Log Cabin Days in Waterford slated for June 23-24

The Waterford Township Historical Society is hosting its 16th annual Log Cabin Days festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 23 and Sunday, June 24.

The free event will be held at Fish Hatchery Park, located at 4490 Hatchery Road between Frembes and Dixie Highway.

Michigan is the only state which has an annual statewide log cabin festival. There are currently 100 log cabins in Michigan participating.

“The event started because the last Sunday in June is a state law cabin day,” said Waterford Township Historical Society President Sally Strait.

The family-friendly tradition in Waterford features a tour of the 1919 Historical Hatchery House that serves as a museum and historical society headquarters, and a turn-of-the century village comprised of a log cabin, the Drayton Plains Depot, a train caboose, a hardware store, a playhouse, a print shop, the Jacober’s General Store, a barber shop, a bakery, a doctor and dentist office, a millinery, and the Nelson’s Filling Station.

Like last year, Strait said she expects between 1,500 and 2,000 attendees at this year’s event.

“We have a festival that families can come to free of charge — it’s a laid back day where they can tour our building and enjoy,” Strait said.

Spectators can expect historical encampments such as the Sisters of the Union; the Muzzle Loaders; and the Society of Professional Surveyors. Those groups conduct era re-enactments while wearing period costumes both Saturday and Sunday.

The event includes exhibitors and attractions including spinners, quilters, rug weavers, wood workers, and alpacas. A half dozen crafters will be selling hand-made items similar to a juried arts and crafts show.

This year, a pair of local historical authors will also be on site selling and signing their books. Robert Dustman, a former Detroit radio/TV broadcaster and one-time Waterford resident, penned “Defining Moments: A True Story of War, Family Conflict & Reconciliation,” a memoir of his father’s life during his tour in the South Pacific during World War II. He will be on-site both Saturday and Sunday.

Waterford resident Tom Sawyer, author of “Fire Sale” and “Sisigwad Papers,” will be on hand Sunday only.

Also new to the event is a vintage sale where surplus items like books and antiques from the historic village will be sold.

A white elephant sale, caricature portrait artist, and a hands-on historical tent are also planned.

There will also be a kids area with free crafts, along with small-scale Michigan live steam engine train models.

Entertainment abounds with live music from folk singer Bob Lowe; the New Horizon Band, comprised of 70 members from the community; The Big Chief Chorus, a local barber shop quartet; and the Blackberry Creek Dancers.

The historical society will provide hot dogs, chips, pop/water, and a fresh strawberry social for a charge.

All proceeds and donations benefit the Waterford Township Historical Society.

Parking and admission are free. A shuttle will transport attendees from Pierce Middle School to the site. There will be handicapped parking on the grounds of the Historical Village.

For more information, call 248-683-2697.