Flint Knappers and Pre-History at Haven Hill Festival

Watch and learn of amazing tools of our ancestors at this years Haven Hill Festival!

Enjoy a hands-on immersive experience that puts you face to face with a real life paleolithic hunter gatherer in period correct attire and tools for an in-depth explanation and instruction. PRIMITIVE CLASSROOM is an ice age reenactment program geared towards children to adults of all ages. Come learn of Pleistocene-era cultures from central Europe and north America.

JUMPING FOX PRIMITIVE TOOL WORKS as a part of Primitive Classroom specializes in the production of atlatls, darts, bull roarers, cane arrows, stone and bone points, and bone jewelry. 

Flint Knapping

Atlatl - A spear-thrower, or atlatl, is a tool that uses leverage to achieve greater velocity in dart-throwing, and includes a bearing surface which allows the user to store energy during the throw.

Bullroarer - The bullroarer, rhombus, or turndun, is an ancient ritual musical instrument and a device historically used for communicating over great distances. It dates to the Paleolithic period, being found in Ukraine dating from 18,000 BC. 

Flintknapping - Knapping is the shaping of flint, chert, obsidian or other conchoidal fracturing stone through the process of lithic reduction to manufacture stone tools, strikers for flintlock firearms, or to produce flat-faced stones for building or facing walls, and flushwork decoration. 

And enjoy general knowledge about our ancestors from an era so long ago. And try some interesting things out for yourself!

www.fohravolunteers.org

Haven Hill Festival Coming Soon - August 25

Hello Everyone!

The Haven Hill Festival is a celebration of Edsel and Eleanor Fords’ historic Haven Hill Estate and the natural beauty and historic wonders of the Highland State Recreation Area in the townships of Highland and White Lake, Michigan. The 2018 family event is currently scheduled for Saturday, August 25 from 10 - 3:00 pm.

Mary Moore, who is a former All-American Girls Professional Baseball League infielder, will throw out the first pitch at the ball game and stay after to chat and sign autographs and display her memorabilia.

We also plan to feature vintage Model A Ford cars from the members of the Livingston A's driving club, an Antiques and Collectibles Sale at the Edsel Ford Barn, an 1860’s exhibition vintage base ball game, the beautiful MDNR Cedar Creek Trail, guided short hikes, primitive man displays, summer foods and beverages, Haven Hill art and history displays, and children’s activities in Goose Meadow. Come to the Gate House and see the council ring and brick displays commemorating family, donors, and beloved pets.

Baseball fan? Bring along a picnic blanket, sun umbrellas, and folding chairs to stay and watch the historic base ball game played the way the American sport of "base ball" originated in the 1860's. 

The arrival of the Model A Ford cars and the 1860's Base Ball game is planned in Goose Meadow at 10:00 am. Other locations throughout the park will provide activities during the Festival such as self-guided tours of the Haven Hill Lodge grounds, and the sale at Edsel Ford Barn. Volunteers will be dressed in period costumes.

The food and beverages available for purchase in Goose Meadow will be a fund raiser for the efforts of the volunteer group Friends of Highland Recreation Area. The park can be entered on 5200 Highland Road, M-59 between Duck Lake and Bogey Lake roads. 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.

The Festival is provided to the public at no charge, and yet entry into the state park is now via the Recreation Passport on your license plate. If you do not have this great State Park feature on your license plate, you will be asked to buy one. It's a great deal!

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. The Haven Hill Festival is an alcohol-free, family-oriented event, and it will be held on it's 10th year in 2018 at Highland State Recreation Area.  The celebration has grown yearly, and will continue to positively benefit all of those who attend as well as the surrounding communities now and into the future.

Nature Hike at the Highland State Recreation Area on Saturday, June 9, 1:00 pm

Hello everyone! There will be a nature hike at Highland State Recreation Area on Saturday, June 9 at 1:00 pm.  Meet at the Circle parking lot. The hike will be to the Haven Hill Lodge and then back down the road to the loops by the Haven Hill Lake dam.  

