreement with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. 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.

DIA Coming Event...

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Edsel Ford was on the Board of Trustees of the DIA and a true patron of the Arts in Detroit.  He underwrote Diego Rivera's mural project at the DIA. Consider attending this great event at the DIA coming soon... "Diego Rivera & Frida Kahlo in Detroit"   03/12/15 To 07/12/15. "Explore the tumultuous and highly productive year that Mexican artist Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo spent in Detroit, a pivotal turning point in each artist's career. "

 

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John Fitzgerald

The Friends of Highland Recreation Area (FOHRA) volunteer organization was established in 2007, and is a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt non-profit organization operating under lease agreement with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. 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.

Haven Hill Festival - August 29, 2015

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The Haven Hill Festival, a celebration of Edsel and Eleanor Fords’ historic Haven Hill Estate and the Highland State Recreation Area, will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2015. Parking is at the Goose Meadow picnic shelter area, the 1st right turn on Haven Hill Road after you enter the park off of M-59 between Duck Lake and Bogie Lake roads. Bring picnic blankets, sun umbrellas, and folding chairs to stay and watch the Old Fashioned Base Ball game! Food will be available for purchase as a fund raiser for the Friends of Highland Recreation Area. The Friends of Highland Recreation Area (FOHRA), is a non-profit organization supporting the Highland State Recreation Area in Highland/White Lake, Michigan, and the historic Edsel Ford Haven Hill Estate structures within its boundaries.

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John Fitzgerald

The Friends of Highland Recreation Area (FOHRA) volunteer organization was established in 2007, and is a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt non-profit organization operating under lease agreement with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. 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.

Snakes Fly at the Edsel Ford Barn!

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Another great snow snake race has taken place this last Sunday, February 8, at the Edsel Ford Barn in Highland State Recreation Area! A great time was had by all in attendance. 

Snow Snake Race Sunday at 1:00 pm

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There is a Snow Snake Race on Sunday, February 8, 2015 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Edsel Ford Barn.  Come out and enjoy seeing the kids race their snakes!

/ / Comment

John Fitzgerald

The Friends of Highland Recreation Area (FOHRA) volunteer organization was established in 2007, and is a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt non-profit organization operating under lease agreement with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. 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.

Snow Snake Race Sunday at 1:00 pm

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Come out and enjoy seeing the kids race their snakes!

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