Highland State Recreation Area - 2016 Annual Meeting of FOHRA - You're Invited!

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The 2016 Friends of Highland Recreation Area Annual Meeting

and Social will be held on Wednesday, November 2, at the Huron Valley Council for the Arts (HVCA) building in Highland.  Appetizers and light beverages will be served during a social at 6:30 pm. The formal meeting and presentations start at 7:00 pm. An 8:30 pm adjournment will be followed by complimentary desserts and beverages.

2016 Meeting Highlights
 

Guest Speaker Mr. Mark Campbell of the Henry Ford Heritage Association will be presenting
“The Impact of Henry Ford” for your interest and enjoyment. FOHRA President Mr. Dick Russell will MC the evening and give an annual Friends group update, and member Jay Fitzgerald will give a presentation about the Ford Model A automobile as an introduction to a special award for the Livingston A’s driving club.

Come by yourself or bring friends and family members to the HVCA at 205 West Livingston Road, Highland to enjoy appetizers and light beverages and a wonderful evening of presentations from the Friends of Highland Recreation Area and their Special Guests!

 

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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.

Art, Photography, History, and the Outdoors at Saturday's Haven Hill Festival

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The Antiques and Collectibles Sale at the Edsel Ford Barn, Vintage Model A Ford cars from the Livingston A's, an 1860's Base Ball game, Summer Food, Fun, and Beverages and even a Dog Costume Parade! All great things to see and do at the 2016 Haven Hill Festival at Highland State Recreation Area this coming Saturday, August 27. But did you know that there will be Art, History and the Outdoors too?

This year's Festival will include Art, History, and Photography on display at the Haven Hill Gate House complex. Come and see beautiful paintings and photography and other Haven Hill "art in the outdoors". And make sure to visit the Goose Meadow tent for short Haven Hill guided hikes throughout the day.

FOHRA volunteer Jay Fitzgerald and some of the Haven Hill photography on display at the Haven Hill Gate House..

FOHRA volunteer Jay Fitzgerald and some of the Haven Hill photography on display at the Haven Hill Gate House..

Come to the Haven Hill Festival and enjoy free shuttle rides by the Gate House, Goose Meadow, Haven Hill, and the Edsel Ford Barn for these great experiences between 10 am and 3:00 pm this Saturday. And don't forgot a trip via the Shuttle up Haven Hill to experience the self-guided walking tour of Edsel and Eleanor Ford's former Haven Hill Lodge footprint. Informational signs will be out all day for your perusal.

Children and adults will enjoy seeing and learning of Haven Hill's rich history while experiencing the beauty of the People and Nature that have called Haven Hill their home both in the past and the present. And it looks like we may have great weather too!

www.havenhillfestival.com

 

 

 

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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.

Edsel Ford Barn Hosts Antiques and Collectibles Fundraising Sale During Haven Hill Festival

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Come out and see the inside of the Historic Edsel Ford Barn and shop to support the ongoing restoration efforts at Haven Hill.

...during the Haven Hill Festival!

Saturday, August 27, 2016

A selection of collectible items for you and your home will be presented on the grounds of the historic Edsel Ford Barn at Edsel and Eleanor Ford’s former Haven Hill Estate. The historic barn is undergoing renovation by the park’s Friends Group, and is located within Highland State Recreation Area between Duck Lake and Bogie Lake Roads in White Lake. The fundraising Sale will be held during the “Haven Hill Festival” event on Saturday, August 27, 2016 from 10 am until 3:00 pm. Once inside the park please follow the signs to the Festival in Goose Meadow and the Sale at the Barn.

A FUNDRAISER

All proceeds from the sale of donated items will benefit the Friends of Highland Recreation Area and their restoration efforts at the former Haven Hill Estate. FOHRA is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring the structures and spirit of the historic Haven Hill.

Enter the Recreation Area at 5200 Highland Road (M-59), White Lake, Michigan. The entrance to the park is on the south side of the highway. The Michigan DNR requires the Recreation Passport on your license plate for state park entry. It is a great value and will give you and your family access to all of Michigan's State parks and waterways. A Passport may be purchased at the park on the day of the event. 

 

 

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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.

Edsel Ford Barn New Paint Job Begins!

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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!

FOHRA Partners with Freedom Work Opportunities for Highland Recreation Area Haven Hill Landscaping Services

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   The Friends of Highland Recreation Area have enlisted the services of Freedom Work Opportunities to help with the increasing landscape maintenance needs at Haven Hill. 

    As the volunteer Friends group continues to successfully repurpose and restore the historic Edsel and Eleanor Ford estate structures, their areas of lawn care and landscape maintenance grow. The Friends groups' lease for the historic properties includes a commitment to maintain the properties as progress with their redevelopment is made. And, of course, the volunteers have a passionate desire to elevate and maintain the beauty and historical value of these wonderful former Edsel and Eleanor Ford properties at Highland State Recreation Area. 