Plan for an approximately 4 mile, easy-paced nature hike with plenty of opportunity to take pictures. The trails are moderately inclined and dog-friendly; recreation pass required for vehicle entry.

Go to http://www.fohravolunteers.org/hiking/ for more hike info and links to Maps and directions.

Come on out, meet new friends, and enjoy the beauty of the Haven Hill Natural Area! A Recreation Passport is required for state park entry.

Hope to see you there!

Antiques and Collectibles Sale Inside Edsel Ford Barn on Saturday

The rainy forecast for this weekend will be a great reason to come inside the Edsel Ford Barn at Highland State Recreation Area and shop for your own enjoyment or maybe a great Mothers Day gift. Bring family and friends to this fantastic fundraising sale for the Friends of Highland Recreation Area.

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 "Redbud Reveal" event on Saturday, May 12, 2018 between 9 am and 4 pm. Once inside the park please follow the signs to 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. 

Press Release: 2018 Antiques and Collectibles Sale at Edsel Ford Barn on Saturday, May 12

A fundraising Sale will be held in Highland State Recreation Area during the “Redbud Reveal” spring season-opening event on Saturday, May 12, 2018 from 9 am until 4:00 pm. Items for you and your home will be presented in the historic Edsel Ford Barn on the grounds of Edsel and Eleanor Ford’s former Haven Hill Estate. The historic structure is undergoing renovation by the park’s Friends Group.

All proceeds from the sale of donated items and a 50/50 drawing 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 Estate that was once the home of Edsel and Eleanor Ford and their family.

The Edsel Ford Barn is located within Highland State Recreation Area between Duck Lake and Bogie Lake Roads in White Lake. 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 a Recreation Passport on your license plate for state park entry and they are available at the park if you do not yet have this great benefit. Once inside the park please follow the signs to the Sale.

Snowsnakes and Snowflakes at Highland State Recreation Area

Come enjoy Snow Snake races (snakes available to share), a winter Hike, and a primitive fire making class at Highland State Recreation Area on Sunday, January 28, 2018. Enjoy wooshing a Snowsnake down the track at the Barn, cookies and cocoa, outdoor winter fun, and learning for all ages! All events to be held at the Edsel Ford Barn. Snow Snake races will be held between 1:00 PM—4:00 PM. Bring the kids and give it a try! Go to  www.fohravolunteers.org for more info..
 

WINTER HIKE: Join the Friends of Highland Recreation Area volunteers for a guided hike in the Highland Recreation Area on January 28, 2018 at 1:30 pm leaving from the Edsel Ford Barn.  The forests in winter provide a totally different perspective of the lay of the land and views when the trees are leafless and the ground is snow-covered. Hike duration and length will be dependent upon weather and trail conditions, but a route of about 1 to 1.5 hours is planned. Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated, wear boots with good tread, and dress in layers to maximize your comfort. Although not available for the hike, a limited number of sets of snow shoes will also be at the Barn for you to try.
 

PREHISTORIC CLASSROOM presents modern day hunter gatherer and indigenous skills instructor Pete Fox for a free primitive fire making class. Spend some quality time with a real life caveman and step back in time nearly 20,000 years as you learn how to prepare materials, build the tools, and use the techniques that have been absolutely essential to the survival and comfort of humans for over 300,000 years!
 

Activities FREE of charge, Recreation Passport Required for State Park entry.

We Are Thankful to You

Thank you everyone.

Join Us for a 10 Year Celebration at Bakers of Milford

Dear Friends of Highland Recreation Area Special Supporter,

On behalf of Friends of Highland Recreation Area (FOHRA) we’d like to invite you, your family, and members of your organization to our 2017 Annual Meeting on Wednesday, November 8, 6:00 pm, at Bakers of Milford. The evening will celebrate 10 years of achievements of our Friends group and its Supporters. Awards will be presented during the evening. 

