County holding Henry Ford–focused open house at Sharon Mills

Washtenaw County Parks guide Cary Church during an open house in 2019, explaining the still-functioning hydroelectric generator at Sharon Mills; the generator currently powers the two electric lights seen above and one outlet.

Interested in local history? The county will be holding an open house at Sharon Mills on Sunday, August 28, from 1 to 4pm. Learn about the mill’s varied uses over time, with a focus on Henry Ford’s influence. A docent will be present to share information, answer questions, and demonstrate the operation of the hydroelectric generator that was used during Ford’s Village Industry days.

The mill, which is a State Historic Site, is located within a Washtenaw County Park at 5701 Sharon Hollow Rd. It was constructed in the mid-1850s. It was then purchased and refurbished by Henry Ford in the 1930s for use as a small factory.

by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and a founder of the Manchester Mirror.