The Rochester Historical Commission will celebrate Founder’s Day that commemorates the arrival of James Graham with his sons on March 17th, 1817 to the area we now know as Rochester, Michigan. They were pioneer settlers who established Rochester as the first European settlement in Oakland County. The celebration will take place on Sunday, March 20 at 2 p.m. in the Calf Barn at the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm. Admission is free and local Rochester merchants will provide delicious refreshments.

Author and Historian Kenneth Schramm will be discussing, “A ride on the Detroit United Railway (DUR) interurban through Rochester.” We will take a nostalgic ride back on the DUR interurban system that once operated throughout Southeastern Michigan. The full history of the DUR from development, construction and operation from the 1890’s through its demise in the 1930’s will be explained.

In addition, there will be a festive performance by the Shannon Irish Dance Academy. A new book on the history of railroads and the Interurban in Rochester will be available for sale by author Bob Michalka.

This event is held at 1005 Van Hoosen Road, Rochester Hills, MI, 48306, in the renovated Calf Barn and Dairy Barn.