USA > Michigan > Oceana County > Olde tyme plat and history of Oceana County, Michigan > Part 7
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Now the Church is carpeted and has new pews through the combined efforts of the Altar Society, Church Council and many interested people who enjoy seeing improvements through Jesus Christ our Lord, and since Father Pedro V. Garcia is with us.
Sponsored by St. Vincent's Church, Pentwater
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THE NEW ERA REFORMED CHURCH - (ca. 1900)
The New Era Reformed Church was organized in 1893 and is a member in the Reformed Church in America, the Oldest Protestant Denomination with a continuous history in the United States, having begun in 1628.
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH (of United Church of Christ) Shelby, Michigan
Organized in 1864, the church was built in 1874, remodeled several times, and given additions of a basement and a Fellowship Center. Making life most alive, this church reaches out to the whole human community with the right hand of fellowship.
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First Baptist Church Pentwater, Michigan
Pentwater News, April 6, 1882 The Baptists residing in this vicinity are endeavoring to effeet an organization. They have rent- ed the hall in the Hawkins building over the St. James Mis- sion rooms, and assisted by Rev. H. P. Hewitt of Ludington, on Tuesday evening took the initia- tory steps to perfect an organiza- tion. Some people objeeted to the organization of the ehureh, elaim- ing that the society is too poor and the membership too small. But remembering that the Lord was partial to the poor, and equally lavish with His bless- ings upon the efforts of a few as well as the many they have de- eided to go ahead, and hereafter we ean say that there is a Bap- tist ehureh in Pentwater. Bap- tists living in the vicinity are requested to come home.
FIRST BUILDING 1884
April 6, 1882 Meeting to organize
July 25, 1882 Church organized
Aug. 10, 1884 First building dedicated
Nov. 30, 1893 (Thanksgiving Day) Building burned
Mar. 22, 1896 Present building dedicated
April 4, 1971 Groundbreaking for Branch Building (Education & Fellowship Bldg. )
Aug. 27, 1972
Branch Building Dedicated
Pastor: Rev. Walter C. Ballagh
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PRESENT BUILDING 1896
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BRANCH BUILDING 1972
1902
1973
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF HART 1864 TO 1976
112 Years of History
The First Baptist Church of Hart had its beginnings on May 7, 1864 when the Baptist people of Hart met at the cabin of Moses Townsend for the purpose of forming a Baptist Church. This was the beginning of what is now the oldest Baptist organization in Western Michigan.
In 1902 the brick building pictured above was dedicated and served as the place of worship and the center of ministry of First Baptist for 71 years. In 1973 the new facility was dedicated on a six acre tract of land located at the corner of 72nd Avenue and West Main Street.
Plans are now being considered for further building and expanding of its ministry. Today First Baptist Church has a fulltime Pastor and a Minister of Youth and Visitation. They provide leadership for an active church program and a growing Sunday School. The bus ministry reaches out to express the Lord's concern for the families of Oceana County. First Baptist also has a world wide missionary outreach in helping in the support of seventeen missionaries or mission works in home and world evangelism.
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
Sunday School 9:45 A.M.
Morning Service 11:00 A.M.
Evening Service 7:00 P.M.
Mid-week Service 7:30 P.M. Wednesday
Church Phone 873-2514
1
Sponsored by First Baptist Church of Hart
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DID YOU KNOW ...
ABOUT OUR INDIAN HERITAGE:
* In 1836, Chief Cobmoosa and 24 other Chiefs traveled to Washington, D.C. to confer with President Andrew Jackson regarding the transfer of more of their lands in southern Michigan for White Settlement.
* A Treaty was drawn up ceding all lands north of the Grand River to the U.S. Govern- ment for a price of $620,000. The terms were never carried out. The Indians refused to leave the area when they learned that they would have to move west to fulfill the terms of the treaty.
* A compromise treaty, which was the treaty of Detroit, was signed in 1855, by the U.S. Government and 54 Indian Chiefs. This agreement provided reservations for the Indians.
* The Indians from Lowell, Michigan, along the Grand River, bargained to move to a new reservation in Oceana and Mason counties. The Reservation included Elbridge and Crystal Townships in Oceana County and Custer and Eden Townships in Mason County.
* The U.S. Government had built a log house for the Chief in 1856, and also three school houses for the Indians in Elbridge Township. Each male Indian, 21 years old, was given 80 acres of land, provisions of pork and flour and $540,000 over a period of 10 years, following their arrival.
* Each summer the Indians of the Reservation returned to Pentwater to camp, pick berries, work in the canning factory, fish, and make baskets. Pentwater became their second home.
