Hadley Township Historical Society, 3633 S Hadley Road, Hadley, MI (2026)

06/02/2026

Do you know someone who loves to tell stories about “the old days”? Add your voice to the history of Hadley Township!

We are seeking people who would like to share their memories with the HADLEY ORAL HISTORY PROJECT. Interested persons may meet a representative of the project at the Hadley Mill Museum on Thursday June 18th or Thursday August 20th between 4:30 and 8:00 p.m.

The Hadley Library is leading an effort to collect Oral Histories in Hadley Township. The mission is to collect stories and memories of Hadley Township to preserve them for future generations by interviewing current and past residents. The interviews are recorded and then transcribed to create a written document.

Participants come to the interview session with subjects in mind that they want recorded. The subject and content of the interview is entirely of the participant’s choosing. However, the interviewer may ask questions for clarification. Once complete, the interview is not edited in any way. Eventually the audio and written transcripts will be available at the Lapeer District Library for public access.

The overall project is being coordinated by Julie Oparka of the Lapeer District Library. This project started in 2025 and already 30 interviews have been conducted. Contact information: Julie Oparka, (810)797-4101 or [email protected].

06/02/2026

Today, June 2, Kent and Reta Copeman of Hadley were recognized by the Michigan Historical Commission for over 50 years of commitment to the preservation of our township’s history. The Copeman’s were awarded The State of Michigan MAAK Award at a meeting of the Michigan Historical Commission in Lansing. The MAAK Award is given annually to an individual for a lifetime of exceptional leadership and vision in support of Michigan’s historic resources, programs, and institutions.

As we all know, for more than five decades Kent and Reta Copeman, working together, have exemplified the highest ideals of historical stewardship, preservation, and public education in Michigan. From their contribution to the book the “Hadley Township Scrapbook” in 1977 to their leadership in the creation of the Hadley Township Historical Society in 2004 to the vision and creation of the Hadley Mill Museum which opened in 2009, the Copeman’s have tirelessly contributed and continue to contribute their time and energy.

Lisa Shultz, Membership Coordinator of the Hadley Township Historical Society, nominated Kent and Reta for this award and supplied a compelling application to the Commission last year. In addition to providing numerous old newspaper articles about the Copemans' work, Lisa obtained endorsements for the nomination from Phil Green, State Representative, Kevin Daley, State Senator, and Charles Yeske, President of the Society for the Preservation of Old Mills. Several weeks ago, she received notice that they had been selected for the 2026 award.

Candidates were evaluated on the impact of their efforts and their genuine passion and commitment. That sounds like Kent and Reta! Congratulations to them both!

Larry J. Wagenaar, President of the Michigan Historical Commission is shown presenting the award. For more information about the award: https://www.michigan.gov/mhc/about/advisors-supporters/michigan-historical-commission/awards-program

06/01/2026

This year the annual “A Grand Old Day in Hadley” will be on Saturday August 8 from 9:00 – 3:00. All types of antique and classic automobiles, tractors and farm equipment are welcome at this show. No fee. Hot dogs and beverages available for a donation. For information on displaying your vehicle or equipment: Contact Gary: 810-797-4302

“A Grand Old Day in Hadley” is an annual event hosted by the Hadley Township Historical Society and is usually attended by 100 to 150 more visitors. The Hadley Mill Museum is open. In addition to the vehicles, local residents will display their collections of vintage items and vendors offer homemade and home crafted items. Live music will be provided at the Mill from 11:00 – 2:00.

The Hadley Mill Museum is located at 3633 S. Hadley Road, Hadley MI.

05/30/2026

The Hadley Run starts at the Hartwig Park & the Hadley Mill Museum at 3633 S. Hadley Road, Hadley MI at 8:00 AM. This is a 5K Walk/Run. This year there is a LIMIT of 500 walkers/runners and quite likely all spots will be filled prior to race day. So please register early at www.runsignup.com. Search for Hadley. Complete information can be found on that site.
And plan to stop by the Hadley Mill Museum after the race. It will be open from 8:00 – 3:00 to see three floors of local history. Kids Corner has antique toys for kids to play with.

