About Us
Historical Society Officers, 2024 - 2025
Linda Ross, President
Vikki Clasman, Vice-President
Bob Polasky, Secretary
I moved to South Lyon in 2011 and have been a SLAHS member since 2012. My history interests include South Lyon and the surrounding area; the Civil War; World War II; antique autos; and music history. However, my main interest is in railroad subjects: history, operations, photography, writing, and modeler.
Tom Ross, Treasurer
Bob Polasky, Deputy Treasurer
Barbara Cook, Director
Suzann C.M. Martin, Director
Suzann CM Martin has been a resident of the City of South Lyon since 1994. A member of the South Lyon Area Historical Society “Depot Day Event” Committee since 2008. A member of the South Lyon Area Historical Society since 2015. Suzann is interested in history and science. Suzann also enjoys vacations to northern Michigan.
Diane Polasky, Director
Historical Commission Members
Larry Ledbetter, 248-613-7579
Suzann C.M. Martin, 248-437-4942
Email: suzan_mccallum@hotmail.com
Pete Niedzielski, 248-513-7467
Email: petesunday1@gmail.com
Dan Noble
Jim Race
Linda Ross, 248-437-9142
Email: ljross@wowway.com
Phil Weipert
Creating History Since 1832
The purpose of the South Lyon Area Historical Society (SLAHS) shall be to bring together those people interested in history, especially in the history of the South Lyon area. Understanding the history of our community is basic to our democratic way of life, giving us a better understanding of our state and nation, and promoting a better appreciation of our American heritage.
SLAHS is a society of members and volunteers dedicated to preserving the history of the City of South Lyon, Michigan, and the surrounding areas including Lyon Township.
We conduct and sponsor programs and presentations of history for all areas of the United States, especially in southeastern Michigan and South Lyon.
We have two annual celebrations at the historic village
Depot Day
Christmas at the Historic Village
The historic village is located at 300 Dorothy Street and consists an extensive library of local materials, documents, photographs and other historically relevant information. The six buildings in the village are:
Witch’s Hat Railroad Depot and Museum
Freight House/Meeting Hall
Caboose
Gazebo
Washburn Schoolhouse
The Little Village Chapel
In 2022, SLAHS began fundraising for moving a 100-year-old barn located two miles South of the historic village. The barn played an important role in developing the South Lyon area as the “Horse Capital” of Michigan. We are hoping to accomplish this fundraising project within the next three years.
The Commission shall, in concert with the City of South Lyon and the City Manager, oversee the operation and maintenance of the Historical Village, its buildings and grounds.