ABOUT OUR MIGRANTS :
* (U.M. O. I.) United Migrants for Opportunity, Inc. officially began in our area through Muskegon as a "satellite office" at the Oceana Community Action Center, in Rothbury in 1968. It's main function was surplus food distribution. Under Jane Gonzalez, Area Coordinator at that time, the office was moved to Shelby.
* Permanent residence for U.M.O.I. was established in Hart, in 1973.
* U.M.O. I. is a private non-profit corporation funded under Title III, Section 303 of the Department of Labor. The agency receives annual federal funds to provide services to migrant and seasonal agricultural workers and their families. Services include; youth education, adult education, cooperative vocational train- ing, job placement, housing and relocation assistance, emergency food assistance, limited head start, and outreach and referral services.
* Total families assisted by U.M.O. I. in 1975 in Oceana County were 959, or a total of 6,789 individuals.
* Nineteen migrant families settled out in the immediate area during 1975.
* Staff members at the Hart U.M.O. I. office in 1976 are Petra Villa, Area Coordina- tor; Lorenzo Galvan, Manpower Specialist II; Delia Revilla, In-take Worker; and Manuel Avila and Maria Martinez, Migrant Service Workers.
* There are currently approximately 876 Spanish-speaking individuals in Oceana County.
Sponsored by Oceana County 4-H - Youth Council
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Washington ~treet. Hart. Mich
A growing and prosperous downtown Hart, showing traffic on Washington Street sometime prior to 1912.
A birdseye view of Shelby's Michigan Avenue looking south. The photo was taken sometime prior to 1915.
-T.P.m.at
Shelby, Mich.
SERVING OUR AREAS WITH LOCAL NEWS COVERAGE SINCE
-1869- THE HART JOURNAL 123 STATE ST. HART. MICHIGAN
-1888- THE OCEANA HERALD 179 N. MICHIGAN AVE. SHELBY, MICHIGAN
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OCEANA COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
With the coming of this Bicentennial of many celebrations, my staff and myself are looking forward to a progressive year for our Department and our citizens.
We commend the people of Oceana County and all the citizens of our great United States of America. Our Best Wishes for 200 more!
Warren L. Stanton Sheriff
YOUR SHERIFFS
REVOLUTION
AMERICAN & BICENTENNIAL
ICICICIG
CICILIE MICHIGAN
51513151
GICICIE
SHERIFFS Ass'n.
1776-1976 T.M.
PROTECTING AMERICA
Sponsored by Warren L. Stanton, Sheriff
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OCEANA COUNTY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE "59 Years of Service"
PERATIVE
AUCHICAN STATUTOERSITY
EXT
Michips. C U.S. Dept.
and
Ature
SERVICE
NSION
Cooperative Extension began in Oceana County in 1917 when Alfred Henrickson, a local farmer and graduate of Michigan State College, was employed as a war-time agent.
The first fulltime agent, B. F. Beech, started about 1918. At this time, County Agents served the three program areas -- home demonstration, 4-H Youth and Agriculture. Extension, in 1976, conducts programs in five general areas -- agriculture, marketing, resource development, 4-H - youth programs and family living education.
From 1917 to 1923 the County Agents Office was located in Hart. However, between November 1923 and May 1924 there was no agent, due to lack of funds. During these early years, records indicate that the Oceana County Farm Bureau contributed financial support in establishing and developing Extension in the county. When a new agent was hired his office was moved to Shelby, where it remained until about 1938.
The move back to Hart found the Extension Office housed in the basement of the Hart Post Office. In January 1975, the Oceana County Cooperative Extension Service moved to its present location at 210 Johnson Street, Hart, the site of the former Baptist Church. The new facilities provide for efficient and effective service by the Extension staff.
Founded in 1914 and funded by a partnership of federal, state and local govern- ments, the Extension system delivers information through land-grant universities across the nation. The Cooperative Extension Service helps people solve their problems by bringing the research and resources of Michigan State University to each individual county.
Extension has offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam. It is the largest and most successful informal educa- tional organization anywhere.
Extension specialists numbering 160 are located in 26 academic departments on the Michigan State University campus. They are the key interpretive link between research and people needing new technology and information. Specialists continually evaluate new research and prepare pertinent data for practical application. They have advanced degrees and training in a selected discipline and work closely in programs with county and area Extension staffs.
County agents spearhead the work of the Cooperative Extension Service. In Michigan there are more than 275 of them in 80 county offices serving the entire state. They live among the people they serve, providing assistance through meetings, demonstrations, workshops, short courses, publications, mass media, and follow-up consultations.
