by Rhonda Dedyne
Imagine a place where you could view exhibits and displays on local history, research your family tree and even participate in “old-fashioned” tasks like spinning wool and candle-making.
That’s a dream that the Westphalia Area Historical Society has been contemplating for a number of years – and is one step closer to realizing thanks to the potential procurement of a building in the Village of Westphalia.
“We are very excited about the possibility of purchasing the Plannedscapes Nursery & Landscape Design building, and appreciate Lori and Tom Pung working with us on this project,” Evelyn Weiland says about the site on West Main Street that Society members hope becomes the Westphalia Area Historical Center and Museum.
The Society that was established in 1985 envisions creating a community gathering place that would showcase the rich heritage of the Westphalia area and provide opportunities for multiple generations to gather and learn about the important role the village and surrounding area played in the county’s formative years. The Village of Westphalia was established in 1836, and is one of the oldest settlements in Clinton County.
Securing a building and site for the group’s dream facility seemed like an insurmountable obstacle – until recently.
“It was probably at Octoberfest in 2011 that we really started talking in earnest about a museum and community center like this, ” recalls Rose Schafer, citing conversations with Weiland, Maggie Upson, Karen Spitzley, Margie Wirth and other like-minded individuals in the Westphalia area. “We continued to talk about the idea of finding a building at our monthly meetings, and people were interested in seeing how we could make that happen.”
The Pung’s decision earlier this year to purchase the former Huhn’s Grocery Store next to Plannedscapes and relocate the business to that site provided a perfect opportunity to further the Society’s dream.
“Our goal is to be moved in to the remodeled grocery store by Labor Day,” Lori says, adding that she is optimistic about having the historical center locate next door. “The Society would be a great neighbor, and we’re looking forward to working together with them.”
Members of the Society are equally enthusiastic about the possibilities that the building and its central location offers for the museum and historical center, citing the physical condition of the structure and its accessibility as added benefits – not to mention the historical significance of the site itself.
One of the first buildings to house a business in Westphalia was situated at the proposed location – Jacob Kloeckner owned and operated a cabinet and furniture shop which at that time would also have provided caskets for funerals. Jacob, who was born in Germany in 1834 and immigrated with his parents to the Westphalia area in 1842, is a great-great-uncle of Weiland.
“This is quite possibly the first cabinet shop that was built in the village, probably in the late 1850s or early 1860s,” the avid historian and genealogist says about the site’s lineage that included multiple businesses and buildings in subsequent years like the Joseph Wieber Furniture Store, gas stations owned by Leonard and Dale Platte and Greg and Alfred Thelen and apartments owned by Jim Fedewa.
It’s entirely possible that artifacts from those businesses may be part of exhibits and displays at the new Westphalia Area Historical Center and Museum, as will a wide variety of other items that represent the agricultural community surrounding the village. In addition to books, photographs, videos, antiques and other items, the proposed center could also house records for genealogical research – and even function as a site for events that might include hands-on demonstrations of spinning, weaving and other artisan crafts.
“There are endless opportunities for how the building and outside area could be used,” Upson says.
Westphalia Village President Dean Kohagen agrees.
“Our local history is of great value and the preservation of that history is very important – we can help secure our community’s future by preserving its past. Having a place to house local historic artifacts and help preserve the wonderful heritage of the Westphalia area for current and future generations to enjoy is an excellent way to do this. A Westphalia Area Historical Center and Museum would be a great asset for the citizens of the Village, Township and anyone interested in the unique history of the Westphalia area.”
As a first step in obtaining funding to purchase the building, the Society is conducting a pledge drive with a goal of raising $75,000 in donations and potential grant awards that would allow for the purchase, renovation and maintenance of the building. The Westphalia Historical Society is a non-profit corporation licensed by the State of Michigan and is securing IRS 501(c)(3) designation. Donations to the Society are tax deductible.
Individuals wishing to make a donation may mail checks to: Westphalia Historical Society, PO Box 163, Westphalia, MI., 48894-0163.
Detailed information on fund-raising and an overview of the proposed Westphalia Area Historical Center and Museum is available from Society members; contact Weiland at (989) 587-6839, or Wirth at (989) 587- 6984. Information is also available on the Village of Westphalia web site, www.WestphaliaMi.com.
Luecht (Light) School, circa 1890
Do you know these students?
Evelyn Weiland of Westphalia was given this photo of students who attended Luecht (Light) School, located on the corner of Wright and Price roads in Westphalia Township. She believes it dates to the 1890s.
Two students have been identified: Irene Pung Minich and Eleanor Pung Suegrist.
Anyone with information on the names of other students in the photo – and the year the photo was taken – can reply to The St. Johns Independent, or call Evelyn, (989) 587-6839.