Flea Market Saturdays Support Oakland History Center in Pontiac
(Crystal A. Proxmire, May 15, 2021)
Pontiac, MI – Rosie Lance Richard became a trustee of the Pioneer Society of Oakland County four years ago because she cares about teaching history to the youth in Pontiac and beyond.  “I was a history teacher and a teacher of social studies before I became a principal,” she said.  Now she is the head of educational outreach for the society which manages the Pine Grove Historical Museum at the homestead of Governor Moses Wisner located at 405 Cesar E. Chavez Avenue in Pontiac. She and other volunteers run the summer history program at the estate and they’re working with local school districts to facilitate field trips.
“Kids think their whole world is digital, and they need to see that life wasn’t always like that.  And there’s more to do than just being on their phones,” Lance Richard said.
On the lawn of Wisner Manor, vendors set up tables on Saturday to sell their wares for the outdoor flea market.  Several tables are staffed by volunteers selling items that were donated to help fund the museum and maintain the historic property. Vintage items, antique furniture, craft supplies, decorative items through many eras, and even clothing mean for some fun shopping options.
“This used to be just kind of here,” Lance Richard said.  “Now there’s new board members, new ideas.  It’s been a refreshing change of pace.  This is a nice chance to come out after the pandemic, breathe all this fresh air, and sit here under these trees.  We get to come together after all the months of being at home.”
Andrea Yergin was among those who paid a small fee to have a booth at the market, selling clothes and accessories.  “I just cleaned out my closet and now I’m here making money,” she said.  “So it’s good.  I’ll come back for sure.”
The event not only raises money, but it helps introduce people to the beautiful space.  An old carriage house now houses historic items and a gift shop with buttons, books, maps, posters and more that showcase Oakland County’s past.
The flea market continues Saturdays through the end of May from 11am to 5pm. To sign up as a vendor or for more information call or test 248-410-0702. Also check out Oakland History Center at http://www.ocphs.org.