A historical marker could soon be placed in Addison Township’s Lakeville Cemetery.
On June 20, the township board voted 7-0 to authorize Clerk Pauline Bennett to submit an application to the state that would designate Lakeville Cemetery as a official historical site.
The resolution also authorized the Lakeville Cemetery Auxiliary to create language for the marker that meets specifications of the Michigan Historical Marker program, established in 1955.
‘I am very much in favor of this,? Township Supervisor Bruce Pearson said.
‘It is another project in the township that keeps us moving forward and getting things done for the betterment of the township,? Bennett said.
Officials authorized an expenditure not to exceed $1,905 for the marker and application. This amount does not include fees for installation or delivery.
The application will be submitted to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) Michigan Historical Marker Program.
Officials believe Lakeville Cemetery qualifies for an historical marker ‘based on the preservation of the Cemetery, the public pride of Lakeville Cemetery, which includes the burial of Private Derrick Hulick (1759-1843), who fought in the Revolutionary War.?
In 1839, Hulick moved to Addison Township to live with his daughter Mary and her husband Dennis Snyder, who has settled in the township in 1833 and were among the communities founding families.
After living the last four years of his life in Addison, he passed away on April 21, 1843. He has the distinction of being the first person buried in Lakeville Cemetery.
Hulick’s name would be included on the historical marker.
Pearson informed the board he would be leading a tour group from Birmingham Men’s Senior Club around all the historical sites in Addison Twp. in the fall.
‘One of the highlights is going through our cemetery and telling about the history of our cemetery and Mr. Hulick, who was in the Revolutionary War,? Pearson said.
Once the Cemetery Auxiliary completes the wording, the township board would approve it and forward it with the application.
The first-ever historical marker in this state was dedicated at Michigan State University in East Lansing on October 22, 1955. Since then, more than 1,600 state historical markers have been erected.
According to the MDNR, markers reflect the importance the community places on its heritage and serve as a personal reminder of a site’s historical significance.