This society was formed by citizens in 2004 for the purpose of obtaining, researching, preserving and disseminating materials related to the history of Oshtemo Township. It supports, encourages and provides historical information for all.
We meet on the third Thursday of each month at the Oshtemo Township Hall. This meeting usually consists of an entertaining and educational program, a business meeting, refreshments and a social time. Visitors are always welcome and membership is open to everyone for a very small fee. Oshtemo Township is located within Kalamazoo County in the state of Michigan. The Township office is located at 7275 West Main Street, Kalamazoo Michigan.
A major project is assisting Oshtemo Township in the restoration of the heritage home of one of Oshtemo's first settlers, Benjamin and Maria Drake.The Drake house is located at 927 North Drake Road, Kalamazoo, Michigan.
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Approaching the Victorian era home one traverses the original long shade covered drive. Gone are the horses and carriages once seen here but the wildlife continue to be frequent visitors. |
| To see another view, mouse over these images. |
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The home was first built in 1852 and was rebuilt in 1882 after a devastating fire consumed the interior. It was abandoned and neglected for many years until Oshtemo Township rescued it. |
Photographs taken by Kenn Livingston, OSH member
March is Women's History Month and we honor
Lillian Anderson:
Lillian Anderson was born in 1903, the only child of Mary Elizabeth ('May') Bell and Edward Anderson. Edward's father, Duncan Anderson, was one of the pioneers of Oshtemo Township , arriving in the area from Genesee County , New York , in 1838. Edward Anderson, Lillian's father, purchased farm land on what is today West Main Street. Edward, May and Lillian lived in the white clapboard, Greek Revival house which is located just to the East of the Arboretum parking. Lillian graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School, Kalamazoo College and Columbia University .She joined the staff at the Kalamazoo Public Library and remained there for 42 years. Lillian, a single lady, continued to occupy the house until the mid-70s. In 1982 she donated the family farm property to Kalamazoo College and the First Presbyterian Church. In 1998, with her approval, K College obtained complete ownership of the property and established the Lillian Anderson Arboretum to honor a special alumna and very generous benefactor. Lillian died in 2001. The 140 acre treasure is hidden just west of the Anderson home on M 43. It has walking trails open to the public in Lillian's honor.
February is Black History Month and we honor
Enoch and Deborah Harris:
Among the earliest pioneers in Oshtemo Township were Enoch Harris and his family, the first black settlers in Kalamazoo County. They arrived in Michigan from Marion County, Ohio, in approximately 1830, bringing with them seed from which they are said to have planted the first apple orchard in Kalamazoo County. Harris was sufficiently respected by his neighbors that he was often asked to mediate property disputes. The Harris family also own the distinction of celebrating the first wedding in Oshtemo Township, when daughter Louisa Harris married Henry Powers in 1836.
Enoch Harris was born in Virginia in 1785 and raised in Pennsylvania, where he married his wife, Deborah, in 1812. She was born in 1793. They had settled several times on the Ohio frontier before coming to Michigan. Enoch Harris died on March 21,1870, at the age of 85. His wife died on May 2, 1881. Both are buried in Genesee Prairie Cemetery, located at the corner of Parkview Avenue and 11th Street , where a historical marker was dedicated in their honor in 1973. They left many descendants, some of whom still live in Kalamazoo County.
""The heritage of the past is the seed which brings forth the harvest of the future."
Inscribed on Our National Archive Building |
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