The Film That Started FOHRA is Now Online!

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The Friends of Highland Recreation Area have recently digitized the original Chris Arble Haven Hill "Possibilities" film that in many ways gave the volunteer Friends group their start. The movie continues to inspire  others today and can now be see on YouTube at the FOHRA Volunteers video site.

Edsel Ford in the Haven Hill "Possibilities" Film 

Edsel Ford in the Haven Hill "Possibilities" Film 

Although many of you have seen this 14 minute film before, others will enjoy seeing the story of Haven Hill's past and ideas for the present and future. Take a break and give it a special viewing...

The film can be seen on YouTube at THIS LINK.

 

 

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John Fitzgerald

The Friends of Highland Recreation Area (FOHRA) volunteer organization was established in 2007, and is a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt non-profit organization operating under lease agreement with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Within one of the most picturesque, fascinating, and historically significant state parks in southeast lower Michigan, our goal is to combine the former Haven Hill estate history with Highland Recreation Area’s existing amenities, wilderness, and recreation.

Haven Hill Festival Saturday, August 24

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The Haven Hill Festival is provided to the public as a no cost enjoyable day in the park for all who attend (entry into the state park is now via the Recreation Passport on your license plate). The event promotes awareness of the wonderful natural and historic resources that make up Highland State Recreation Area. Food and beverage sales serve as a fundraiser for the Friends of Highland Recreation Area.

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2013 Haven Hill Festival Saturday, August 24

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Haven Hill history displays, a Haven Hill National Natural Landmark nature photo exhibit, vintage Ford automobiles, children’s activities, along with summer food and drinks, will be available all day during the free 10 am to 3:00 pm Festival on August 24. This year’s Haven Hill Festival will include, for the second year, the Novi Brass Band accompanying the 1860’s Base Ball Game on the Goose Meadow ball field at 1:00 pm.

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FOHRA Parades!

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This year’s Haven Hill Festival will include, for the second year, the Novi Brass Band accompanying the 1860’s Base Ball Game on the Goose Meadow ball field.

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FOHRA Hosts Speaker Mr. Steve Stanford at Goose Meadow

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The event was one of many to be held in 2013 around the Detroit area in celebration of the Henry Ford’s 150th birthday and coordinated by the MotorCities organization.

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HRA History: Pontiac Press Lodge Photo

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Digitizing of some fantastic photos and newspaper articles that were collected by Marge Sawruk of the Friends of Highland Recreation is underway. This wonderful old photo of the lodge (below) from the October 31, 1962 edition of the Pontiac Press shows its magnificent sloping roofs and two of the six giant chimneys. For those of you who didn't know, the Pontiac Press became the Oakland Press in 1972.

Click on the photo to see and read the text. Use your "back button" to return to this page.

Marge Sawruk is the Secretary of the White Lake Historical Society and a long-standing member of the Friends of Highland Recreation Area. Our sincere appreciation goes out to Marge for saving and collecting  such wonderful historical records.

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REQUEST for OLD PHOTOS and DOCUMENTS:

The FOHRA would like to extend a formal request for any and all old photographs that reflect the natural and man-made hsitory of the Highland Recreation Area and Haven Hill. We'll carefully scan your pictures of the park and return them to you unaffected. In retun, the FOHRA will send along with a free computer disk containing all of the preserved images. Please contact Jay Fitzgerald (FOHRA group Secretary) at (248) 494-8919 or write a email to jayman@friendsofhighlandrec.org. Thanks ahead of time!