Witch's Hat Depot Museum
Located in McHattie Park
South Lyon, Michigan
Phone: (248) 437-9929
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The Witch's Hat Depot Museum and Historic Village represents the joint efforts of the City of South Lyon, South Lyon Area Historical Society, local service Clubs and a great number of volunteers.
This community effort has resulted in a fine museum and charming village. This is an on going work as this winning combination continues to improve upon this historic site.
The Museum is open Thursdays from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. and Special Tours can be arranged by appointment, please call the number above.
Washburn School District #5- Green Oak Township, Livingston County- was built in 1907 to replace a log school building. It served the families in the area until 1953 when the direction consolidated with South Lyon Schools. The building was donated to the City of South Lyon in 1984 by the Gordon Wood Family. In the interim, it was used as a church and for a short time as a home. The City, in conjunction with the South Lyon Area Historical Society moved the schoolhouse to its present site in McHattie Park where is serves the community as part of the museum and the historic village. School children hold all day long classes in the building giving them a "one room school house" experience. The school is open for tours as part of the museum complex and is available for meetings and other community needs. For more information, please call the Historical Commission at (248) 437-9929.
At left is the 1909 Queen Anne Depot that serves as the South Lyon area's community historical museum. The distinctive roof line gives the museum it's name, The Witch's Hat. The building was moved from the original location on East Lake Street to McHattie Park in 1976 as a bicentennial project. It now serves as the focal point for the historic village.
The caboose is fun for all, railroad buffs, children and the simply curious. It is a Chesapeake & Ohio caboose dating from 1926. The interior is furnished as much as it might have been when in daily use by the rail road workers. The caboose was moved to the museum site in 1982.
The freight house was built in 1984 to provide a much needed community meeting area as well as additional museum display areas. The basement is the museum's archive. The building design compliments the Depot. Funding for the freight house was provided by the City and the historical society. In addition, all of the interior finish work was done by volunteers both amateurs and professional, making this truly a community building. It is an attractive, comfortable place to hold meetings and special events.
The gazebo in the McHattie Park Historic Village was built in 1991 to compliment the circa 1900 village. It is used by the community for band concerts and other entertainment. It is a welcome shelter for these wanting some shade or just a comfortable place to sit while visiting the Historic Village. Recognized as a lovely setting, many wedding ceremonies have been held there. The gazebo provides a pleasant interlude on a summer afternoon.
The Little Village Chapel is the most recent addition the Historic Village, the 1930's era "kit building" was donated to the City by the congregation of the Immanuel Lutheran Church. The building was moved in 2001 from East Liberty Street to its current site. The Chapel is used for community functions, weddings and museum displays.