Oakland Township Historical Society (OTHS) announces the opening of Goodison…our history centers on the mill, an exhibit at the Paint Creek Mill gallery on Saturday, October 1, 2011 10am. at Paint Creek Cider Mill, 4480 Orion Road. Free and open to the public. Plenty of paved parking and ADA accessible. Opening weekend with docents will be Sat 10am to 4:30pm and Sunday 10am to 4:30pm. A crossroads, a hamlet, a river crossing, a trail stop, a mill on Paint Creek… Goodison is a unique place in Oakland Township. After more than 180 years, the township government is still here, the church is still a church, the school is still a school, the territorial store is still a store and the mill site still has a mill… This unique sense of place still makes it the center of Oakland Township.

Goodison is at its best in autumn with fall color ablaze at the mill alongside sparkling Paint Creek and that scent of cider and donuts everywhere. We come here to experience the best of fall in Oakland Township and sense the history here. The old church bell chimes, the factory machines can be heard from the open Lyon Gear windows, the kids play at the learning center and the flag flaps behind the old township hall.

The Society has tapped its resources to tell the story here starting in the early 1800s with some amazing photographs and treasured memorabilia from the school, stores, blacksmith shop and township offices on display. Many have just surfaced and have not been displayed before. You also can view the Goodison Art Exhibit of local artist work, young and old, open October 1 and 2 in the mill meeting room. Goodison depicted from every angle.

Paint Creek Mill itself with waterwheel, millrace and connection to Paint Creek, has quite a story to tell. Take a tour of the building. Yes it is made of old redwood, has custom stained glass windows and was designed by a Detroit architectural firm. Yes that is Chief Pontiac carved in wood outside. Building tours will be conducted on opening weekend October 1 and 2. Learn about Goodison’s landmark building now owned by your township.

Goodison’s school, church, homes, stores, factory, and township buildings around Orion, Gallagher and Collins Roads date back to settlement times. Who was Goodison? What is this tie to Hemingway? A Blacksmith Shop? The church bell rings with a hand pulled rope? Take a guided walking tour when you visit the Exhibit on weekends.