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Good Ol’ Days - Oldenberg Excavating & ConcreteHerman Oldenberg was born in 1917 in Indiana but was raised in the Colon ...
06/17/2026

Good Ol’ Days - Oldenberg Excavating & Concrete

Herman Oldenberg was born in 1917 in Indiana but was raised in the Colon area. He married Helmine Broker of Colon and raised a family of five children. After serving in WWII he started his own business in the early 1950’s. The business consisted of excavating, sanitations and with his dump truck and backhoe he hauled gravel, sand and stone.

Helmine was one of the first women to have a chauffer’s license! She would help with the hauling from time to time when the need arose. During their teen years his sons Jerry, Ray and Allan helped with the many projects the job required. The Village of Colon had someone to call at any time. Herm was always ready to help.

Herman retired in 1988. His sons formed Oldenberg Bros.,Inc. to do concrete poured walls and flatwork. Allan continued on with the gravel and sand part of his Dad’s business as well as the concrete work. The business then brought on cousin Bill Broker as partner. The Oldenberg Bros., Inc. continued until 1999.

For the last seven years, John Schwartz Media, LLC has been a valued partner with the Colon Community Historical Society helping to put together a fundraising calendar for the museum. Every month features restored historic photographs by John Schwartz Media, LLC, along with fascinating history research and writing from the Colon Community Historical Society members. This page is from the 2023 Good Ol’ Days Calendar. This month sponsored by Al & Georgia Oldenberg

06/14/2026

Years ago, some reel to reel films were found at Colon Community School District that turned out to be old football games. Even though the quality isn’t perfect, I’m going to do my best to digitize and share them with you.

This reel was dated 3/1979 and titled Colon versus Burr Oak. The reels are housed by Colon Community Historical Society and professionally digitized by John Schwartz Media, LLC

Good Ol’ Days - Farrand Family in ColonOne of the earliest pioneer families in Colon was the Farrand family. In 1836 Hen...
06/11/2026

Good Ol’ Days - Farrand Family in Colon

One of the earliest pioneer families in Colon was the Farrand family. In 1836 Henry Kitchell Farrand first arrived in Colon and settled on property south west of the village. The next year his father and mother Joseph & Julia arrived, as well as sisters Catherine, Abigail and brother Phineas. They settled on land south and west of the St. Joseph River.

It was a challenging time and within a ten year span, both parents and both sisters had died. Henry developed farmland and raised sheep building Farrand Hall in 1854. Phineas also raised champion livestock and farmed expanding to over 800 acres by 1880 and building a fine brick house. Both men married and raised children.

The Farrand family contributed greatly in the growth and improvement of Colon. They contributed to the building and development of the Colon Seminary. They donated land for a bridge to be built over the St. Joe River. Farrand Bridge was completed in 1868 and was one of the first to span the St. Joseph River. It replaced a hand drawn ferry previously used in river crossing. The bridge was replaced in 1965. They were instrumental in bringing the railroad through Colon in 1871, a vital link in the growth of our town. The family grew and included war veterans, businessmen and civic leaders. Our community is still blessed by many Farrand descendents.

For the last seven years, John Schwartz Media, LLC has been a valued partner with the Colon Community Historical Society helping to put together a fundraising calendar for the museum. Every month features restored historic photographs by John Schwartz Media, LLC, along with fascinating history research and writing from the Colon Community Historical Society members. This page is from the 2021 Good Ol’ Days Calendar and was sponsored by Don & Trish Farrand.

Good Ol’ Days - Grange 150 Years/ Tomlinson’s LumberThe Colon Grange was formed on January 16, 1874. A group of successf...
06/09/2026

Good Ol’ Days - Grange 150 Years/ Tomlinson’s Lumber

The Colon Grange was formed on January 16, 1874. A group of successful farmers and their wives met in the room above the store later operated by John Perry, (now Curlys). At this meeting 45 persons entered their names as charter members. In 1882 they purchased the old three story drying factory for $990.00, location unknown. In 1919 W.B. Tomlinson bought the building from the Grange, moved it and established his lumber business there, closer to the railroad station. Originally a three story building, it was remodeled and the lower two levels of this building still stands just north of the lumber yards main office. In 1941 the Grange moved to their current location which was originally built for Doctor Hartman’s livery stable.

For the last seven years, John Schwartz Media, LLC has been a valued partner with the Community Historical Society helping to put together a fundraising calendar for the museum. Every month features restored historic photographs by John Schwartz Media, LLC, along with fascinating history research and writing from the Colon Community Historical Society members. This page is from the 2025 Good Ol’ Days Calendar and was sponsored by Tomlinson Lumber.

06/06/2026

Basketball Activities - Camp Wakeshma Reels

While I was digitizing photos and videos for Camp Wakeshma, Sally Snell McLeod reached out to me. The St. Joseph County Historical Society connected her with me to assist in restoring films her father, Fred A. Snell, had made of Camp Wakeshma. These reels, filmed in the 1960s and 1970s, beautifully capture the camp’s activities and its natural beauty.

In 1957 Camp Wakeshma added a new Special's Week to the summer rotation: Basketball Camp! Nestled along the waters of Corey Lake in Three Rivers, MI, Camp Wakeshma welcomed campers for the first time in the summer of 1926. Since then, it's built a rich history of tradition, fun, and long-lasting friendships. To this day, Camp Wakeshma welcomes kids ages 8-15 to have a summer to remember! Visit our website for more registration info!
https://campwakeshma.com

The Camp Wakeshma Reels are housed by the St. Joseph County Historical Society of Michigan and were digitized by John Schwartz Media, LLC

1958 Sturgis Shriners International paradeYears ago, someone kindly donated a huge collection of slides featuring photos...
06/04/2026

1958 Sturgis Shriners International parade

Years ago, someone kindly donated a huge collection of slides featuring photos from around this area. Adam Randall Wagner, an architect in Kalamazoo who loved photography, created these slides. They’re now preserved at the Colon Community Historical Society and offer a fantastic glimpse into our area during the 1950s and 1960s.

