Kirkland House in Fowlerville undergoing $30K renovation project

M. Alan Scott
| Special to The Daily

FOWLERVILLE — The 1859 Kirkland House in Fowlerville is undergoing a significant renovation project that will solidify the building for continued use as part of community events.

The approximate $30,000 project at the Livingston Centre Historical Village, located on the Fowlerville Fairgrounds, has two phases. The first is largely complete, according to LCHV Chairperson Erin Voyles.

That phase included renovating the Kirkland House’s beams and exterior walls. A second phase will include the replacement of existing asphalt shingles with a metal roof that has an expected lifespan of at least 40 years.

The story was first reported by WHMI.

LCHV selected contractors with significant experience in historical renovation to help with the project, including Metal Roofs of Michigan in Williamston and C.L.E. Construction and Roofing in Corunna.

“We wanted to make sure the work helped to secure (the building) while preserving historical design elements,” Voyles said. “When this is done, the house will be in great condition.”

The metal roof will have a “shingled appearance” that’s similar to the home’s original roof.

The cost of the project is largely covered by donations and funding from events held at the Fowlerville Fairgrounds. Voyles said the first phase was mostly funded by admissions from the last two Fall Fests, an event that returns 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 13.

The metal roof will be added in the coming weeks. The organization is looking for additional donations to help foot a portion of the bill. Local real estate agent Paul Harmon and his family, direct descendants of the Kirklands, have donated to restoration efforts.

“We don’t want to fully drain our accounts in case something else (unexpected) happens,” Voyles said.

The Kirkland House is used during some of the community’s larger events, including Fall Fest and the Fowlerville Family Fair, held this year July 21-26. Uses include tours and demonstrations.

The home was donated by the Kirklands, who were among the area’s earliest settlers. It was originally located in Iosco Township before being moved to the current site in 1990.

According to the website for the Fowlerville Family Fair, the historical village also includes:

The Pere Marquette Depot of 1872, moved from Howell in 1996
The Fowlerville Village Farm of the 1880s, moved in 1987
The Clinton Shoe Repair and Harness Shop of 1870, moved from Picnkney in 1992
The Iosco Methodist Episcopal Church, moved from Iosco Township in 1991
The Hartland Barber Shop of 1910, moved in 1991
The Coughran School House of 1882, moved from Conway Township in 1989

Officials hope someday to add a general store.

LCHV has an upcoming rummage sale running 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Friday, May 15-16, and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at the Fowlerville Fairgrounds. The organization is accepting donations for the fundraiser from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, May 10, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, May 12-14, at the brown barn near the entrance.

— M. Alan Scott is a freelance writer for The Livingston Daily. Contact the newsroom at [email protected].

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