Helping the county agents do their job is a highly qualified group of 200 program aides and assistants and a team of about 30,000 volunteer leaders. The large number of persons who volunteer their time and expertise year after year is ample evidence of the credibility of Extension programs.
1976 Oceana County Staff
1
Edgar L. Strong, County Extension Director Wm. J. Maclean, District Extension Hort and Marketing Agent Andrea Ay, County Extension 4-H - Youth Agent Margaret Lukonic, 4-H Program Assistant Cathy Gallagher, Extension Home Economist
Cooperative Extension Service programs are open to all without regard to race, color or national origin.
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1
EARLY HISTORY OF 4-H IN OCEANA COUNTY
4-H .... PAST
Early 4-H Club Work was done by the County Agricultural Agent and the County Home Demonstration Agent. Projects included hog, poultry, dairy, colt, corn, canning, strawberries and gardening. And, most activities centered around the Fair, Achievement Programs, State 4-H Show and Club Week.
Boys and Girls Club Work, according to the earliest records, began in 1918 under the leadership of B. F. Beech, County Agricultural Agent. By 1929, thirteen handicraft clubs were organized involving the following 4-H leaders: Esther Doolittle, Maude Russell, Vaugnie Goodrich, Irma Bender, Carol Keer, Herbert Brandel, Esther Sundell, Kenneth Atherton, Mavoric Farmer and O. M. Wright. E. P. Ray and Frank Sloan gave leader- ship to two strawberry clubs.
The first Oceana County Council of 4-H Clubs was organized in 1931 with the following serving as a Board of Directors: Lawain Churchill and Geraldine Russell of New Era, Gordon Scott of Hesperia, Merton Wright of Mears and Alden Wiedman of Walkerville.
Beginning in 1942 there were several District 4-H Club Agents: Stanley Mahaffy, Arthur Kinsman, Wm. C. Butts, Arden Peterson and Fred Dostal. And, it wasn't until 1956 that Oceana County had its first County Extension Agent in 4-H Club Work, Ralph Dold.
1963 found Andrea Ay hired as the Extension 4-H - Youth Agent followed by area agents Marvin Eppelheimer and Jack Parker.
With Oceana County's decision to go with a county grant position, Andrea Ay was again hired in 1972 as their own fulltime County Exten- sion 4-H - Youth Agent. And, in 1975, CETA funds provided the first 4-H Program Assistant position with Deborah Bailey and currently Margaret Lukonic.
4-H. ... PRESENT
Projects have changed through the years. But, the organiza- tion's basic "learn-by-doing" concept still holds and has wide appeal. Today's 4-H members take part in projects that range from animal care to environmental improvement to photography, sewing, knitting, heritage, crafts, bicycle care and safety, etc. Activi- ties center on personal growth and development in county-wide and state-wide programs such as; camping, Kettunen Center Workshops, 4-H International activities, Keen Teens, 4-H Exploration Days, Teen Conferences, local 4-H Achievement Programs and state exchanges.
THE FOUR FRE
4-H .... FUTURE
With the dedication of local 4-H volunteer leaders, the Oceana County 4-H - Youth Program will meet the challenges of tomorrow with its continued emphasis on personal growth and development. With our theme, "4-H '76 .... Spirit of Tomorrow", we can make it happen in 4-H, a world of opportunities!
H
ROAD SHOW
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OCEANA COUNTY POMONA GRANGE NO. 50
The Granges in Oceana County were organized for the purpose of serving the county's farmers. There were several Granges formed in the county, which held meetings six times a year to discuss and solve agri- culture problems and concerns.
The first Grange that was formed in Oceana County was in 1874, at "Town Corners", called the Sylvan Grange. W.F. Lewis was the first Master of an average of 40 members. Wilbur Taylor came from Berry County in 1874 and became an active member in Sylvan Grange. Despite a visual handicap, he traveled the county in horse and buggy in the interest of the Grange.
The "Oceana Grange", at Hart, was second to begin, with E. T. Mugford first Master. Others who served as Master were: A.D. VanWickle, James Reed, Mr. Rector, and Mr. Yates. An average of 25 members were active. Fraternal Grange, No. 406, had A. Maples as its first Master. Later were E. W. Moore, G. W. Woodward, and W.H. Barry. The 28 members met at Blooming Valley.
Granges formed in 1874 also included the Ferry Grange and the Crystal Valley Grange.
All of these Granges were founded by Charles S. King of Kalamazoo, General State Deputy.
In 1876, the Flower Creek Grange in Claybanks was founded. Leading Masters of about 30 members were Mr. Baker, H. Tower, S. and A. Houston. Another Grange headed by W.F. Lewis and later E.T. Mugford was founded in 1880.
