Fenton Historical Society and The A. J. Phillips Museum

06/01/2026

Here's a curious tidbit from the Fenton Independent, published January 31, 1952, "The cash registers at the D&C Store were rifled one night last week. There was no evidence of a break-in, and it is assumed that the thief hid somewhere in the store before closing time, then left by way of the back door. A small amount in pennies was taken. No merchandise was missing." Enjoy!!!

05/26/2026

Very cool!!! Colwell Opera House began in Fenton, and was moved brick by brick to Crossroads Village.

In the midst of celebrating 50 years of Crossroads Village, we also get to honor the people who helped shape its history along the way. While not everyone has been here since opening day, one very important part of our story is Baffling Bill the Magician.

Bill’s first performance at the village was on May 22, 1986, discovered in an old newspaper clipping. Now, 40 years later, we recreated that very photo and one thing is still the same...Bill is still here dazzling guests and creating memories at Crossroads Village!

05/26/2026

We just got our hands on this sweet group photo. No idea who is in it, but the back says it is "From Fred K." to "J.B. Dexter, Fenton, Michigan."

We did some digging, and J.B. Dexter made the news... twice!

The Flint Journal reported July 29, 1915, "J.B. Dexter, son of Joseph Dexter of Tyrone met with an accident Monday when the rip saw broke and hit him in the face."

Proving that nothing that happens is ever truly forgotten, on July 26, 1945 the Fenton Courier published, "30 YEARS AGO... J.B. Dexter of Tyrone who has been teaching in Clyde, was hit by a piece of board set flying by a buzz saw last Monday and is now carrying a wound across his face."

Let's hope we are all remembered for something as cool as that!!! Enjoy!!!

05/25/2026

PLEASE JOIN US ON SUNDAY JUNE 7TH AT 4:30 AT THE MUSEUM
We will be welcoming DR. MIKE HEBERLING who will be presenting a talk on "SHIPWRECKS IN THE MICHIGAN GREAT LAKES"
This will be a free event.

*Mike is a beloved returning speaker and storyteller.
Some of you may remember him from his captivating historical accounting of the Flint-Beecher Tornado, in 2025.
Either way, you won't want to miss this!

05/25/2026

REMEMBER. HONOR.

05/20/2026

St. Jude's Episcopal Church came to Fenton in the mid-19th century!!! Their website talks about their history:

"St. Jude’s Episcopal Church was formally organized on July 18, 1859 by the Ladies’ Mite Society of Fen­ton, Michigan. The following year a simple frame building was constructed on the present site of the church, which was deeded to the parish by William Adelaide of Fenton."

"In 1893, ground was broken for a new and larger church, which was designed in the Romanesque Re­vival style by Pratt and Koeppe of Bay City. On July 28, 1893 the cornerstone of St. Jude’s was laid by Rev. Thomas Macheau, acting for the Bishop of Michigan. The new church had been erected at a cost of $6,500. The history books tell us that, after the laying of the cornerstone, “an elaborate dinner was served by St. Jude’s Guild at the Fireman’s Hall for 25 cents a plate.” The new church was open for services on March 11, 1894 and was consecrated by the Bishop in April 1894."

"Before the new church was erected, meetings were held in various homes, over downtown stores, in churches of other denominations, or in the local Roberts House hotel. In 1859, St Jude’s Church of Fenton was incorporated, and services were conducted by clergyman who were on their way to various other towns that were also in need of their ministry."

"The first time the choir sang was on Sunday, May 26, 1895, under the direction of Miss Flora Davis. The choir consisted of 4 men and 14 boys. It was not until Miss Davis left that women and girls were allowed to sing in the choir."

This is one of our favorite shots of St. Jude's!!! What do you notice about it? Enjoy!!!

05/18/2026

This is a kinda cool brush with fame!!!

The Fenton Independent published June 20, 1957, "In 1949 Industrial Machine Tool Co. set up the Tru-Seal Window division, located at S. Oak and E. Elizabeth Street. The original designs for an aluminum frame window were improved upon and a national business was transacted in Fenton."

"The foundry on the property was originally known as the Walker foundry. It was moved to Fenton from Port Huron. At one time, Industrial founder Almar Westman said, Thomas Edison the inventor had worked for the Walker foundry. In a pile of waste material Mr. Westman found-- and still has in his possession-- a photograph showing Edison at the age of 17 years. Westman bought the foundry from the Walker interests for $3,500, and sold it to the Industrial Machine Tool Co. The old foundry cupola was torn down and replaced by the present buildings."

Industrial was so successful at one time they had three plants in Fenton. Enjoy!!!

05/15/2026

Nobody knows who the man is, but the Riggs Hotel in Fenton is behind him.

On April 6, 1854, a "Daguerrean Artist" published the following ad in the Fentonville Observer: "J.J. Jackson would respectfully inform the citizens of Fentonville and vicinity, that he has opened rooms in this village, for a short time only, where he would be happy to wait upon all such as may favor him with their patronage. DAGUERROTYPE MINIATURES, taken in all kinds of weather, after the latest improvements in the art, and warranted not to fade. Now is your chance to 'secure the shadow ere substance perish.' The public are invited to call and examine specimens, whether wishing likenesses or not. Rooms at Riggs Hotel up stairs." Enjoy!!!

05/11/2026

Happy Mother's Day!!! We do not know a ton about this photo, other than that Ella Moore is being celebrated here in a parade for her great mothering prowess. Enjoy!!!