These slides were from a slot labeled “Shriners Sturgis” and were taken back in 1958. We get to see the Shriners strolling through town. Take a good look at the background to spot the old water tower and the businesses from the 50s.

The Wagner Collection is housed by the Colon Community Historical Society and digitized by John Schwartz Media, LLC

Good Ol’ Days - Riverside VansRiverside has been a Colon business since March of 1985. It is owned and operated by Ann G...
06/02/2026

Good Ol’ Days - Riverside Vans

Riverside has been a Colon business since March of 1985. It is owned and operated by Ann Gilchrist and Harold Hemel. The business customizes vans and trucks for businesses like Gordon Foods and Coca Cola. Featured on this page is Harold’s 1954 Chevrolet three windowed pickup truck. The 1954 featured a pleasing one piece windshield, all new grille and parking lights and a new steering wheel and instrument panel design. The trucks lasted so long that few remain in mint condition.

For the last seven years, John Schwartz Media, LLC has been a valued partner with the Colon Community Historical Society helping to put together a fundraising calendar for the museum. Every month features restored historic photographs by John Schwartz Media, LLC, along with fascinating history research and writing from the Colon Community Historical Society members. This page is from the 2027 Good Ol’ Days Calendar.

05/30/2026

1969 Three Rivers High School vs Vicksburg Community Schools 9/19/69.

TR 6 - VICKSBURG 26

This reel is called “Three Rivers vs Vicksburg” and was taken on September 19, 1969. It looks like it’s from the graduating class of 1970.

According to the Three Rivers High School 1970 yearbook, the varsity team would have been: Vince Oye, Gary Hocker, Wayne Smith, Ron Benthin, Barry Reber, Rocky Evans, Larry Bomba (capt.), Mike Heivilin, Don Yokom, Dave Black, Ernest Joseph, Jim McGee, Mike Wayne, Greg Taylor, Charles Jones, Kurt McClain, Dennis Speece, Bob Caniff, Cary Kistner, Harry Raifsnider, Don Brunner, Bob Cutler (mgr.), Rick Johnson, Kim Losik, Bob Draime, Gary McClain, Mark Hubbard, Micky Barton, Larry Wells, Scott Crose, Chuck Straka, George Tulla, John Carpenter, and Tom Traverse. The team was led by Coach Borgert and Coach Burnett.

The Three Rivers Football reels are housed by the St. Joseph County Historical Society of Michigan and were digitized by John Schwartz Media, LLC

Good Ol’ Days - GAR MonumentThe Grand Army of the Republic was founded on April 6, 1866 in Decatur, Illinois. It began a...
05/28/2026

Good Ol’ Days - GAR Monument

The Grand Army of the Republic was founded on April 6, 1866 in Decatur, Illinois. It began as a social group for Civil War Veterans to get together for fellowship. The Reconstruction era of politics turned the GAR into a political organization too. They created May 30 as Memorial Day, a day when Americans would pay tribute to those lost in the war, missing in action and deceased Veterans. They also pushed for voting rights for African-American  Veterans and Federal Pensions for Veterans.

Colon created the Henry Mathews Liddle GAR Post 131 on April 16, 1883 with 18 charter members. Liddle was the first Colon boy to die in the Civil War. The Colon Post organized all Memorial Day Observances, helped local Veterans apply for pensions and helped raise the funds to purchase and place a Civil War Monument in Lakeside Cemetery. The monument was dedicated on May 30, 1887. The GAR Post in Colon declined in numbers after the turn of the century as most who served had passed away. The last mention of them we can find in the Colon Express was the Memorial Day Remembrance of 1906.

For the last seven years, John Schwartz Media, LLC has been a valued partner with the Colon Community Historical Society helping to put together a fundraising calendar for the museum. Every month features restored historic photographs by John Schwartz Media, LLC, along with fascinating history research and writing from the Colon Community Historical Society members. This page is from the 2023 Good Ol’ Days Calendar. This month was sponsored by Dick & Dianne Denney.

Good Ol’ Days - Russell Warren Welty/ American Legion PostOn December 18th of 1918, Russell Warrren Welty died of pneumo...
05/26/2026

Good Ol’ Days - Russell Warren Welty/ American Legion Post

On December 18th of 1918, Russell Warrren Welty died of pneumonia in France while serving in WWI. He was the only Colon boy to lose his life in the war. Colon veterans decided to form the Russell W. Welty American Legion Post and in October 1919 their charter was granted creating Post 167. There were over fifteen original members on the charter. Owen Ambs was the first Commander, Clifford Frohriep the first Adjutant, Treasurer was Leon Willard, Chaplain was John Moore and Historian was W.E. Doran. The Women’s Auxiliary held their first meeting in 1921. The 167 Legion Post organized Memorial Day Programs each May and in March of 1923 they purchased and placed a bronze memorial tablet on the library lawn as a memorial to Russell W. Welty. The tablet was later moved to Lakeside Cemetery near the Civil War Monument. In May of 1930, the Russell W. Welty American Legion Post ended their charter. The current Snyder, Lewis, Welty American Legion Post 454 was formed in 1946.

For the last seven years, John Schwartz Media, LLC has been a valued partner with the Colon Community Historical Society helping to put together a fundraising calendar for the museum. Every month features restored historic photographs by John Schwartz Media, LLC, along with fascinating history research and writing from the Colon Community Historical Society members. This page is from the 2022 Good Ol’ Days Calendar. This month sponsored by Colon American Legion Post.

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60753 Bert Road
Colon, MI
49040

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