Flat Rock Historical Society

Working in the Present to Preserve the Past

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Lincoln’s Coffin is Coming to Flat Rock!

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For Immediate Release:
October 4, 2017
Contact: Debbie Galik (248.318.5297)
LINCOLN’S COFFIN PLAYS ROLE IN 1ST ANNUAL HISTORIC CEMETERY WALK

     Batesville Casket Company’s authentic replica of Abraham Lincoln’s coffin will be on display as part of the inaugural Historic Cemetery Walk presented by Brownstown & Flat Rock Historical Society on Friday, October 20 and Saturday, October 21, 2017.
Abraham Lincoln’s elaborate coffin was constructed of solid walnut, lined with lead and completely covered in fine, expensive black cloth. It is six feet, six inches long – probably a tight fit for the six-foot, four-inch President. The coffin was decorated with silver tacks extending the entire length of its sides. There were four handles set in silver medallions on each side of the coffin. The center of its lid showcased a shield outlined in silver tacks, with a silver plate bearing the inscription:

ABRAHAM LINCOLN
16TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
BORN FEBRUARY 12, 1809
DIED APRIL 15, 1865

     The replica, one of four traveling displays in the United States, was crafted to the exact specification of the original by Batesville Casket Company of Batesville, Indiana. The only difference between the original coffin and the Batesville replica is the absence of a lead lining; omitted because of its overwhelming weight and the silver plate bearing the inscription.

“We are excited to be able to display this part of history at our 1st annual Historic Cemetery Walk and appreciate Michigan Memorial Funeral Home and Park for making this opportunity available to us,” said Patti Sherman, President of Flat Rock Historical Society.

Tours will begin at Flat Rock Historical Society where you’ll visit the “House of Mourning” see Lincoln’s coffin and familiarize yourself with customs once observed. From there you’ll take a short bus ride to a local historic cemetery. Upon your return to the historical society, you will enjoy refreshments at the historic Smith Hotel.

“This is not a scary event. It’s fun and educational. It’s an opportunity to learn about prominent residents that once lived and worked within Brownstown Township,” said Debbie Galik, President of Brownstown Historical Society.

Proceeds of the event will help preserve our local historic cemeteries. Tickets ($20) are still available for the cemetery walk and are on sale at:

Flat Rock Historical Society, 25486 Gibraltar Road (734.782.5220)

or online at https://cemeterywalk.eventbrite.com.

There are six tours available each evening. Plan on two hours to enjoy all the activities.

Newly Elected 2017-8 Board Welcome!

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The 2017-8 Flat Rock Historical Society Board is:

Patti Sherman, President

Mary Washko, VP of Ways and Means

Hillary Rose, VP of Programs

Nikki Jordan, VP of Membership

MargaretAnn Cooper and Pam Cornell, Treasurer

Candace Myshock, Recording Secretary

Lesley Harkai, Corresponding Secretary

Dawn Bartok, Trustee

Ralph Olsen, Trustee

Lila Fedokovitz, Trustee

Judi McNair, Trustee

Phyllis Dasher, Trustee

Pat Simeck, Tustee

Nick Cotter, Trustee

Amanda McDonald, Trustee

Bylaw Change Proposal

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BYLAW AMMENDMENT PROPOSAL

To be voted on during the upcoming election July 20th, 2017 at 6 pm:
Article IV, Section 2 currently reads:
Elected officers shall have been active members of the Society for a minimum of six months and the President shall have previously served at least one term in another position on the Executive Board.
Proposed Change:
Strike Section
Article IV, Section 4 currently reads:
The officers shall be elected in at the Annual Meeting in JULY for a term of one year to begin in July.
Proposed Change:
The officers shall be elected in at the Annual Meeting in JUNE for a term of one year to begin in July.
Article VI, Section 1 currently reads:
Regular meetings of the general membership will occur every quarter. The Annual Meeting being in JULY for election of officers. Notice of general membership meetings shall be published on the Society webpage, social media, and via email one week before.
Proposed Change:
Regular meetings of the general membership will occur every quarter. The Annual Meeting being in JUNE for election of officers. Notice of general membership meetings shall be published on the Society webpage, social media, and via email one week before.

2017-18 Annual Meeting Notice

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Please join us on Thursday evening, July 20, 2017, for the Flat Rock Historical Society’s General Meeting and Annual Elections.  A Pizza and Salad supper will be provided for members starting at 5:30pm.  Elections will take place at 6 pm. Sue Donovan will speak on the Monroe Bi Centennial at 6:30 pm.

2017 FRHS Ballot Draft