The Helena Township Historical Society and Alden Depot Museum Origin Story
How the Helena Township Historical Society originated is an extraordinary example of the positive impact a few dedicated, determined individuals can have on a community. This is a story that should inspire anyone who wishes to preserve the past for future generations and not settle for letting it disappear.
In 1989 six families banded together to create the Helena Township Historical Society. It was led by Dorothy Walter, who lived near the depot and who had, along with her husband, just retired and moved full time to Alden. Hearing that the dilapidated depot was about to be sold and likely demolished, she joined with a local realtor and the Township supervisor, Al Hoadley, and developed a plan to purchase and rehabilitate the structure. A grant from the Michigan State Natural Resources and State Equalization fund was secured to purchase the building and grounds from the owner, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The huge task of renovating the structure and turning it into a museum was accomplished through funding initially provided by Rotary charities in Traverse City. Additionally, a dedicated group of volunteers worked tirelessly to raise funds and provide the labor to accomplish their goals. Donations came from local individuals, many of whom were descendants of the Township’s first pioneers.
On Memorial Day 1990, the museum officially opened, providing a home to the growing collection of photographs, postcards, local histories, and artifacts. Today, the building and grounds are the property of Helena Township; the HTHS is responsible for operating the museum and owns the contents, including all artifacts and objects.
We hope to carry on this decades long labor of love. Our goal is to help the community and
visitors understand and reflect on our beginnings and appreciate the stories and work of those
who carved out a living from the wilderness and built their lives, their families and this township.
