Established in 1939, the Royal Oak Historical Society has provided a unique opportunity for residents to preserve their family heirlooms and experience their own city’s storied history. With the 2004 purchase from a local collector, which enabled the founding of its illustrious museum and the appointment of Muriel Versagi as its curator, the society’s commitment to reviewing any artifacts of true editorial value has reposed eager connoisseurs and audiences across all ages.
The Royal Oak Historical Society, established in 1939 as a social group for the city’s residents to proudly show off their family heirlooms specific to its history, made a significant purchase from a local collector in 2004. This enabled the founding of the museum, with Muriel Versagi appointed as its curator. Since then, the museum has strictly enforced its rules that all artifacts must have belonged to someone in Royal Oak or be from the city itself, carefully reviewing any offers to preserve the city’s unique history.
Among the collection is a rare photograph of Abraham Lincoln taken by the renowned Civil War photographer, Matthew Brady. This item was included in a donation from the son of Royal Oak’s first mayor, George Dondero who was devoted to Abraham Lincoln’s memory. Only five of these same photographs exist and it is an incredible addition to the Historical Society’s museum.
Despite the current COVID-19 restrictions and decline in visitors, the Historical Society remains proud of its unique collection. Visitors from Royal Oak interested in researching their homes have been frequenting the museum, but the desire to capture the attention of younger people has been a challenge. Additionally, even those in their 50s and 60s who typically are drawn to such a museum have yet to be seen.
Nevertheless, Matthew Day, a long-time resident of the city and librarian for the Royal Oak Public Library, notes that in the 1960s, Royal Oak was a “folkie, quiet, small city.” His fondest memories of the area include going to Kresge’s soda fountain, visiting his favorite bookshop, and watching the train click through downtown. He emphasizes how he felt the sense of community in the family-oriented city and expresses his pride for what Royal Oak has become today.
Day is especially proud of the city’s ongoing iconic events such as the tree lighting ceremony at Christmas and the Memorial Day parade.
Despite a tragedy in 1991, when a disgruntled post office worker entered the Royal Oak post office and opened fire on his colleagues, killing four people, the city came together powerfully. The library opened its doors to provide refuge and comfort for over one hundred traumatized workers, and the Red Cross arrived with their wagon, coffee, donuts, and food, graciously displaying their huge flag over the door of the library. It was proof that the small-town community spirit had not been lost, even in the wake of such a devastating event.
Restaurants from the area also showed their support, sending food to the library for those in need. It was clear that the people of Royal Oak were determined to show their strength and resilience even in the face of such sorrow.
This act of solidarity united the city and ultimately brought them together in a way that has not been seen before. As a result, three thousand people attended the memorial service, a testament to the sense of community Royal Oak has managed to cultivate and sustain despite its continued growth.
The Washington Square building is a proud symbol of this, having been the tallest building in the city when it was first built in 1927. It was the original site of the Royal Oak Hospital and later became Beaumont Hospital, and still stands today as a reminder of this city’s rich history. Additionally, Royal Oak’s Farmer’s Market has been preserved and saved from demolition in 1996, having grown from a small community produce sale to one of the largest year-round markets in Metro Detroit.
Despite the difficult circumstances facing the Royal Oak Historical Society due to the decline in visitors amid the current pandemic health guidelines, the museum remains committed to preserving its unique artifacts which tell the story of Royal Oak’s past. Thanks to donations from the city’s oldest families and its careful vetting process, the museum continues to protect some of the city’s most remarkable heirlooms, such as the rare photograph of President Abraham Lincoln taken by Matthew Brady. Despite the struggles it currently faces, the Royal Oak Historical Society stands by its commitment to telling its striking story while continuing to search for new ways to reach all generations of citizens in their city.
