By Jim Newell

Review Editor

Whether people remember Mark Twain from his books like Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, or from one of his many witticisms that have become a part of the American lexicon, many may not know that he spent some time in Michigan during his world tour.

The Orion Historical Society will host “When Mark Twain Came to Michigan,” a presentation by Al and David Eicher, beginning at 7 p.m. March 23 at the Orion Township Public Library.

The free lecture and multimedia presentation will take about 55 minutes, plus a question-and-answer session. No registration is required and there will be light refreshments.

Mark Twain is the pen name of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, an American writer, humorist, entrepreneur, publisher, and lecturer. Twain has often been lauded as the greatest humorist the United States has produced.

Sharon Konieczny, chair of the Orion Historical Society, said the society has hosted other presentations and felt that Twain’s visit to Michigan would enlighten people on a well-known American figure while highlighting a little-known stop in Michigan, which was the beginning of his world tour.

“Mark Twain is a fascinating historical and literary icon and most people don’t know that Michigan played a part in his life and career. This program will be a nice chance for people to venture out as the weather gets nicer and spend an evening learning more about the influence Michigan had on his life,” Konieczny said.

The Orion Historical Society, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is dedicated to preserving Orion’s history and educating people about Lake Orion’s past so that it is not lost in the current growth of the community.

“Lake Orion has such a unique history that really sets it apart from other local communities. I love thinking about the thousands of people coming to Lake Orion by train and trolley to vacation on the lake and enjoy the Park Island Amusement Park at the turn of the century. As the area becomes more developed it’s important not to lose our original small town and resort community origins. Living has been a vacation here for over 100 years,” Konieczny said.

Membership in the Orion Historical Society is open to anyone – Orion and non-Orion residents.

“We are always looking for new members to bring their energy and ideas and to help with our projects,” Konieczny said.

For more information on the Orion Historical Society, visit orionhistoricalsociety.org. The website also has a brochure and membership form.

The group usually meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of the month at the Orion Township Public Library, 825 Joslyn Rd.