My City November 2022

MYHISTORY

“Wewant to preserve the history of the area for future generations.” Hewett Judson

According to Heusted, a new building was construct ed in 1975 next to the Podunk House where additional artifacts are stored, such as items from the old passenger boat “City of Flint” including the steering wheel, a life buoy and a foghorn. Families in the area have donated farm tools, photos from one-room school houses and other antiquities. e Association recently started a collection from Lake Fenton Schools that includes year books, a megaphone, school pictures and books. ere is also a collection of Native American artifacts donated by Ed Whalen who was descended from Indians and very proud of his heritage. e Podunk House, itself, is completely furnished with donated items and still has the original wood plank oor. In the parlor, you will see an antique pump organ and harp guitar. Also located on the property is an old cemetery and in 1977, the Long Branch Cemetery Monument was installed that displays the names of 14 people believed to be buried there, according to Judson. Heusted says fundraising e orts have allowed for other improvements to the historic site: a large pavilion for square dancers and picnic tables, a stage for musical entertainers, installation of a working windmill, a storage building, new sidewalks, o cial ag retirement area and a cupola that was once part of the original one-room Mundy School House. e Pioneer Association is funded by membership fees, donations and fundraising projects. e Fenton Township

airmel / stock.adobe.com

(TOP, L-R) GEORGE HULET JUDSON AND HEWITT RUSSELL JUDSON ARE FOURTH-GENERATION DESCENDANTS OF PODUNK FOUNDER, GEORGE JUDSON. ABOVE: MARY JANE PINKSTON - PRESIDENT OF THE PIONEER MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION OF FENTON & MUNDY TOWNSHIPS AND HER HUSBAND, BILL PINKSTON.

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