Open Houses and meetings

Meetings are conducted on the fourth Monday of each month at 7:00 PM in the Historical Office. Open Houses at the Historical Museum (original 1860 Town Hall on 7 Mile Rd. and Walker Ave.) and/or the Historical Office (on 7 Mile Rd. and Baumhoff) are held on the third Sunday of each month from 2-4 PM. There is no Open House in the month of December.

If you would like a monthly reminder on our Open Houses, send an email request to alpinehistorical@yahoo.com for all programs and any updates.

Want to Become a Member?

The Alpine Historical Commission is seeking additional members and Friends. Each Commission member has a vote and takes responsibility for some area of interest or office. Officers are elected annually. The Commission plans programs and events, collects and catalogues artifacts that are donated, creates displays and slide shows, conduct tours for school children, researches and helps citizens interested in genealogy and enters information into computer databases. Activities and events take place at the Historical Office and the Historical Museum.

Current Members: Ruth Post (Chair), Pat Cederholm (Vice Chair), Kathyrn J. Post (Recording Secretary/Treasurer), Mary Alt (Corresponding Secretary), Ron Cordes (Township Board Liason), Peggy Brechting, Barbara Erhart, and Judith McNally.

Friends of the Historical Commission

A Friend is someone who is interested in a particular area, project or in history in general. Friends can contribute a great deal in accomplishing the many things that it takes to make projects or events successful. Friends do not have to attend meetings, but are most welcome to. They don't have a vote, but their opinion is valued. This is an incomplete list of things that Friends can do that would be beneficial.

Areas of Interest: Agriculture, art, antique farm equipment and barns, creating or repairing displays, conducting tours, computer work, fund-raising, gardening, genealogy, research, veterans, Victorian-Era restoration, and writing.

Wanted: Old Pictures

Do you have a four-generation-old family picture? The Historical Commission is attempting to gather these types of pictures and family trees. If you have a picture that you would like scanned, please call the township at 784-1262 and set up a time to scan them. That way, you can make copies and share them with everyone who is interested.

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Pictoral History of Alpine township

The new book on Alpine Township's History was made available on Mon., April 30th at major book stores in Grand Rapids. This book is a collection of the earliest drawings, maps and photographs from Alpine's 160 years as a township. Mary Rasch Alt spent months collecting the oldest photos from families who have lived in Alpine Township. Everyone was very generous with stories and photos of their family, making this "a very well-rounded and interesting book," according to one of the editors at Arcadia Publishing. Even if you do not know the 300 families represented in this book, you can enjoy the fashions, architecture, history, culture, stories and farm equipment from a time in the past. This is true Americana.

The 128-page book  was printed by Arcadia Publishing found at www.arcadiapublishing.com. The book is available at many book stores and the Alpine Township library. Due to its popularity, Alpine Township is now in it's second printing.

MAY 18, 2008 open house

We will honor our Mothers this month and hold the May Open House on Sun., June 1st as our 16th President is available at that time.

No Sunday, May 18th Open House scheduled.

June 1, 2008 Open house

In this election year, we will present "The Heart and Humor of Mr. Lincoln", the 16th President of the United States on Sunday, June 1st.

Abraham Lincoln joined the new Republican party in 1856. Two years later he became famous for attacking slavery in his debates with Democratic senator Stephen Douglas. Lincoln's passionate speeches won him the nomination in 1860 for President. He was elected the first Republican President by a large majority. Lincoln said he led the North to war to "Save the Union," not to wipe out slavery. A year later, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which directed that all slaves be freed.

Gerald Bestrom, a professional speaker, will take us back to the time of Lincoln with his memorable stories and down-to-earth humor.

We will gather at the Alpine Township Community Center at 2015 Seven Mile Road. The doors will open at 2 p.m. and the program will start at about 2:15 p.m. with refreshments served.

June Open House 2008

The June 15th Open House will not be held so that you might spend time thinking of, or celebrating with your fathers and grandfathers.

july and august open houses 2008

As many people are off on vacations, we will open our resource room for anyone interesting in researching their family's history on both Sundays, July 15th and Aug 19th at the Alpine Township Community Center, 2015 Seven Mile Road. The doors will open at 2 p.m.

150 Years of Alpine Township History was written by local historian and writer David Wier, in cooperation with the Historical Committee. The 132-page book is available for purchase at the Township Offices for $25.00.

A Taste of Alpine

Pick up a copy of the Country Goodness cookbook. It’s filled with family favorites! The cookbooks are $10.00 each and can be purchased at the Township Offices or from the Historical Commission members.