HISTORIC OAK HILL CEMETERY

From the mid-1800s through mid-1900s, Pontiac, Michigan was a vibrant civic center and industrial hub. Now a ghost town compared to its heyday years, a cemetery on an oak tree covered hill which marks the highest point within the city provides a haunting reminder of the community's prosperous past. This history geek inspired by the Halloween season took a walk-through Oak Hill Cemetery to explore its eye-catching architecture and spooky atmosphere.

Opened in 1822 as a municipal cemetery, Oak Hill is the final resting place of both wealthy elite and paupers. It is filled with mausoleums and monuments in Greek Revival and Gothic Revival architecture styles honoring veterans, influential politicians and some of the state's richest residents who lived and died between the Revolutionary War and World War II. Pontiac also was the site of a state asylum from 1878 to 1997 filled with developmentally disabled, criminally insane and severally mentally ill individuals. A corner of Oak Hill cemetery was devoted to burying deceased patients from the mental hospital. Walking through this place there is a sense of days gone by and a haunting ambience. 

The cemetery has a charming chapel building filled with exquisite stain glass windows. Built in 1898, the Buckland Memorial Chapel is an Old English style structure built of Berea sandstone and German mottled tiling. Three solid bronze plaques are set in the rear wall of the chapel memorializing its benefactor Don C. Buckland along with his wife and daughter. They are buried at the highest point of the hill overlooking the entire cemetery.

Nearby the Buckland Memorial Chapel is David Ward's monument. A surveyor who was compensated by being granted 1/3 of the land he surveyed, David Ward became wealthier than the lumber barons he served and his tomb at the cemetery is meant to exemplify that prestige. At the time of his death in 1900, David Ward was the richest person in Michigan with a fortune of around $15 million dollars.

A cannon was placed within the cemetery in respect to all the veterans located there. It was situated near the graves of two of the most prominent veterans in Oak Hill Cemetery. Israel B. Richardson and Moses Wisner graves are a few paces away from the cannon.

Israel B. Richardson graduated from West Point in 1841 and fought in the Seminole and Mexican Wars where he earned the nickname "Fighting Dick". He practiced law in Pontiac after the Mexican War. In 1862, he rejoined the military where he advanced in promotion from Colonel to Major General. He was wounded and died at the battle of Antietam.

In 1859, Moses Wisner became Governor of Michigan. His Pontiac home served as the governor's mansion during his term in 1860 and was a hotbed of political activity when it came to the state government's operations. Commissioned as a Colonel, Wisner commanded the 22nd Michigan Infantry in the Civil War and died of typhoid fever while they were in Kentucky.

While it may seem scary to walk through a cemetery, especially an old one like this which looks like a place you may see in a horror movie, the place was very peaceful and interesting to explore. Every monument and marker has a story and examining the physical details of the place is like stepping back in time. You can tell they took pride in their community and wanted to leave a mark. What do you think the people of the past would think of our future today?

Have you been to a cemetery other than for a funeral or to visit the grave of a loved one? There can be architecture to appreciate and history to explore. The fall colors also make the Halloween season a nice time to do a walk-through and there is an element of spooky fun this time of year. Just be respectful on how you conduct yourself on the grounds and touring a cemetery isn't a big deal. Would you find a trip to a historic cemetery like Oak Hill interesting or would it creep you out?

ANNAPOLIS MARYLAND ROAD TRIP

Rising above the skyline of Maryland's capital city is the landmark defining shape of the United State's Naval Academy's chapel. Its recently restored dome now has a bright copper tone, after decades of weathering had left it with an aged green patina look to it, which can be seen from miles away. Fifty years ago my parents were married here and a few years later I joined the picture.

To mark their 50th wedding anniversary, my parents decided to have a vow renewal ceremony where their marriage started. I wasn't going to miss that so the wife and kids piled into our car with me and we had a summer road trip from Michigan cutting through Ohio and Pennsylvania to Maryland. The weekend turned into not just a celebration of my parent's milestone anniversary but a fun reunion spent with aunts, uncles and cousins from both sides of the family tree that we don't see as much as we'd like to.

The Naval Academy Chapel was a wonderful backdrop for my parents' fiftieth wedding anniversary celebration. I'm sure they were wondering how time flew by so fast as it probably seemed like just yesterday when they made their original vows to one another here. It was nice that the building sported its new cooper coloring giving the chapel a brand new look showing that the structure, like my parents' marriage, has stood the test of time.

Though my wife and I have been married for seventeen years, that seems like a drop in the bucket compared to fifty years. What great role models for demonstrating commitment and cooperation in a relationship. So glad we were able to make the trek to Annapolis to be a part of the celebration.

Construction of the Naval Academy Chapel began in 1904 with its cornerstone laid by Admiral George Dewey, the only officer in the country's military history to hold the rank of Admiral of the Navy, and the building was completed in 1908. Designed by architect Ernest Flagg, who also created the Singer Building in New York City which for a period of time was the tallest skyscraper in the world, the Naval Academy Chapel, was constructed in the Beaux-Arts style that Flagg's work is renowned for. While midshipmen attending the Naval Academy were required to attend weekly mass at the chapel from 1908 - 1972, which included the time period my father was training to be an ensign there, the structure now is mainly used for weddings and funerals. At 210 feet high, the United States Naval Academy Chapel is a focal point for both the campus grounds as well as the city of Annapolis.

