Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society

06/03/2026

A recreated map of early 1900s Apple Island shows some famous features from the era of vacationers!

This is a hand-drawn map of Apple Island in the early 1900s. It was compiled by former GWBHS President Frances Gadd based on information supplied by Win Hamlin, son of the island's longtime caretaker John Hamlin.

Several versions of this map exist, but the important thing to note is how much of the island was cleared for agriculture. This was common during the time of private ownership, where people from the mainland could actually see happenings on the island. That's hard to imagine today, where Apple Island is completely covered by foliage! 🍎🌳

06/03/2026

Did you miss last week's wonderful Memorial Day Ceremony at Pine Lake Cemetery? You can watch it now on the Civic Center TV YouTube channel! 👀

Watch from 23:37 - 41:15 to see historian, researcher, and genealogist Kathy Bilger and GWBHS President Gina Gregory deliver the ceremony's keynote address, where they honor the veterans of Greater West Bloomfield and Farmington who fought during the American Revolution.

The Greater West Bloomfield community gathers to recognize fallen veterans that are buried in the Pine Lake Cemetery, a Memorial Day tradition.Stay up to dat...

05/31/2026

This beaded beaver tail bag is handmade by Mi-kwan-dahn "Mike" Jewell and was worn as part of his ceremonial regalia. It is a type of Anishinaabe bag used to carry personal belongings, called a "possible bag" because it could be used to carry anything a person could possibly need. The bead decoration includes two white cranes because Mi-kwan-dahn is a member of the Crane Clan. 🦫

05/29/2026

This photograph shows us what Apple Island looked like in the early 1900s. It was taken from a footpath near the island's north shore. Notice the low vegetation? This was typical during the mid to late 1800s and early 1900s, when the Campbell family (then owners) would spend their summers on the island. 🌲

05/27/2026

“There were docks — the one on the main shore and at the foot of ‘the Bluff,’ and the one on [Apple Island] at the stone dock. This arrangement made it possible for the horse and wagon to drive onto and off the scow. And, in passing, I might mention too, as this was the shortest distance between the mainland and Island, it was where one came and yelled to be brought across the lake.”

Excerpt from Auld Lang Syne: Memories of Orchard Island before 1907 by Dr. Campbell Harvey (grandson of Apple Island owners Colin and Caroline Campbell)

This bell was used by residents on Apple Island to call the for the island's caretaker! It was donated to GWBHS by Richard Venice in 1988. 🍎🛎

05/23/2026

This is a fruit press, used to squeeze apple, pears, berries and other fruits to separate the juice from their bitter seeds and skins. If you look closely in this photo, you can see silver bucket underneath the press. This is where juice collects after the fruit is pressed. 🍏🍓

You can come try out the press yourself at the Orchard Lake Museum during our Open Houses!

05/22/2026

Looking forward to visiting Apple Island? Still wondering if you should go? Check out this interview with Civic Center TV where we preview what you can expect on the tours and dive into what makes Apple Island a special place! 🍎

05/22/2026

Did you know? May 18 commemorates an important day in the history of Apple Island! Take a look below: 👀

Today marks 55 years since Brigadier General Frederick S. Strong Jr. donated Apple Island to the West Bloomfield School District on behalf of his late wife Marjorie Ward Strong. On the night of Monday, May 18, 1970, an 83-year-old Strong presented the island to the school board. "Marjorie said at breakfast [a few days before her passing' that she wanted the island kept just as it always was, a woodland."

An official dedication ceremony of the Marjorie Ward Strong Woodland Sanctuary would later be held on October 11, 1970. Those in attendance included Michigan Governor William Milliken and Strong himself.

05/21/2026

There are still open spots to visit West Bloomfield Schools' Apple Island with GWBHS - visit gwbhs.org/apple-island-tours for information and tickets! ☺️

05/20/2026

Planning on attending the Keego Harbor Memorial Day Parade this upcoming Monday? Consider heading to the Keego Harbor Memorial Plaza at 9:30am for a Pre-Parade Memorial Day Ceremony! Fallen soldiers from Keego Harbor (and Orchard Lake) will be honored.