Huron County’s Sesquicentennial
Birthday Celebration a Historical Success
by Janis Stein

Huron County celebrated its sesquicentennial in grand style with a birthday party at the Franklin Inn in Bad Axe recently. An estimated 1,000 visitors toured historical displays representing the areas of Elkton, Caseville, Sebewaing, Port Hope, White Rock, Sand Beach (Harbor Beach), Ruth, Parisville, Ubly, Pigeon, Port Austin, Bad Axe and Bay Port. Other historical displays included the Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse Society, the Red Cross, one-room schools, farm implements, quilters, lighthouses, maritime, spinners and spinning wheels, the Democratic Party, the Republican Party and Civil War re-enactors. With so much knowledge under one roof, guests delved into learning about the area’s history and the Huron County pioneers who made this great county what it is after 150 years of growth. Huron County Historical Society president Diane Ellicott is pleased with the result of the day’s event. “The Society is excited by the collaboration and willingness of so many volunteers to share the history from their corner of Huron County. This event not only raised awareness about local history between communities, it generated a spark of interest in the younger generation.”

Over 300 schoolchildren attended Huron County’s birthday party, while actors portraying President Lincoln, Mary Todd Lincoln, Governor Frank Murphy, Mark Twain, Civil War soldiers, Indian Dave and a survivor of the 1881 Great Fire made history come alive for students and adults alike. “Inviting children to take part in the celebration, particularly at the second, third and fourth grade levels, made the day even more exciting. The students visited displays in search of answers to specific historic questions. Many of these children were fifth generation Huron County residents, and they learned about their roots. When the County celebrates its 200th birthday in 50 years, these children will be the link; they will become the historians who pass along the County’s history to the next generation.” Positive feedback continues to roll in with visitors stating their amazement about all of the history in Huron County – and all that was shared at the Franklin Inn. Ellicott invites one and all to continue to celebrate the history of the area. “This year make a point to take a vacation in Huron County – even if you live here. Huron County offers so many neat things to see and do. It’s an opportunity to learn about the area in which we live as well as a way to have fun close to home.”

In addition to the fun of sharing history, the Huron County Historical Society hosted the birthday party as a fundraiser to help finance the printing and publication of its upcoming sesquicentennial county history book, which will be available later this year. The Society is also selling hats, books and puzzles as well as accepting prepaid orders for Huron County’s Sesquicentennial history book in an effort to defray printing costs.

Anyone interested in learning more may contact Diane Ellicott at 989-712-0050. Visit the Huron County Historical Society online at www.thehchs.org to watch a video clip of the County’s birthday party, to reserve your copy of the sesquicentennial book or to join a local historical society.