< >By Jim Smith
GRAYLING Did you know that Crawford Station, which later became Grayling, was a major logging site in Northern Michigan?< > < >Between the AuSable River and the railroad, billions of board feet of lumber either came into the mills in Grayling to be cut up or were shipped to other parts of the state.< >
< > Were you aware that Rasmus Hanson, a lumber baron in Crawford County, donated thousands of acres to the State of Michigan for the purpose of establishing a training facility for the National Guard? That facility has become one of the best military training facilities of its type in the United States.< >
< > Perhaps you remember the famous bow hunter, Fred Bear, who, from his manufacturing facility in Grayling, produced some of the finest archery equipment in the world.
< >These are just a few of the many stories that serve to make up the history of Crawford County.< > < >It is the task of the Crawford County Historical Society to preserve and interpret this history, both for our residents and for any other person who enjoys history.< > < >The year 2017 marks the 45th year for our Society.< > < >Friday, May 26, 2017 will mark the summer opening of the Museum.< > < >The Museum will be open Wednesday through Saturday from Noon to 4 p.m. Depending on events occurring within the community, other days and hours will be added.
< >Two things have changed for this year.< > < >One is the website.< > < >The new website is www.crawfordcountyhistoricalsociety.com< >. < > < >The second thing that has changed is our lighting.< > < >the past the florescent lights were not always bright enough to adequately illuminate exhibits in the Museum.< > < >Our old lights are being replaced with new LED lights which not only will be better for viewing exhibits, but will be better for preserving more delicate items such as photographs, papers and other objects.< >
< >A MSHDA grant has been applied for, that, if received, will allow us to make several upgrades to the facilities.< > < >There are a number of projects that the Society would like to complete.< > < >Among these are: an adequate heating system, vinyl siding on the Military Annex, upgraded electrical service, and new storage areas and shelving.
< >The Crawford County Historical Society is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization.< > < >No money is received from the County or any other government agency unless from a grant.< > < >No entry fee is charged for admission, therefore all operational expenses must be paid for through donations or room sponsorships.< > < >The Crawford County Historical Society Fund (through the North Central Michigan Community Foundation) provides occasional funds for special projects as well.
< >Because the Museum has no paid staff, volunteers are essential to do various projects and to help keep the Museum open during its hours of operation.< > < >Volunteer training is easy and only takes 1-2 hours of time.< > < >The amount of time that any volunteer wishes to give is entirely up to him/her.
< >The Museum, which is located at 97 Michigan Avenue (by the railroad tracks) may be contacted by telephone (989-348-4461), by email: museumcchs97@gmail.com< >, or by mail: P.O. Box 218, Grayling, MI 49738.
< >We would welcome those who wish to volunteer, donate money or just want to come in to learn more about the history of Crawford County.< >
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< >Our focus is on the positive people and events that make Northern Michigan a great place to live, vacation, work and play.
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