Past Programs

By Roger Horton and Gary Horton

This presentation provides a historical look at South Haven as seen from the vantage point of the South Haven South Pierhead Light. Imagine all that the light has looked upon during its 120-year history. The current beacon was first lit in 1903 and continues to be used to guide people to shore and serves as a defining landmark on Lake Michigan. Roger Horton chronicles the information from his brother Gary Horton, author and narrator of the DVD “I Am the Light.”

By Michael Nassaney, PhD

Southwest Michigan attracted freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad as abolitionists worked secretly to conduct African Americans who had escaped enslavement along the route north to free states and Canada. Learn how archaeologists uncovered evidence of this clandestine organization as Dr. Michael Nassaney discusses his investigations, research, and findings related to this fascinating operation.

Dr. Michael Nassaney is an archaeologist, author, editor, consultant, and Emeritus Professor of Anthropology at Western Michigan University. From 1988-2020 he served as the principal investigator of the Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Project, an interdisciplinary program in community service that focuses on the site of Fort St. Joseph in Niles, Michigan. He directed the investigations of the Underground Railroad in Cass County in 2002. Nassaney has published numerous works on the archaeology of eastern North America, including The Archaeology of the North American Fur Trade (University Press of Florida, 2015) and Fort St. Joseph Revealed (University Press of Florida, 2019).

By Peter Cook

On the morning of February 21, 1925, two Millburg State Bank employees prepared for what they thought would be a routine Saturday. However, their first customers were anything but ordinary. Dressed in trench coats, a group of armed men forced the tellers into the back closet and looted the bank. While the robbery only lasted a few minutes, the subsequent car chase, manhunt, and trial would long be remembered as one of Southwest Michigan’s most dramatic crimes of the 1920s.

Peter Cook, the Director of Programs & Outreach at the North Berrien Historical Museum in Coloma, will present the Great Millburg Bank Robbery and its aftermath in all its exciting detail. Peter holds a bachelor’s degree in Public History from Western Michigan University and has been working at the museum since 2018.

NOTE: 1:00pm On Zoom shown at the Scott Club. Or, join via Zoom from wherever you are located. Email info@scottclub.org for a Zoom link.

Entertainment by Ken Cooper

LUNCHEON PROGRAM AND ENTERTAINMENT AT
SENIOR SERVICES OF VAN BUREN COUNTY
8337 M-140, SOUTH HAVEN.
RSVP REQUIRED. CONTACT INFO@SCOTTCLUB.ORG
NO ZOOM

Enjoy a delicious luncheon and entertainment by Ken Cooper in celebration of Scott Club’s 140th year. Ken Cooper is a Chicago-based trumpet virtuoso, international touring musician, and recording artist. He began playing with the prestigious Nisei Ambassadors Drum and Bugle Corps in eighth grade and embarked into touring with Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions at the age of 19. Ken has performed with B.B. King, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, members of Earth, Wind and Fire, Chaka Khan, Natalie Cole, and many other artists over the years. He is mainly a jazz musician but also plays with R&B, country, and salsa bands and has recorded a CD of classical music. He is currently composing and recording his original music.

Annual meeting and installation of officers will follow luncheon.

Shop for treasures on Thursday, June 1st, and Friday June 2nd from 9am-4pm. On Saturday June 3rd from 9am-noon. If you would like to donate clean, unbroken items, drop off days are Tuesday and Wednesday, May 30th and 31st from 10am until 2pm.

On-site Program and Tour, NO ZOOM
313-315 Center Street, South Haven

By James Ollgaard

Meet at 313-315 Center St., the former Forest House Hotel and the first hotel built in South Haven in 1853. Jim Ollgaard, President of the Historical Association of South Haven (HASH), will walk us through the restoration of the building. The ground floor will have a downtown store for HASH, an exhibition space and a stepping off point for historical tours. The 2nd & 3rd floor will have rooms decorated in 1906 vintage for the purpose of historic tourism. Join us as we relive those bygone days.

Support Scott Club by purchasing your flowers on Friday, May 12th from 9am-5pm and Saturday May 13th from 9am-1pm. Geraniums in many colors and a variety of hanging baskets will be available.

By SHHS History Students

Julie Sheppard’s award-winning history students will present their projects based on the National History Day theme for 2022-2023 “Frontiers in History: People, Places, Ideas.” Join us to watch these young students demonstrate their skill in front of a live audience. Membership meeting will follow program.