The history park’s last day of the season is an annual celebration of life “way back when.” Activities typically include live music, old tractor & automobile displays, hayrides, and serving food, but the program varies each year. Regular park attractions such as guided tours and blacksmithing demonstrations are also included. Donations support the Clare County Historical Society’s operations.
Sat., Sep. 26, 2026
Time: To Be Determined
Location: Clare County History Park, corner of Dover Road & Eberhart Avenue, 5 miles north & 1 mile east of City of Clare (Google Maps)
Admission: Free, donations accepted
Activities
- Explore the museum, Dover schoolhouse, Ott cabin, Bell-Knapp cabin, and watch blacksmiths at work
- To Be Determined
Fun for the whole family!
Sep. 27, 2025
- Michigan log marks history presentations by Jon Ringelberg
- Display of old tractors, old cars, and a current firetruck
- Music performed by Sunshine String Band
- Hayrides
- Kids table games & activities
Sep. 28, 2024
- Dedication of Bell-Knapp Cabin (words given by Dennis Guerriero, Jon Ringelberg, and Carolyn Knapp)
- Demonstration of copper and stone tool-making methods by Brent & Jane Cole
- Display of old tractors, old cars, and a current firetruck
- Display of 100 vintage model cars
- Display of vintage Detroit Tigers memorabilia
- Display of miniature historic USA flags
- Display of quilts
- Period music performed by Stephanie Terpening
- Hayrides
- Play with Grandpa Angelo’s wooden toy trains
- Kids’ table games & activities
- Volunteer of the Year: Sam Sellers
The 2024 Old Fashion Day is in the books!
Yesterday we hosted our annual Old Fashion Day at the historical park and we can only try to express our gratitude to all those who made it a success.
First, a huge thanks to the staff of loyal volunteers who put in hours preparing for the day in so many ways and those who were present on Saturday. It was truly a team effort and every member I spoke to at the end of the day spoke glowingly of the enthusiasm and inquisitiveness of our visitors.
So many locals (and not so locals) shared with us their tractors, vintage autos, a steam engine, and knowledge that we didn’t get time to personally thank and acknowledge each one in time. It was one of the largest turnouts on the grounds in recent memory.
The ceremony at the dedication of the Bell Knapp Cabin was meaningful, well done, and well attended by people from across the state. Even a humble man like Robert Knapp could appreciate the outpouring of respect and adoration sent his way.
And of course, you the visitors who took time out to come see us yesterday, we are forever grateful.
Sep. 30, 2023
- Vera Wiltse of the Michigan Barn Preservation Network gave a presentation about historic barns
- Display of old tractors, old cars, and a current firetruck
- Live music provided by Sunshine String Band
- Hayrides
- Volunteer of the Year: Jon Ringelberg
Sep. 24, 2022
- History presentation by Wendell Hoover
- Display of old tractors, old cars, firetruck, and ambulance
- Live music provided by Stephanie Terpening
- Wagon rides
Sep. 25, 2021
- History presentation by Wendell Hoover
- Display of old tractors & cars
Sep. 26, 2020
- 50th Anniversary of Clare County Historical Society
- Display of old tractors & cars
- Wagon rides
Sep. 28, 2019
- Cemetery archeology presentation by Mandy Kramer
- Display of old tractors & cars
- Live music provided by Indigo Moon and Stephanie Terpening
- Wagon rides