Ortonville- Old-fashioned fun is right around the corner, both time and distance-wise.
A celebration to mark the 150th anniversary of The Old Mill will be June 23 and 24 at the mill, 366 Mill St.
‘Many community members will have a summer at home,? says Janice Turnbull, chairperson for the sesquincentennial celebration, ‘The Mill With a Past.? ‘We wanted to provide something worthwhile and educational for kids. Everything is free to the public.?
The events are part of a year-long commemoration of the anniversary of the Mill. On Friday, June 23, an ice cream social will be from 5-7 p.m., with such treats as strawberry shortcake, ice cream floats and sundaes. There will be tours of the Mill and the military exhibit on the second floor. Vintage tractors will be on display across from the Mill and a dulcimer will be played for musical entertainment. Historical Society members will be recognized.
A full day of events is planned for Saturday, June 24, beginning at 10 a.m. Demonstrations include quilting, rug looming, Battenberg making, tatting, chair caning, and basket weaving. Antique chocolate molds and antique tools will be exhibited.
Children can create crafts, play games and compete in wood building and doll contests. A sawdust coin scramble will take place at 11 a.m. and magician Steve Ryder will put on a show at 11:15 a.m.
A checker tournament will have a grand prize of a handmade oak checkerboard and other prizes will be awarded. Adults will also be able to have dolls judged and First Impressions Hair Salon is sponsoring the judging of vintage wedding portraits that are 50-years-old or more, all to be displayed in the Old Mill, with the public voting on their favorite and cash prizes awarded.
Featured attractions include I.H. the ox from noon-3 p.m. and at 2 p.m., Fred and Bonnie Priebe will portray Abe and Mary Todd Lincoln in ‘Douglas, Duels and Dancing.?
The day will end with a non-denominational old-time church service at 7 p.m., under a tent at the Mill, with preaching by Robert Harvey and Kathleen Leece on the antique pump organ.
All the day’s events are based on activities from 150 years ago.
‘I’m very excited about it,? says Turnbull. ‘It’s a wonderful opportunity for citizens of our area to have access to educational fun from the old days. It’s exposure to a way of life.?
Details: (248) 627-2447 or visit www.OCHSonline.org