History Of The Elkton Historical Society

Elkton, Michigan

A group of concerned people from the Elkton area, met for an organizational meeting on October 26, 1982, at the Elkton Village Hall.  Consequence of this gathering was the formation of the Elkton Historical Society.  Records show the following in attendance at this first meeting; Duane Alexander, Elvera Deering, Dorothy Elsesser, Anna Mae Ewald, Fred Joles, Ronald Nimtz, Alfred Santos Sr. and Marge Young.

Ronald Nimtz was appointed to contact Mr. Thomas R. Lenehan, President of the Bad Axe Historical Society for assistance in organizing the Elkton unit at a November 4^th, 1982 special meeting.  Members of the White Rock and Bad Axe Groups were present at this meeting to provide guidance and advice.

At the November 23^rd meeting the following were selected to act in pro-tem; Duane Alexander as President, Ronald Nimtz as Vice-President and Elvera Deering as Secretary/Treasurer.  Date and time of regular monthly meetings were set for the fourth Tuesday of the month, with a 7:00 p.m. starting time.  Randy Haley offered a $50.00 contribution to start the Elkton Chapter.

At a special meeting held on November 30^th, a full slate of officers were elected to serve through December of 1983.  Dues were set at $3.00 for active members, $5.00 for contributing members and $25.00 for Businesses.  The purpose of the society is to promote and present the history of the Elkton Area. 

The largest and most satisfactory project of this organization to date was the dismantling, moving and reconstruction of the 18 x 22 foot log cabin, situated at the southeast corner of Ackerman memorial park in Elkton.  Now serving as the log cabin museum and warm weather-meeting place of the Elkton Historical Society. 

Originally built in 1865 by Enis Mayhew ¾ of a mile North of Pinnebog, it was donated to our society in 1986 by the then owners Dr. & Mrs. Henry Schoenhals of Port Austin.  Members of the society with the help of the Elkton Jay-cees completed restoration of the two-story building in 1987.  Items donated by Elkton area residents and on display are; old kitchen items, bottles, books, barber chair, hand corn sheller, bean picker machine, Elkton High School Trophies, small farm tools, pictures, tele-type machine and various other memorabilia.

The cabin museum is open to the public on Michigan’s “Log Cabin Day” the last Sunday in June from 1-5 p.m.  Information on the Elkton log cabin can be seen on the Log cabin society of Michigan website.   Also open during Elkton’s Autumn Festival Days from 1-9 p.m. on Friday & Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday of that weekend.  Also opened by special request from interested persons or groups.

On July 3 2008, a 16' x 24' two story building formerly located on the Henry Farver farm 3 1/2 miles north of Elkton, and owned and donated by Schuette Farms, Inc., to the Elkton Historical Society.  The building is to be used as a blacksmith shop and display museum, and was moved to Ackerman Memorial Parks, adjacent to the Log Cabin Museum.  Placed on a previously prepared one row cement block foundation and cement floor, repairs were made during the spring of 2009 by project chairman Fred Santos and Historical Society volunteers.  Repairs included installing sliding doors at the south end, installation of a second floor to the existing upper level, plexi-glass windows, a circular staircase to the second floor (donated by Mr. & Mrs. Walcott Denison of rural Owendale) and repair of siding flaws inside and outside of the building.  Blacksmith shop equipment donated to date primarily by Floyd Farver and Kurt and Deanne Damrow of the Elkton are is in place and on display for public viewing.  The shop is open for free public viewing on the same schedule as the cabin museum.  Donations of old and interesting items for display in either building are most appreciated and enhance the history of pioneer living of years gone by.

In May of 2014 the society voted to purchase 4910 York St. Elkton on the corner of York St. and Mullen St.  It is now the Elkton Heritage Center Museum, handicap accessible. 

 We welcome visitors and encourage membership to preserve and perpetuate this worthy organization.