Edsel Ford Barn New Rear Doors Revealed - 300 lbs Each!
/Weighing approximately 300 pounds each, the new rear doors for the Edsel Ford Barn in Highland State Recreation Area
The Friends of Highland Recreation Area volunteers are proud to reveal a first look at the giant newly-rebuilt rear doors for the Edsel Ford Barn. The doors as shown in the photos were completed to this level of construction at a recent FOHRA weekend volunteer work bee. Friends group volunteers support the Michigan Department of Natural Resources with park events, historic restoration projects such as this, and park amenities, among other things.
The historic Barn, which is located in the Haven Hill section of Highland State Recreation Area in Highland/White Lake, Michigan, was once a major structure in a collection of buildings that comprised Edsel and Eleanor Ford’s former Haven Hill estate. Prior to a severe storm in June of 2008 the Barn extended the entire length of the visible concrete pad from north to south. High winds destroyed the long southerly expanse of the Barn, and what now remains is the functional front-end. Therefore the existing rear doors as they now stand were actually inside the Barn, and are now exposed to the elements as exterior doors. These new doors will replace the old doors now visible to Park visitors.
Above: 2 GIANT new rear doors for the Edsel Ford Barn
Progress continues on the restoration of this beloved and historic structure. The installation of new doors is targeted to occur prior to the July 27 Haven Hill Festival.
Browse the FOHRA website and Facebook entries, make donations, and come to the Park and volunteer. Look for a list of upcoming events at Highland State Recreation Area at www.fohravolunteers.org.
Headquartered in Highland Township, Michigan, the Friends of Highland Recreation Area is a nonprofit 501c3 organization comprised of Michigan residents, private businesses, local user groups, and various resource organizations, working to combine the existing activities and amenities of Highland State Recreation Area, with the unique historical and cultural background of Edsel and Eleanor Ford's former Haven Hill estate.
Read the article on our website at
www.fohravolunteers.org/blog
Pick It Up - Litter at Haven Hill
/Jack and Jay Fitzgerald talk trash and pickup litter at Highland State Recreation Area. Friends of Highland Recreation Area volunteer members Jay and Jack talk about their spring litter cleanup hike film, and picking up litter in the Haven Hill section of Highland State Recreation Area.
Owlets Find Woodcocks at Haven Hill In Highland State Recreation Area
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Woodcock: Photo courtesy Audubon Society.
A terrific group of Oakland County Audubon Society members, guests, and Friends of Highland Recreation Area members joined up to enjoy a wonderful evening in the spring forests and fields of the Haven Hill Natural Area in Highland State Recreation Area yesterday. At the Goose Meadow shelter the FOHRA volunteers gave everyone a short Haven Hill presentation, informing them of the amazing history of the area and reminding them that 2019 is the 100th Anniversary year of the Michigan State Parks.
Bluebirds, hawks, geese, sandhill cranes, and the sought-after woodcocks were enjoyed by everyone. After a great hike, the group rejoined at Goose Meadow for a snack and an educational message, and then all listened quietly to the amazing sounds of the woodcocks in the nearby fields.
The spring courtship ritual of the male woodcock includes a distinctive evening “peent” sound. Kind of like a short but loud buzzing of an insect repeating every 2 seconds or so. Click HERE to hear the sound. If you’ve been outdoors as the evening arrives in the park I’m sure you’ve heard this sound. Now we know it’s the male woodcock preparing for flight!
Audubon and FOHRA Members enjoying the evening woods of Haven Hill searching for birds of all species…
Folks interested in attending future gatherings are encouraged to visit the Oakland Audubon society’s Facebook page, check out the FOHRA website for events, and join the Young Birders program at the Society.
Highland Recreation Area Redbud Reveal May 18 and 100 Year's of Michigan State Parks May 12
/The 100 Year Anniversary of our State Parks is arriving soon. Come celebrate by visiting Haven Hill and the Highland State Recreation Area…
“Almost 100 years ago, the Michigan State Park Commission set the course for visitors to enjoy and explore four seasons of fun. May 12, 2019 officially marks the anniversary of state parks, and we are planning a yearlong centennial celebration. Join in and celebrate our rich history and take an energizing look forward as we mark this milestone year with special events, podcasts, historical stories, videos, geocaching and more.” - from our Michigan DNR website.
On Saturday, May 18 come and see the beautiful Haven Hill section of your Highland State Recreation Area, the Cedar Creek Trail, Edsel and Eleanor Ford’s historic Gate House, the Edsel Ford Barn, the picturesque Carriage House, and the Lodge footprint on Haven Hill. The Haven Hill Gate House garage will be open and informational videos and Haven Hill displays will be shown throughout the day.
A fundraising Sale of Antiques and Collectibles will be held at the Edsel Ford Barn throughout the event. All proceeds of the sale will benefit the efforts of the Friends group and their mission to rejuvenate the structures of the historic Haven Hill Estate.
Barbecue Dinner at Dickey's Pit to Raise Funds for FOHRA and Highland Recreation Area
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Enjoy dinner at Dickey’s to support FOHRA at Haven Hill and Highland State Recreation Area.
Read MoreHappy New Year from FOHRA and Get Ready for State Park Centennial Anniversary in 2019!→
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The Friends of Highland Recreation Area volunteers wish to thank the supporters of Highland State Recreation Area and Haven Hill for a great 2018.
The coming year of 2019 is the Centennial Anniversary of the Michigan State park system. The official 100-year anniversary of Michigan State Parks will fall on the weekend of May 10-12, 2019 and we’re excited to participate! Keep in touch via the website at www.fohravolunteers.org for your Centennial activities at Highland State Recreation Area and Haven Hill.
And make sure to add your Highland Rec stories to the awesome “memories map” where you can click on Highland State Recreation Area and add a story and photos.
https://midnr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/StoryMapCrowdsource/index.html?appid=ab30d92b09af4fa08eb9622d47b1dc71
Haven Hill Visitor Center - Planning Meeting→
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The Friends of Highland Recreation Area are transforming the original Haven Hill Gatehouse into a new visitor center for the park, and we need your help.
Read MoreDeck the Halls! ...at Haven Hill in Highland State Recreation Area
/Christmas Activities - Victorian Christmas Activities! Make Origami Ornaments and Garland to take home. Assist the Friends of Highland Recreation Area (FOHRA) with decorating our tree. Impromptu Carol Singing!
Read MoreYou're Invited: Friends of Highland Recreation Area Annual Meeting→
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Each year FOHRA hosts an annual meeting the, first Wednesday evening in November, to not only commemorate the anniversary of Edsel B. Ford's birth but also bring you up to date on the accomplishments over the last year on the buildings and grounds of the former Ford Haven Hill Estate.
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