In addition to the United States Naval Academy (established in 1845), Annapolis is home to St. John's College (founded in 1645) and the Maryland State House (built in 1772). Not only has Annapolis been the state capital of Maryland but the city also served for a brief time as the nation's capital at the conclusion of the Revolutionary War. Congress under the Articles of Confederation was seated in the Maryland capitol building from 1783-1784. During this Session of Congress, George Washington personally appeared before the legislature to withdraw his commission as Commander and Chief of the army at the conclusion of the Revolutionary War to dispel concerns about his potentially creating a military dictatorship and the United States ratified the Treaty of Paris which formally ended a state of war with Great Britain and confirmed the independence of this newly formed nation. Much of the 18th and 19th century era architecture still remains in the historic downtown of Annapolis letting visitors step back in time when walking along its streets and through the buildings.

In addition to spending time on the grounds of the Naval Academy, we also had a great time spending a weekend hanging out with friends and family in its historic district neighborhoods. The quaint seaside town atmosphere of this place makes it a relaxing spot to get away from the normal hustle and bustle of life. We had a wonderful time stay in Annapolis!

MEADOW BROOK HALL HOLIDAY TOUR

I've always wanted to visit historic Meadow Brook Hall so when my daughter's Girl Scout troop was looking for some chaperones to go with them on a trip there this dad blogger raised his hand to volunteer. To be honest I probably was more geeked about this expedition to explore this magnificent estate than the girls were. Built in the roaring '20s of the 20th Century, Meadow Brook Hall exemplifies the lavish lifestyles of the industrial barons of that time. Visiting the place is like walking through a castle! Except instead of being in Europe, it is located in Rochester, Michigan right here in the good ole USA.

Situated on the grounds of Oakland University, it is the former residence of the school's founders Matilda Dodge Wilson and Alfred G. Wilson. The college know maintains this magnificent manor on its campus as a historical site used for educational and entertainment purposes. This 100 room, 88,000 square foot mansion, which is often referred to as an American castle, was inspired by the English country homes of the Tudor and Elizabethan periods. Approaching Meadow Brook Hall has the air of walking into a fairy tale.

As you walk through the house, the craftsmanship of its interior is a marvel to behold. Elaborate details are throughout including intricately carved wood and stone, handmade tile, molded plaster ceilings, ornate crown molding, crystal chandeliers, stained glass windows and gold plated bathroom fixtures. Plus the Girl Scouts picked a perfect time to go as during this time of year the whole place is decked out in festive holiday decorations. If the place didn't look majestic enough during the rest of the year being decorated for Christmas makes Meadow Brook Hall even more fantastic!

The girls really enjoyed seeing how each room's decorations had their own themes and schemes to them. They really liked how each of the children's rooms were decorated. You could tell they were imagining these were there own rooms.

My daughter was especially thrilled by one of the bedrooms that had an eclectic pink flair to it. On the way home she was rather chatty about wanting to redecorate her own bedroom with obvious references to that spot.

There was a lot to see as you look around. When exploring someplace though in addition to checking out your surroundings make sure to always look above you as well. Wow! Meadow Brook Hall is filled with wonderful crown moldings, plaster ceiling designs, and chandeliers.

So what stood out about our tour from a guy's perspective. There are a number of things that I wish were a part of my own home. Here are a few of the favorite things at Meadow Brook Hall:

LIBRARY

As a kid, I dreamed of one day owning a home that had its own library. Stepping into this room full of wood paneling and book shelves, I imagined myself sitting by its fireplace in a comfy chair reading Charles Dickens' Great Expectations. Meadow Brook Hall has an exceptional library!

HOME OFFICE

I spend a lot of time in my own home office, so have to admit taking a liking to this room where Alfred G. Wilson handled his business affairs. It has a scenic view of the meadows to the side of the home through windows behind his desk which provide plenty of natural light and an attached butlers pantry makes for getting an easy snack. A fireplace keeps the room warm in the winter and provides some nice charm. Plus there is a secret passage that leads to a basement … 

GAME ROOM

Wow! I've always wanted a special place to hang out with my buddies to play poker and pool. This is a perfect space for lighting up some cigars and drinking a few beers while hanging out with friends. What a great man cave Alfred G. Wilson had for himself at Meadow Brook Hall!

BALL ROOM

Readers of ageekdaddy.com know I love family movie nights.  Not only did this ball room host dances and private performances by the likes of Frank Sinatra, but it also could be transformed into a movie theater. A film projector was hidden in a wall and a giant movie screen could be pulled down from the ceiling. What an incredible home theater experience!

GIFT SHOP

Meadow Brook Hall has its own branded beers available in the gift shop based upon recipes once brewed on site when the Dodge brothers had a farm there. Pick yourself up a six pack on the way out. I'm never one to turn down tasting a new style of pale ale.

We really had a good time touring Meadow Brook Hall. It was a nice father daughter outing and we both enjoyed seeing the grand old house in all its holiday splendor. If you would like to see the place for yourself during the holiday season there are a number of events going on between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Candlelight Tours, Holiday Walks and Santa Visits provide some merriment during the holidays at Meadow Brook Hall. Head over to meadowbrookhall.org for more details.