In 1882 the county Grange officers were: O. K. White - County Master G. W. Woodward - Lecturer George C. Myers - Secretary Thomas Twining - Treasurer Today, in 1976, there are only four Granges in Oceana County -- Elbridge, Oceana Center, Riverhouse and Blooming Valley. Blooming Valley organized in 1904 has never been dormant.
Ardith Merten, the present Master, is the only woman Master of Oceana County.
MELODY MATES OCEANA COUNTY
A Western Style Square Dance Club, organized in 1962, under the direction of Johnnie Quinn (caller). The club meets the first Saturday of each month. Lessons are available.
Square dancing is called the American Folk Dance because it originated in America.
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR "PROJECT PRIDE"
IMPROVE SAFETY CONDITIONS CLEAN UP UNSIGHTLINESS BEAUTIFY WITH PLANTINGS
REGAIN PRIDE IN OUR COUNTY
Sponsored by The Shelby Woman's Club
DID YOU KNOW ...
* The "smallest newspaper in the world", The Mears Newz, was published for over half a century by the late Swift Lathers. Swift ran the one man operation, himself being reporter, columnist, salesman and editor. Swift's son, Forest Lathers, has recently issued the first edition of Prison Newz and Views. The six-page pamphlet attempts to answer various questions asked by the public about prisons and treatment of inmates.
* There was an army camp in Claybanks Township called Camp Claybanks. It opened in late 1952 and closed the later part of 1957.
* The worlds largest shifting Sand Dunes are located at Silver Lake, in Golden Township. At one time there was a 40 acre farm in the dunes owned by S. B. Farnsworth. It has been covered up by the shifting dunes.
* The exciting, haunting, radio serial, "The Hermit's Cave", heard over station WJR around 1930, was written and produced by Geraldine Elliott Howlett, of Shelby.
* The "Story Book Lady", Verna Norberg Aardema, who is delighting our present day children with her famous books, was born and raised in New Era.
In the first quarter of the 20th Century, barn raising was an important and very necessary event. After the materials were ready, it usually was a one day affair, with neighbors coming from far and near, with the men raising the barn and the women preparing the food. One man served as "Boss" and engineered hewing the timers, fit- ting the joints, assembling the supervising and erection. Jake Van Dyke, of Rothbury, was considered one of the best and could take the credit for many of the barns still standing in the southwest part of the county.
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OUR PURPOSE
Oceana Hospital was esta- blished to care for the sick and injured regardless of race, creed, or nationality. Its aims are to provide sympathetic, efficient care and to correlate the care of the sick with the interests of all those associated with the hospital so that the dignity and rights of each may be respected.
E
V A
1922
TO
1976
S P
OUR HISTORY
Oceana Hospital came into being in 1922 when a group of public-spirited citizens recognized the need for a medi- cal care facility and organized the Oceana Hospital Association.
From 1924 until 1954 the hospital operated in an old house that was on the site of the present Thriftway Store.
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During the years of World War II and immediately after, it was recognized that the existing facility was no longer adequate. In 1950 plans were made and funds raised for a new hospital which was completed in 1954. Twelve more beds were added in 1959 and a large solarium was built in 1962. In 1974 new facilities for laboratory, x-ray, and emergency services were dedicated.
Oceana Hospital is a voluntary, nonprofit organization operating under the laws of the State of Michigan. It depends upon the fees received for its services and gifts from the community for its continued operations.
Sponsored by Oceana Hospital Employees Guild
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LAKESHORE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
The first Hospital, called the Matern- ity House, came into existence in Shelby in 1922. It was established by Mrs. Edna Harper and Miss Agnes Morningstar (Critchett) in the old Cushman house, which stands south of the present facilities.
As the need for a general Hospital be- came apparent, the efforts of Miss Fannie Near and Miss Lottie Near, aided by the Fellowship Club, resulted in Shelby Hospital being built on the present site. Shelby Hospital first opened its doors to the com- munity on August 18, 1925.
First babies born in Shelby Hospital
The Village of Shelby acquired the Hospital in 1938. Additions were constructed in 1948 and 1964. Throughout the continued growth of Shelby Community Hospital, equipment was being updated and modernized, partly through fund drives and the work of the hospital auxiliaries.
In 1969, with the strong support of the people of the Village of Shelby and the surround- ing service area, the Hospital was again expanded and remodeled. An expanded Board of Trus- tees adopted the name Lakeshore Community Hospital. Backed by a Village bond issue and build- ing fund contributions, the present facility was completed late in 1972.
