Almont Museum-Michigan

05/22/2026

👀 Have you ever walked through Almont Community Park, noticed this marker, and wondered what it was?

Turns out, it marks a time capsule connected to Almont’s 1976 Bicentennial Homecoming celebration! After being “lost” for years, information about the time capsule’s location was rediscovered in the Almont Library’s Genealogy Room in February. It included instructions stating it was to be opened in 2026 — almost like it was waiting to be rediscovered just in time for Homecoming and America’s 250th Anniversary!

This August, the Almont Historical Museum will unearth the capsule and unveil its contents during Almont Homecoming.

What do you think might be inside?

05/21/2026

05/21/2026

Goodrich Cemetery has many early pioneers of Almont buried there. Including Oliver Bristol, the first Township Supervisor.
I was touched when I saw one of the Roberts Boys’ gravestone . He was killed at the battle of Cold Harbor, PA during the Civil War . He served under General Custer , 5th Michigan Calvary.
The Roberts owned the Trading Post (now Maria’s restaurant) . To
Learn more about the Roberts visit the Musuem, Saturdays between 1 & 4pm. While there check out Dr Addison Stone’s collection of his memorabilia from his service as a Surgeon attached to the 5th Michigan Calvary .

05/20/2026

Volunteers from the Historical Society visited Chuck Bristol to learn more about the Bristol family ,Fruit Farms and more.
One of the things that stumped us was this wire oval shaped basket.

Mr. Bristol said it was put over a Horse’s mouth/nose to prevent them chewing corn while cultivating. Even seasoned Historial Society Members can learn something “new” !

Part of our “assignment” was to find local historical items we can borrow to display in the museum and in its showcase windows. So stop by and see what we come up with this summer/Autumn!

05/19/2026

Last week we had the pleasure of hosting four classes of students from Orchard Primary Elementary School (Almont).
The tours are an outgrowth from a program started by Former Historical Society President James Wade and Teacher Mrs Martinez . The tours now are expanded to four stops : The Museum , Maria’s Restaurant (site of the original Trading Post) , The Bells (formerly the K-12 school) and The Library. Each stop was approximately 30 minutes and as Docent Lynn Nolin, said long enough for 7/8 year olds to sit still but not enough time to answer all their questions. They were very well behaved, attentive and curious.
Nolin spoke of the many name changes Almont went through, how a trading post worked, the changes in “currency” and the famous Bear incident with early settler Oliver Bristol. The story has been documented since 1884 when it first was published in the Lapeer County History Book . Nolin used a bear fur, with claws still intact to illustrate the story , many of the children squeal with delight when given a “bear hug “ and they jumped back when the “bear “ roar.
We enjoyed sparking the interest in local history with these future Historians. We look forward to do future programs geared to our young visitors. Thanks to the Educators at Orchard Primary for their continued partnership.

Photo credit: Stacy Kmetz

05/19/2026

We love the support of Nia, Bella etc
They are big supporters of our little Musuem, often openings their door , literally for our fundraising, programs.
Please patronize them not just because we love them! But because it’s good food and service!

05/19/2026

Brookwood Fruit Farm back in the Day. The WK Bristol family harvesting apples for their family orchard business. Circa 1940.
Thanks to Will and Charles Bristol for giving us a tour today. We will be sharing more about our tour in future posts , the Historical Society’s monthly newsletter and of course at the Musuem, which is open every Saturday 1-4 pm. Please stop in and share your history with us!

05/06/2026

From Almont Community Homecoming memories Vault:
1990’s Homecoming Princess and Queen are crowned.

Queen Rebecca Bartlett and Princess Penny Bristol .

Do you have some pictures and articles on past Homecomings? Please share here or text me at 810 728 1505

04/29/2026

Little Gerald Paeth salutes to honor his Uncle Robert Corby service during WW2. Robert was in the Navy, he was one of the lucky ones that came home. The Corbys had a Farm just south of Almont. During the war years, young Jerry went to live with his Aunt Viola Stanlake at 202 Branch Street, Almont, where this photo was taken around 1943. Jerry lived with his Aunt, while his Mother, Irene, worked at Hurd Lock , she was one of many women that worked in factories that were converted for the war effort. A Rosie Riviter !

Do you have a wartime story you would like to share? Feel free to text me at 810 728 1505. Or leave a comment here. We would love to collect your stories and preserve them for future generations.

Thank you, Jerry for sending this photo in and sharing your “My Almont” memories with me. We will have more on Jerry’s childhood at 202 Branch Street in our monthly newsletter for Members of the Almont Community Historical Society.

Don’t get the “The Lamplighter “? Join us, a yearly membership is only $15 and you will be supporting our efforts to preserve Almont’s legacy and Heritage. Information under “about” section of this page. Be sure to include your email address!