Brighton Area Historical Society

Phillip Standlick, born in England in 1846, was in Brighton and married to Hannah Hartman, by the 1870 census. (Hannah, b. Sept. 1, 1848, was a daughter of John and Maria Westphal Hartman of Genoa Township, settlers who came from Germany in 1836.)

Cherry Hill Farm

25-Jul-2016

It was 1871 when William and Rachael Hunter arrived in the South Lyon area from Ontario, Canada. John Hunter’ parents had been born in Scotland, as were several of his eight siblings, before migrating to a new life.

Growing Wheat In The Brighton Area

25-Jul-2016

In 1843 The Livingston County Agricultural Society was formed for the purpose of encouragement and advancement of agriculture. This is barely ten years since the first settlers came to this wilderness area. In that short time land was cleared of trees, swamps were drained by digging ditches and the prairie was furrowed by the plow. […]

Hello Central!

25-Jul-2016

If one can correctly tap in the many numbers required, it is possible to talk to someone on the other side of the world within a few seconds. From many locations or from ones vehicle a conversation can be held in which the message comes through loudly and clearly. It is also possible for several […]

It’s Fair Time!

25-Jul-2016

The Michigan State Fair, Fowlerville Fair, Brighton Folk Art Fair and, Sponsored by the Livingston County Agricultural Society, the Agricultural Fair in Brighton. All but the latter are familiar to us.

Main Street And Grand River Are Paved

25-Jul-2016

The next time we drive down Main Street or Grand River try to imagine its 1920. Yes, there are concrete sidewalks but the road surface is of earth with a little clay, sand and gravel on it. Can one image the mud of rainy weather or the dust of dry?

Sights and Sounds in Brighton Village – 1871

25-Jul-2016

Its July 4, 1871, and lots of celebration is on the schedule. Not only are Brightonites celebrating the 95th anniversary of the United States, but also the completion of the railroad to Brighton from Detroit. Farm folks from miles around join the townspeople in their merrymaking for this long awaited occasion.

A Short Trip In January 1868

25-Jul-2016

Although the distance from the young wife’s parent’s house to their home on the other side of town was only seven miles, the recently married couple know the ride in the cutter would be slow and cold. The wind during the day had driven the remnants of the previous day’s snow storm into deep drifts.

Area Farms – Bidwells c.1900

25-Jul-2016