Over the years, we at Grennan Construction have remained active in our local communities and continuously strive to support local charities, non-profits, and fundraisers to help both the people within the communities as well as our surroundings. We have a great relationship with many people involved in the Oak Hill Cemetary Walk, as well as other people in the Pontiac community.
Please read the article below and consider joining us as we support Oakland Counties Historical Society in maintaining one of the most history-rich and beautiful old cemeteries in Michigan.
Sincerely,
Fred Grennan and the Grennan Construction Family
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Pictured, above, is the gravestone of Major Oliver Williams in Pontiac's historic Oak Hill Cemetery. Major Williams lived from 1774 to 1834, dying in Oakland County's Waterford Township. He has a fascinating life story, which will be one of the focuses of this year's Cemetery Walk on September 18th.
Help us Save our Local Cemeteries: Support this Year's Oak Hill Cemetery Walk, Happening September 18th
"Cemeteries are among the most valuable of historic resources. They are reminders of various settlement patterns, such as villages, rural communities, urban centers, and ghost towns. Cemeteries can reveal information about historic events, religions, lifestyles, and genealogy.
"Names on grave markers serve as a directory of early residents and reflect the unique population of an area. Cultural influence in grave marker design, cemetery decoration, and landscaping contribute to the complete narrative of history. Established in large part for the benefit of the living, cemeteries perpetuate the memories of the deceased, giving a place character and definition.
"Unfortunately, historic cemeteries do not necessarily remain permanent reminders of our heritage. Across the country, they are threatened by development and expanding urban areas, natural forces such as weathering and uncontrolled vegetation, and vandalism and theft, including removal of headstones and objects. Neglect accelerates and compounds the process. If not recorded and cared for, they could be lost forever." - Texas Historical Commission
We felt like they summed it up very well. The task of helping preserve our historical local cemeteries is daunting, but crucial. Our Historical Society members and community volunteers come together to make a big impact in one of the most history-rich and beautiful old cemeteries in Michigan: Oak Hill Cemetery in Pontiac.
Funds raised go entirely to restoring the headstones, mausoleums, and grounds. Tickets are $15 per person with various tour times starting between 2:00 and 4:15 p.m. Buy your tickets online at this link while supplies last. Certain tour times are filling up. Or call our office or email us back here for assistance securing your tickets!
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Pictured, below, is the Osmun Mausoleum at Pontiac's Oak Hill Cemetery. This image was taken prior to restoration work recently completed, and made possible thanks to the funds raised at last year's Cemetery Walk. At this year's walk, you'll be able to get an up close work at the dramatic improvements -- and help make additional future repairs possible. Photograph by Carol Highsmith, from the United States Library of Congress. |
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Here's other upcoming events at our Oakland History Center:
Outdoor Flea Markets (Saturdays and Sundays in September and October from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, weather permitting)
History of Women's Right to Vote (Wednesday, September 14th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, featuring reenactments of suffragists' stories)
Hauntiac Car Show and Woodward Scream Cruise (Saturday, October 8th from 2:00 to 5:00 pm, featuring Hearse Car Clubs and other far-out vehicles)
Walking Ghost Tours of Downtown Pontiac (Saturday, October 22nd, with tours starting from Liberty Bar at 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00 and 9:00 pm, spotlighting macabre and mysterious stories from the area's past)
Harvest Festival and Farmers Market (Sunday, October 30th from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, in partnership with the Pontiac Farmers Market)
Oakland County's Historical Society
405 Cesar E. Chavez Avenue, Pontiac, MI 48342
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