Bear Lake Area Historical Society
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Events

Bell Tower/Eaves Restoration Project
The Bear Lake Area Historical Society Inc. needs your HELP!
With your support the final exterior renovations on the Baptist Church building could be completed this summer 2022.  This endeavor will require power washing, scraping, repair, priming, and painting of the Bell Tower (steeple), eaves and original corbels!  As you can see in the photo—these really need HELP!  This is a very costly project due to the steeple location and extent of deterioration.

 All donors for this restoration will be commemorated on an engraved plaque to be hung inside the Bear Lake Museum.  All donations will be gratefully received. Remember, we are a 501c3 non-profit corporation and, as such, all your donations are indeed deductible.  To build momentum we have deemed and aggregated four levels of giving to bring this project to fruition:
                                                             DIAMOND LEVEL   $2,000
                                                            PLATINUM LEVEL  $1,500
                                                            GOLD LEVEL  $1,000
                                                            SILVER LEVEL  $500


 The Bear Lake Museum has the very good fortune to call the Baptist Church our home.  At the time we initially acquired the building it was in great disrepair. The list of even the most basic improvements needed was daunting and appeared near impossible to ever bring life and a strong future back to the structure.  Fortunately, you have stepped forward and generously provided us with donations and encouragement that has kicked us into action each time!  We are so grateful!
Now we are very anxious to complete the exterior of the structure to insure its longevity for many more years.  Presently, this is likely the oldest building that remains in Bear Lake and we must preserve it!  Newspaper reports indicate the building construction began in July of 1886 and we can assume the congregation began holding services in late 1886 or perhaps early 1887—which means it is about 136 years old.          
Please mail your donation marked for the Bell Tower/Eaves and include the name(s) you would like on the commemorative plaque.

Buy-A Brick Program


The Memory Garden benches and flower boxes handmade by the Bear Lake Boy Scout Troop are completed and will be located proudly on the brick patio located next to the new Handicap-accessible entrance ramp.  They are also constructing a flag pole which will be located in the garden.  The hardscape of the garden is now installed with commemorative bricks.  Bricks may be purchased and are available in two sizes:  4" X 8" for $100 and 8" X 8" for $200.  The smaller brick can have 3 lines of lettering with 15 letters or spaces per line; the larger brick has 6 lines available for up to 15 letters or spaces per line.  The number of bricks we can accommodate is limited to the space we have available, so plan to buy your brick soon.

​Please click on the blue Buy-A-Brick Program above to access the ordering form to print and mail in to the Museum.  Thank You!!

125th Anniversary of the Village of Bear Lake

2018 is a special year for the Village of Bear Lake!  It celebrated its 125th Anniversary.  To commemorate this special occasion editor Katherine Schafer has been compiling a Quasquicentennial Publication.  This book is available to members and was introduced during Bear Lake Days 2018 celebration on Saturday, July 14th.  . This special collectible is available for $20 to members ($25 to non-members) by contacting Katherine Schafer at 231-690-2210.  Shipping is also available for an extra $5.00.


Memory Garden
The Memory Garden is now nearing completion!  All we need is YOU--that is we need you to commemorate your family or a loved one with a brick in the Garden.  The flag pole is standing proudly at the East corner of the building along with the wonderful benches which were created by the local Boy Scouts led by Jeff Harthun.  Two flower boxes which we have currently setting by the front door (but were intended for the Garden) are also completed.  It is hoped that the Boy Scouts can perhaps make an additional two flower boxes since they look so great by the entrance!

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773-396-6269
231-690-2210​
 Bear Lake Area Historical Society, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Organization
7750 Main Street, P.  O. Box 7
Bear Lake, MI  49614
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  • About Us
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