Memories come Alive
At the
Freeman-Hastings House Museum in the U.P.

By Julie Freeman

The Freeman-Hastings House Museum, located on West Melville Street, in Engadine, Michigan, was the place to be Sunday, September 19th, 1999, especially if you were one of Miss Nellie Halcin’s students, back in the 1930’s.Nellie Halcin, who was born May 16, 1913, in DeTour Michigan, began her teaching career 67 years ago, at the age of 19, in September of 1932 to 1934 at the Anderson School, which was located near the Gribbell’s house on the corner of Pleasant Avenue and Mile Road, in the Engadine area. Her brother and sister drove her to the school in a Model T, which is still owned by the family.From 1934 to 1938, she taught at the Densmore School, which was located on the corner of Pleasant Avenue and McKelvey Road, near the old Fillman house, also in the Engadine Area. 

 In 1939 to 1942 she taught at a little school in Lakefield Michigan, called the Smathers School.

 From there she moved back to her place of birth and started teaching school at the DeTour Township School, where she taught for 35 years.

 Mr. Henry Hammermeister, of Engadine, and who was also a student of hers, gave the opening speech, with assistance from Miss Halcin. Afterwards she recalled many names of her past students, with many of them present and going up one by one to re-introduce themselves to the teacher they had so many years ago, to a teacher that never forgot who they were! It was a very touching moment for all. Many hugs, smiles and happy tears were had by all, along with a variety of tasty desserts and punch and old time music, provided by Mike Klobucher on his accordion, which was a excellent addition to this joyous event!

 As the guest of honor at the Freeman-Hastings House Museum’s Annual Open House, Miss Nellie Halcin brought along a few personal items of her own memories as a teacher, to share with everyone. One item, which she was very proud of, was the very first magazine that she got when she first started to teach. It was dated September 1932 and was called “The Instructor” by A.B. Dick Company, Chicago. She has kept this preserved wonderfully, in a large white envelope. She also told of the Golden Glow flowers, which were mostly roots when Herman Patzer brought them to her in a little container. She expressed how she planted them and how they’re still growing beautifully, at her home in DeTour, after all these years. Over 100 people attended this memorable event. Only 23 were in the photo, but many more of Miss Halcin’s students attended this day, a day that no one will forget. Photos of this day will be added to the many memories that are on display at the Museum.

 Much appreciation goes to Bill and Mary Edwards, Linnea Ault, Shirley Feigel, Henry Hammermeister, Ruth Markwart, Ethel and Frank Freeman, Joe Freeman, Judy LeGault, Jim and Esther Shaum, Flora McEvers, Millie Linck, Tilly Smith and Janice Butkovich, for the hours put into making this a wonderful day! Also to Mike Klobucher for the wonderful Old Time Music that he provided on his accordion.

IN THE PHOTO STARTING FROM THE LEFT GOING TO THE RIGHT

Earl Fergin, Harold Robinson, Shirley Fillman Feigel, Esther Marcus Fergin,

Henry Hammermeister, Violet Friske Schroeder, Ruth Stelter Brown,

Ethel Drefs Freeman, Alice Robinson King, Doris Bryers Haapala,

(Miss Nellie Halcin-center-dressed in a pink skirt and blazer), Julia Drefs Archambeau, Ruth Rapp Markwart, Florence McLaren Adler, Sig Fandrick, Marion Wagner Lesatz, Lorraine Fillman Wright, Pauline Drefs Strom, Paul Drefs, Louise Robinson Mattson,