Jim Schmiechen architectural station

Since 1993, Jim Schmiechen has been the anchor for more successful Society projects than I can count. There is no question that much of the Society's reputation for quality has been built on his scholarship and passion for our area's history - as evidenced in the remarkable series of exhibi-tions, publications, presentations, and capital projects he has either initiated, guided, or been otherwise centrally involved in. In fact the acquisition of the Old School House, which we now take for granted as the Society's nerve center, was his brainchild. As devoted Historical Society friends and Schmiechen supporters, I want you to be aware of an honor planned to express the Society's appreciation for jim's many years of exceptional work. We plan to recognize Jim by dedicating, in his name, the Entry Arbor to the "Back-in-Time Garden" at the front of the Old School House - appropriate, since the glass panels will tell the story of the 1866 Old School House building, one of the finest remaining examples of school architecture in the State of Michigan, listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. We are offering an opportunity to a select group of friends to be a part of this tribute by making a special donation to create and install the arbor/ architectural station in Jim's name. Photographs and renderings of the design are below. We are hoping work can be completed by this Fall at which time donors will be invited to a special dedication of the arbor and and celebration of Jim's fine work on behalf of the Society. Please join us in honoring Jim Schmiechen by completing and returning the enclosed card indicating the amount of your donation. Thank you for your continued support of the Historical Society.