Social time with refreshments and appetizers will begin at 6:00 pm, dinner buffet at 6:30 pm, and the formal start of the meeting is at 7:00 pm.

Guest Speaker is Mr. Russel Doré automotive historian who will present, “The Dodge Brothers, Their Company and Their Lives”, a one hour speaking engagement with visuals. Learn how these machinists went from being parts suppliers to creating an automobile company which at one time was second only to the Ford Motor Company. And “FOHRA: 10 Years at Haven Hill” by Jay Fitzgerald, FOHRA Secretary. A photographic and video journey of the Friends group and their work over the years at Highland State Recreation Area.

Please call with any questions – let us know if anyone needs special assistance or further information. (248) 494-8919. 

Visit our web site at www.fohravolunteers.org for more information and to buy tickets online.

Sincerely,

Richard G “Dick” Russell, Jr.
President, Friends of Highland Recreation Area
FireExplr2@aol.com
(248) 563-7428

Our Mission: “To enrich and foster awareness of the land, history, art, architecture, and people of Edsel and Eleanor Ford’s former Haven Hill Estate within Michigan’s Highland State Recreation Area for current and future generations.”
 

FOHRA Annual Dinner Meeting w/Guest Speaker November 8

PURCHASE YOUR ANNUAL MEETING DINNER TICKETS AT OUR WEBSITE

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE NOW ONLINE

Friends of Highland Recreation Area, 10th Anniversary Annual Dinner Meeting
6:00 pm, Wednesday, November 8, 2017
$25.00 Per Person
 

Bakers of Milford

2025 S. Milford Road, Milford, MI 48381 

$25.00 per Ticket. Dinner Buffet and Guest Speaker

The Board of Directors of the Friends of Highland Recreation Area (FOHRA) would like to welcome its Members and the public to our 10th Anniversary Annual Meeting. The yearly event showcases FOHRA’s volunteer activity at Edsel and Eleanor Ford’s former Haven Hill estate within the Highland State Recreation Area. Dinner will be served and guests will be charged $25.00 to attend. Tickets Available on Our Website. Please reserve before 11/1/17.

2017 Meeting Highlights

Guest Speaker Mr. Russel Doré automotive historian will present, “The Dodge Brothers, Their Company and Their Lives”, a one hour speaking engagement with visuals. Learn how these machinists went from being parts suppliers to creating an automobile company which at one time was second only to the Ford Motor Company. “FOHRA: Ten Years at Haven Hill” – Jay Fitzgerald, FOHRA Secretary. A photographic and video journey of the Friends group and their work over the years at Highland State

CLICK HERE TO GO TO OUR WEBSITE AND BUY YOUR TICKETS

www.fohravolunteers.org

FOHRA is committed to supporting Michigan’s Highland State Recreation Area by assisting and promoting interpretive, scientific, historical, and educational visitor services.
 

Guided Fall Hike at the Park at 2:00 pm TODAY

Today's hike (Saturday, October 7) is scheduled from 2:00 - 5:00 pm and will start from the Goose Meadow parking lot. Children and dogs welcome. Sunshine is in the forecast before rain starts again later tonight. Be sure to bring plenty of water (even if it's not warm outside) and wear shoes with good tread - they will keep you and your feet happy.

Come and enjoy a free guided nature hike in the Haven Hill Natural Area on Saturday, October 7th. Friends of Highland Recreation Area volunteers will take you on a journey through a portion of the park to see the waters, wildlife, and forests of this special natural preserve. The hike will be slow-paced to enjoy nature and the fall colors, with plenty of opportunities for taking photos.

The trail traverses through woods and hills and alongside Haven Hill Lake. Interesting information will be shared such as some history of the park, the importance of controlled burns, and why leaves turn color in the fall. Look for turtles, frogs and possibly a water snake or two as the group crosses the Haven Hill Lake dam!

www.fohravolunteers.org