05/28/2026

This lively Michigan-themed quilt will be raffled off on the 4th of July at the Hadley Mill Museum. Raffle tickets will be sold only that day between 9am to 2pm. To see the quilt in advance, it will be on display at these two events:

* Evening Program “Battle Flags of Michigan” – Thurs. June 11 7pm - Hadley Twp. Office 4293 Pratt Road

* Hadley Mill Museum -Thurs. June 18 4:30 – 8:00pm 3633 Hadley Road

Sponsored by the Hadley Township Historical Society. Thank you to Leslie Kirpatrick for her generous donation.

05/27/2026

Today members of the Hadley Township Historical Society hosted over fifty 4th graders from Murphy School at the Hadley Mill Museum. The students got hands on experience shelling and grinding corn, viewing through a stereoscope and using the scales and the old post office boxes. They learned about the first directional signals at the Four Corners and saw a 1923 Jewett automobile. There was even time to explore Hartwig Park and the Covered Bridge and learn a little about the critters living around us. We want to thank the teachers from Murphy School and members of the Historical Society for making this such a fun event for all.

05/26/2026

CALL FOR VENDORS! Farm Produce, baked goods, homemade crafts and Flea Market vendors are being sought for Saturday August 8 for the annual “Grand Old Day in Hadley” event at the Hadley Mill Museum at 3633 S. Hadley Road. 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

A vendor fee of $5 is required to reserve a spot. Bring your own tables and chairs. Vendors can select their own spot in Hartwig Park. The Hadley Mill Museum will be open that day and usually attracts 100 to 150 people. Parking is available across the street in the Hadley Community Church Parking Lot. Hot dogs and beverages will be available for a donation.

To REGISTER send $5 cash or check to HTHS PO Box 20 Hadley MI 48440. Please include your name, contact information, and what you will be selling. Your spot can be claimed on the day of the event between 8 and 9 AM. First come first served. For more information: [email protected] or Brenda 810-358-0259.

05/26/2026

Are you aware of the Michigan Capitol Battle Flag Collection that resides in Lansing? Our speaker for this EVENING PROGRAM will be Matt VanAcker, the Director and Curator of Save The Flags, a non-profit created in 1990 to preserve, research and display 240 battle flags carried by Michigan soldiers in the Civil War, the Spanish American War and World War I. The presentation concentrates on the importance of flags in battle, some regimental histories and the history of the collection including current conservation efforts.

Please join us on Thursday June 11 for the first program of the 2026 EVENING PROGRAM SERIES hosted by the Hadley Township Historical Society. To be held at the Hadley Township Offices, 4293 Pratt Road. Doors open at 6:30; program from 7:00 to about 8:30pm. This event is open to the public, all ages including children. No admission fee, but donations are appreciated. Pre-registration is not required. For questions email us at [email protected] .

05/23/2026

Are you aware of the Michigan Capitol Battle Flag Collection that resides in Lansing? Our speaker for this EVENING PROGRAM will be Matt VanAcker, the Director and Curator of Save The Flags, a non-profit created in 1990 to preserve, research and display 240 battle flags carried by Michigan soldiers in the Civil War, the Spanish American War and World War I. The presentation concentrates on the importance of flags in battle, some regimental histories and the history of the collection including current conservation efforts.

Please join us on Thursday June 11 for the first program of the 2026 EVENING PROGRAM SERIES hosted by the Hadley Township Historical Society. To be held at the Hadley Township Offices, 4293 Pratt Road. Doors open at 6:30; program from 7:00 to about 8:30pm. This event is open to the public, all ages including children. No admission fee, but donations are appreciated. Pre-registration is not required. For questions email us at [email protected] .

Hadley Township Historical Society

06/02/2026

06/02/2026

06/01/2026

05/30/2026

05/28/2026

05/27/2026

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