Pontiac wasn't always an industrial hub and population center. But, hey, who can remember what anything looked like 150 years ago? One major player in the role of preserving the history and character of North Oakland County before the invention of the automobile is the
Oakland County Pioneer and Historical Society on 405 Cesar Chavez Ave. in Pontiac. The museum is located on Pine Grove, on the estate of former Michigan governor, Moses Wisner.
"The Pioneer and Historical Society was born out of pioneer families who wanted to celebrate the deeds of their fathers and grandfathers, and Civil War veterans," says Charlie Martinez, a former archaeologist who has been a member since 1970 and the historian for the last 5 years.
"It sounds glamorous," jokes Martinez of his well-traveled archaeology career, "until you find how much work is involved."
A peek inside historyThe 4 1/2 acres of Pine Grove are occupied by the governor's mansion, which totals 3300 square feet, and several outbuildings, including a summer kitchen, outhouse, smokehouse and root cellar.
"Back during this time, there was no governor's mansion in Lansing," he says. "Each governor used his own home as the official governor's mansion."
Inside the Wisner residence, things are preserved just as the Governor would have had it during his lifetime.
"Some rooms are identical to the period in which the Wisner family actually lived here," Martinez says.
In addition to the Wisner mansion, visitors can tour the Drayton Plains One-Room Schoolhouse and the Carriage House, which is home to the Research Library, office and the Pioneer Museum.
Built in 1865, the Drayton Plains One-Room Schoolhouse is, amazingly, still standing. It's been restored to offer visitors a sense of what school was like around the era of the Civil War, and houses a collection of textbooks "that trace teaching in America from the 1830s into the 20th century", desks, wood benches, and a wood-burning stove.
"The one room schoolhouse was originally situated in Drayton Plains, off Dixie Highway, on Monroe Street," Martinez explains. "It was built just after the close of the Civil War." He says schools will often rent out the historic schoolhouse and to give students the experience of attending a 19th century school.
"There is even a school bell in the belfry for the kids to ring," he says.
Also intriguing is the Pioneer Museum, located in the basement of the Carriage House, which catalogs tools and farm equipment used by Oakland County's pioneers before the advent of mass production.
"Those hardy pioneers and their goods and merchandise and equipment, for business and commerce and farming, are all on display," say Martinez.
Visitors can even imagine what an Oakland County pioneer might have looked like. The Carriage House also features an incredible collection of authentic pioneer clothing and uniforms from the late 1800s. The Vintage Clothing closet includes everyday clothing and an array of soldiers' garb from the Civil War, Mexican-American War, and World Wars I and II.
Emilie Hurley, a volunteer and historical costume designer, says her favorite item in the Vintage Clothing room is, "a dress that dates from the 1840s or early 1850s . It's a two piece white cotton dress with a light purple stripe running through it. The bodice and skirt separates, and the front of the bodice is gathered in a V-shaped pattern, It's delicate and detailed," she explains.
Research destinationMartinez's role as society historian makes it possible for researchers across the country to visit the Wisner Library and examine historical documents and texts, from cemetery records and old newspapers to antique books and handwritten manuscripts. The library is open to the public Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Oakland County Pioneer and Historical Society is run almost exclusively by volunteers, who do everything from guiding tours and answering phone calls to mowing the lawn.
There are close to 300 members.
Says Martinez, with a chuckle, "Membership is never restricted to pioneers! Anyone who has an interest in history and helping us preserve the 4 1/2 acres of ground and the governor's mansion should join."
The historian says the museum is supported by membership fees and dues, grants, and special events. Tours are available by appointment Tuesday through Thursday by calling 248-338-6732. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under.
Martinez says many visitors prefer to tour the Pine Grove estate in period costumes.
"That's been very, very successful. We also have a lot of what we call guide costumes, and folks really seem to get a kick out of a guided tour by someone who looks like a pioneer."
With all this description, Martinez still says the Oakland County Pioneer and Historical Society's museum must be seen to be truly appreciated.
"Imagine walking into a building 175 years old and finding everything in perfect order, just the way time would have left it," he says. "That is an amazing thing."
Find out more about the Oakland County Pioneer and Historical Society here
www.ocphs.org or by calling (248)338-6732.