The dominant role of Lakeshore Community Hospital has been, and continues to be, the provision of acute general care. We will continually strive to improve our facilities and services to the community.
LAKESHORE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL AUXILIARY
At the time of the 25th anniversary of the founding of Shelby Community Hospital there were just seven rooms in the hospital. Three of these were furnished by the Shelby area churches. By 1938 the hospital had grown to twelve rooms with an auxiliary that was said to be "a very valuable asset in providing new and much needed equipment." Today the area churches still have active units within the auxiliary which continues to follow this tradition.
All the auxiliary units are not church related, however. Back in 1941 a group of young women formed a Victory Club which held dances and conducted other pro- jects with proceeds donated to the hospital. Circle One and Circle Three were organized by interested community women along with the Junior Guild and, most recently, the New Life Guild. Shelby Township has also been represented with groups from Piper School, South Shelby, Shelby Center, and New Era.
The auxiliaries of Lakeshore Community Hospital are happy to have a part in maintaining full service health care to an ever enlarging area.
Sponsored by Lakeshore Community Hospital Auxiliary
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OCEANA COUNTY CHAPTER OF MICHIGAN RETIRED PUBLIC SCHOOL PERSONNEL
In September, 1956, Mrs. Jessie Peterson, of Hart, invited some retired teachers to meet at her home to consider organizing a club. She also invited Mrs. Gladys Neis, of Muskegon, who was State Treasurer of the Michigan Retired Teachers' Association. The retirees responded wholeheartedly and on September 28 they met with Mrs. Peterson and organized a chapter for Oceana retired teachers, which has been active ever since. They elected as president, Jessie Peterson, vice-president Miss Ruth Sayles, and as secretary-treasurer Mrs. Edith Tweed. Other persons present at that first meeting were: Mrs. Vera Schilhaneck, Mrs. Eva May, Miss Lillian Averill, Mrs. Florence Schrumpf and Horace Tweed.
One month later, this group met again, drew up a constitution and appointed committees. As the years passed, other members were added and the meetings were held in the various homes. This local chapter provided an opportunity for the retired teachers to get together socially, make friends, and keep informed on legislative activities on the state and national level. They began to realize if they hoped for the needed legislation to make their local chapter more effective, they must all work together and so joined the State MEA in 1961.
In 1973, the state organization underwent drastic changes. Under the new consti- tution, the name was changed to Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel (MARSP) which included retired teachers, school nurses, cooks, librarians, secretaries, janitors and bus drivers, as well as all whose services are necessary in the modern consolidated school system. They divided the state into ten areas, with each section having an area director, whose duty it is to help organize, encourage and promote activities in their local chapters. These area directors together form the Board of Directors, who meet frequently to promote legislative action of benefit to the teachers.
These local chapters provide a much needed social value to these senior citizens. In Oceana these meetings are well attended and the cooperation is wonderful. With an average attendance of about 50, it has become necessary now to meet in village halls, libraries, schools, or churches. The total membership is about 70. There is always a short business meeting and a program of interest. Besides music, there may be a travel talk, slides, book review, a magician, or a speaker. They hope to make the meetings so interesting that no one will want to miss. At the close of each meeting refreshments are served by a committee, or there may be a potluck dinner or a luncheon served at a church with nicely decorated tables. This year the programs will stress patriotism. The social hour is much enjoyed.
There are many benefits and advantages in joining all three organizations; the local, state and national. Besides the fellowship, in the state and national, many pharmacies give large discounts to those who show their card. There are state and national travel agencies, who arrange tours for RTA retirees. Some motels and restaurants also give discounts. There is auto, health, life and homemakers insur- ance designed for older people. In 1975, the MARSP succeeded in putting into effect a very good health insurance through Messa and Blue Cross-Blue Shield, and the RCC has done much to increase retired teachers pensions. So much has been accomplished by these organizations that all retired teachers would benefit by joining. The Oceana Chapter would gladly welcome new members and you will find them a very cooperative group.
Sponsored by
Oceana County Chapter of Michigan Retired Public School Personnel
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OPT
IMIST
T
VAI
1948
ER
1976
"SERVING YOUTH FOR OVER 28 YEARS"
The Shelby Optimist Club was chartered on Tuesday, November 9, 1948. The first regular meeting was held Wednesday, November 17, 1948, at Camp Shelby. Throughout the years, the membership fluctuated from 52, to 9, to the present 75. The Optimists have financed and provided the youth of the area with super- vision in swimming, basketball and baseball, as well as safety taping bicycles, providing tickets and supervision to Detroit Tiger baseball, hockey, and other sports events.
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