THE HAVEN HILL GATE HOUSE LANDSCAPE'S NEWLY FOUND BEAUTY REQUIRES INCREASED MAINTENANCE AND DEDICATION

THE HAVEN HILL GATE HOUSE LANDSCAPE'S NEWLY FOUND BEAUTY REQUIRES INCREASED MAINTENANCE AND DEDICATION

The Haven Hill Gate House before the foHRa volunteer efforts, circa 2008

The Haven Hill Gate House before the foHRa volunteer efforts, circa 2008

   Your support of FOHRA's efforts in the state park at the Gate House, Edsel Ford Barn, Carriage House and Lodge site over the last few years have resulted in dramatic improvements to these historic sites. The Friends group wishes to thank everyone for their involvement and donations of financial support that help to pay Freedom Work Opportunities employees for their excellent services.

freedom work opportunities van and gear trailer at haven hill gate house

freedom work opportunities van and gear trailer at haven hill gate house

The Haven Hill gate house landscape's newly found beauty requires increased maintenance and dedication 

The Haven Hill gate house landscape's newly found beauty requires increased maintenance and dedication 

   The Mission of Freedom Work Opportunities is “Empowering adults with disabilities, through compassionate care, while providing FREEDOM to obtain WORK skills and OPPORTUNITIES to feel safe and be valued”. They are a fantastic group of people that enrich our community. The Friends of Highland Recreation Area support their activities and appreciate their services at Haven Hill. Watch the video about this fine organization HERE.

Please support Freed Work Opportunities at the Sparkies fundraiser on July 26.

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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.

Time Traveler 1940 Presentation at Highland Township Library

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Time Traveler 1940

presented by the Friends of Highland Recreation Area's Larry Falardeau and Jay Fitzgerald to supplement the "People and Place of Haven Hill" exhibit this month at the Huron Valley Council for the Arts

Thursday, June 16, 2016, 6:30 pm at the Highland Township Library

Come experience 1940 and present day virtual flyovers of area Town Centers, Landscape Features, and Haven Hill - The Historic Edsel and Eleanor Ford Family Farm Estate at Highland State Recreation Area. Take a Guided Picture Tour taking you back in time to experience the Highland, & White Lake of Yesterday. And come learn how the use of Drones (quadcopters) produces dramatic aerial video over Haven Hill and the Highland State Recreation Area.

The People of Haven Hill Show Ongoing at HVCA.

This series of fine art, photographs, and presentations pays tribute to the People and Place of Haven Hill - The Historic Farm Estate of The Edsel & Eleanor Ford Family from 1923-1943. From the era of Native Americans through the Ford Family years to today’s visitors and supporters who share these lands and their individual stories in a special way.

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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 to Be Featured at Huron Valley Council for the Arts and the Highland Township Library in June

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Friday night, June 3, will be the premiere evening for a Haven Hill paintings and photography exhibit at the Huron Valley Council for the Arts (HVCA) gallery in Highland, Michigan. The opening reception will be held between 7:00 and 9:00 pm. FOHRA member artists Larry Falardeau (painter) and Jay Fitzgerald (photographer) will have their Haven Hill exhibits featured at the Gallery and on display to the public from June 1 - 25. Read on about the Highland Township Library event... 

HVCA Poster.jpg

... and Historical Presentations to be held June 1 & 16 at the HIGHLAND TOWNSHIP LIBRARY

This series of fine art, photographs, and presentations pays tribute to the People and Place of Haven Hill - The Historic Farm Estate of The Edsel & Eleanor Ford Family from 1923-1943. From the era of Native Americans through the Ford Family years to today’s visitors and supporters who share these lands and their individual stories in a special way.

No other citizen volunteer of Michigan was as instrumental in the establishment of today’s system of Michigan State Parks and Natural Areas as was Emma Genevieve Gillette. Come learn of her extraordinary efforts on behalf of Michigan’s environment which tie back locally to Haven Hill - The Historic Edsel and Eleanor Ford Family Farm Estate at Highland State Recreation Area. 

Edsel Ford, the only child of Henry and Clara Ford, along with his wife Eleanor created a working farm and family estate in what is now Highland State Recreation Area. Learn the story of Haven Hill from 1923 -1943 in a PBS quality video story. Learn what has been accomplished to date to restore the facilities and retell the story, plus what is being planned for the future.

Come and enjoy the Art of Haven Hill at the HVCA.

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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.

The Film That Started FOHRA is Now Online!

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The Friends of Highland Recreation Area have recently digitized the original Chris Arble Haven Hill "Possibilities" film that in many ways gave the volunteer Friends group their start. The movie continues to inspire  others today and can now be see on YouTube at the FOHRA Volunteers video site.

Edsel Ford in the Haven Hill "Possibilities" Film 

Edsel Ford in the Haven Hill "Possibilities" Film 

Although many of you have seen this 14 minute film before, others will enjoy seeing the story of Haven Hill's past and ideas for the present and future. Take a break and give it a special viewing...

The film can be seen on YouTube at THIS LINK.

 

 

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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.

Redbud Reveal and Big Fundraising Sale Saturday!

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Antiques and Collectibles Sale at Redbud Reveal Saturday!

Saturday, May 14, 2016, 10 am - 4:00 pm

The Friends of Highland Recreation Area are proud to announce the “Redbud Reveal” and "Antiques and Collectibles Sale", a season-opening event for Highland State Recreation Area in Highland/White Lake, Michigan.

A selection of collectible items for you and your home will be presented at the Edsel Ford Barn within Edsel and Eleanor Ford’s former Haven Hill Estate at Highland State Recreation Area. The Sale event will be held during the “Redbud Reveal” spring season-opening event on Saturday, May 14, 2016 from 10 am until 4:00 pm. The historic barn is undergoing renovation by the park’s Friends Group, and is located in the Recreation Area between Duck Lake and Bogie Lake Roads on the south side of the highway at 5200 Highland Road (M-59), White Lake.

Once inside the park please follow the signs to the event sites and the Sale at the Barn. All proceeds from the sale of donated items benefit the Friends of Highland Recreation Area and their restoration efforts at the former Haven Hill Estate. Michigan DNR requires a Recreation Passport for state park entry.

Visit www.fohravolunteers.org/sale for more information.

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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.