In March, 1993, a group of residents interested in forming a Historical Society met at the Municipal Offices to discuss the possibility. On April 24, 1994, our society was incorporated in the State of Michigan as a non-profit organization. On March 13, 1999, we received tax exempt status as a nonprofit organization under Section 501(c) (3) from the Federal Internal Revenue Service which means that contributions to our organization can be deductible for Federal Income Tax purposes.

In 1995, the Charter Township Board of Trustees donated a portion of land on the municipal site on which to develop a historical park. The intent was to move the old township hall and other historical buildings to begin development of our site. Unfortunately, the township hall was destroyed by an arsonist prior to moving it to the historical site. Then in august 1996, the Odrobina Family donated the Weller School to the Historical Society. (click here to view pictures) This one-room school stood at 24 Mile and Gratiot Avenue for many years. The Historical Society has been diligently rehabilitating the school since moving it to the historical site. It is the Historical Society’s intention to give the school districts serving Chesterfield Township an opportunity for a 1 room school educational experience for students. The Historical Society is currently engaged in holding fundraisers for the purpose of finalizing plans to build an annex for a furnace, a lavatory, storage, etc.

The small brick outhouse which stood behind the school is also in the process of being rehabilitated. (click here to view pictures) In an attempt to raise funds for the outhouse rehabilitation the Historical Society has formed the “Outhouse Club”. All proceeds are designated for rehabilitation purposes.

The Chesterfield Township Historical Society is always accepting and welcoming new membership. For more information or to join the Historical Society please contact:

Chesterfield Township Historical Society
47275 Sugarbush
Chesterfield, MI 48047

Or you may contact:

Roy & Eileen Rivard (586) 749-3713