Recognizing and preserving the history of the Village of Lake Orion has been an ongoing commitment of some dedicated residents.
The effort of these local historians has not gone unnoticed by others who view preservation as a worthwhile and necessary challenge. And now their efforts are reaping dividends.
In July, the Village received Historic District designation with the National Registry of Historic Places.
A month later, ‘Images of America: Lake Orion,? a history of the area, was published by Jim Ingram and Lori Grove.
Yet another historical book, ‘A Church For All Seasons: The History and Architecture of the Union Church,? is on the bookshelves now.
Local historian and author Leslie Pielack has been working with the Orion Historical Society and Orion Township as the project manager for the restoration of the old Union Church.
After conducting extensive research on the building’s history, Pielack decided to commit her findings to publication. Hence, the book.
‘When it was built in 1854, this was the the largest, most imposing structure for miles around,? said Pielack. ‘I just had to tell the story of this fascinating building.
‘There isn’t another historic structure anywhere in Lake Orion that has gone through the growing pains of the community like the Union Church has,? she continued. ‘Yet, somehow it has retained its original character and feeling.?
Based on her research, Pielack said the Orion area had barely developed beyond a small settlement with wood shacks and log cabins surrounded by forest and Indian trails, when the church was built.
‘Pioneer settlers had spent almost two decades battling wolves and bears in the wilderness of Orion Township to establish their farms,? she said. ‘The church was an early example of different groups pooling resources for mutual benefit.?
Pielack said it was through the joint effort of two influential congregations — the Congregationalists and the Methodists — that civilized worship began in the Orion area.
Lisa Maruca, a local resident who is an associate professor of Interdisciplinary Studies at Wayne State University, credits Pielack for her careful research and references to past residents.
‘It tells a delightful tale that is chock full of information, but balanced with amusing anecdotes and interesting detail that brings the church to life,? said Maruca.
The 100-page illustrated book traces the history of the church and its many congregations, from the settlement era through the Civil War. It also focuses on the arrival of the railroad in Orion Township, the growth of the area as a resort destination, and the devastating fires that threatened the community at the turn of the 20th century.
Pielack will sign copies of the book on Tuesday, December 19 from 11 a.m.-noon, 1-2 p.m., and again from 5-7 p.m. at Elements, 11 S. Broadway St.
The book will be for sale at Elements, the Orion Senior Center, the Lake Orion Village Offices, Orion Art Center, Accent on Art, Steve Auger & Associates, and the Michigan Store at Canterbury Village.
A portion of the donation may be tax deductible.
For more information or to reserve a copy of the book in advance, call Sara Van Portfliet at 248-693-4154, or check the website at: www.orionhistoricalsociety.org.