FOHRA Represented at Ellis Barn Festival

Tim Wiles, Steve Stier, and Jay Fitzgerald represented the Friends of Highland Recreation Area at the Ellis Barn Festival yesterday at the Oakland County Fairgrounds. Oakland County and the Michigan Barn Preservation Network put on the Ellis Barn Festival in Springfield Oaks. Jay Fitzgerald of the FOHRA gave a presentation about the Highland Recreation Area, it's historical structures, wonderful flora and fauna, and of course the status of the Edsel Ford Barn. One of the FOHRA traveling table displays was set up at the Festival with photos, information, and a DVD player showing a short video of the history of Haven Hill that was created by Chris Arble, also a member of the FOHRA.

Above: Jay Fitzgerald at the FOHRA's display inside the Ellis Barn.

The 14,000 square foot Ellis Barn was constructed in 1884 in Clarkston and features a gambrel roof (a gambrel is a two-sided roof with two slopes on each side. The upper slope is positioned at a shallow angle while the lower slope is quite steep). The barn's original property and the structure were purchased by a real estate investment firm owned by major league baseball player's Kirk Gibson and Tim Birtsas. They realized the historical value of the barn and donated it to Oakland County along with $75,000 to towards it's relocation and reconstruction.

The barn was disassembled and moved to it's present location on the fairgrounds in Springfield Oaks, Michigan in 2005 - 2006.

Above, the awesome interior of the Ellis Barn.

The FOHRA presentation and display were well received by the attendees. Literature from the FOHRA and the Michigan DNR were distributed, and several new email contacts from interested attendees were received. Go FOHRA!

FOHRA Shows the Edsel Ford Barn at Highland Equestrian Conservancy Barn Tour

This last Saturday, September 27, the Friends of Highland Recreation put on a terrific display of history and experiences at the Edsel Ford Barn inside the Highland Recreation Area.  The group decorated a large tent with straw bales, pumpkins, mums, and corn stalks to welcome their public guests. People from all around came to see the injured but awesome Edsel Ford Barn and learn of its' uncertain future. The barn was severely damaged after years of neglect by a severe storm on June 8 of this year.

Everyone was enthusiastic about the preservation/restoration cause.

Displays included old findings from inside the barn and the surrounding area, a Boy Scouts' "Snow Snake" and badges display, and various informative materials about the Highland Recreation Area.

The FOHRA continues to seize opportunities such as the Barn Tour to inform the public of the valuable historic resources that need attention in the Recreation Area.  The Haven Hill complex at the Highland Recreation Area contains an historic  gatehouse, carriage house, and lodge ruins amongst all of its' natural beauty.

A decision regarding the Edsel Ford Barn's future from the Department of Natural Resources is expected as soon as this week.

"T.P." from FOHRA Wins "Best Dressed Outhouse" Award

A popular but little known area contest was won by a member of the Friends of Highland Recreation Area this weekend. The Best Dressed Outhouse award was given to "T.P." (contestants typically remain anonymous to avoid paparazzi) from the FOHRA at a recent competition wherein contestants decorated various facilities with plants, fresh amenities, etc.

T.P.' s winning entry combined live plants with a touch of class. Framed art, fresh "tissue" and scent sources were combined in a lovely and yet sophisticated arrangement to secure this year's title. The proud winner said, "It's been a "privy"ledge to participate in this year's competition. All of the judges were terrific". Congratulations T.P.!

All content of this post is fictional, of course, and purely in the interest of "good clean fun".

I've Heard of Cotton Willows...

...but cotton weeds? Or is this a actual wild cotton plant? Click on the image below to see a full-sized picture. What kind of plant is this?

The seed pod was filled with tiny parachutes of cottony fibers ready for there big flight.

Highland Recreation Area is filled with amazing things.

HEC Barn Tour at Edsel Ford Barn Next Saturday!

Get ready for the Highland Equestrian Conservancy's 2008 Barn Tour on Saturday, September 27th. This year the Edsel Ford Barn is a stop on the tour! Volunteers are needed to man the large 20 x 40 foot tent and displays that the FOHRA will be setting up to entertain our guests. Below... will you join the Epic Adventure?

Below... the new FOHRA group logo which will be on display at the Barn Tour.

Exhibits will include the "Lost Treasure Barn" display complete with a treasure chest and treasure, the Rulers for Rafters sale, informative posters around the barn, 20's period music, a Highland Recreation Area display, and enthusiastic FOHRA members! The tour is formally open from 9:30 am until 4 pm, but volunteers will be working at the Edsel Ford Barn from 7:30 am until probably after 5pm.

Come out and enjoy the park for a while next Saturday. If you're interested in attending as a volunteer, contact Jay Fitzgerald of the FOHRA by writing jayfitzgerald@jayfitzgerald.com.

Also, both Saturday and Sundy, come on over to Horsin' Around in Highland for all kinds of fun!

3 Men and A Truck

Dick, Tom, and Jay started some clean-up of the overgrown Haven Hill hill road this last Sunday, September 14th. Leaves, grass, saplings, and brush have encroached over 5 feet onto the road in some areas!

Even the area in front of the lodge ruins got a little trimming...

And below, just one of the piles of debris from our clean-up...

We'll be looking for help to do more soon. Get out your trimmers, gloves, and be ready to join us in the great outdoors!

FOHRA Members Speak at Milford, Michigan Historical Society Meeting

Chris Arble and Jay Fitzgerald gave a presentation about the "Past, Present, and Future" of the Highland Recreation Area's Haven Hill complex this last Thursday, September 11, 2008 at the Milford Methodist Church.  A moment of silence was held in memory of those who lost their lives at the World Trade Center prior to the evening's formalities.

Chris and Jay presented a DVD with very interesting and dynamic background information about the history of Edsel Ford's retreat, as well as a slideshow of the Highland Recreation Area's natural beauty and historic structures. A question and answer period followed the presentation.

The Milford Historical Society members were terrific hosts, featuring their famous "Best Pot Luck in Town".

You can be assured that the FOHRA and the Milford Historical Society now have a relationship that will be enjoyable and beneficial in the years to come!

FOHRA Meeting Place: White Lake Township Hall

One of the FOHRA's regular meeting places is the White Lake Township Hall, located on Highland Road (M-59) across from the White Lake Township offices and library.

This historical building has been a wonderful location for our meetings and "in and of itself" is a great place to visit. Attend an FOHRA monthly meeting on the 1st Tuesday of each month and get to know the terrific members of our organization!

Note: Check our website at www.friendsofhighlandrec.org to confirm our meeting locations each month.

The Turtle and the Hair

One day back in June of this year, my wife Eva and I were exiting the park and saw a rock in the middle of the road... the rock turned out to be a big turtle! We stopped, snapped a few photos, and put him back in the forest off of the road.

I don't know what kind of turtle he was... but by the looks of his "hare/hair" (bad joke) algae covered shell he was obviously a pond/lake dweller who lives in the wetlands most of the time. He tried to bite me when I picked him up. A snapper?

Highland Recreation Area has many animals both warm and cold blooded. Go to the park and enjoy natures' bounty!