On Friday, we learned that Clinton Township supervisors approved the creation of a historical society at their general meeting Wednesday, May 10.

The society’s mission is related to the upcoming update of the area’s comprehensive plan, said Supervisor William Duncan, board vice chairman. He credited supervisor chairwoman Kathy Allen with the idea.

“Kathy Allen has been interested in creating this historical society for awhile,” Duncan said. “And gathering some of the older residents that know the history of the township, and capture that to be part of the comprehensive plan.”

Some of the best stories in local history, apart from larger events, come to us by word-of-mouth and never get fully recorded on paper. The creation of the historical society ensures that even people in small areas have places to look for information about where they are building their lives.

Some histories end up lost to time. Having a place for everything to be curated keeps that from happening.

Humans are also visual creatures, so preserving documents and landmarks in the township will ensure there are touchstones for future generations to look back on. One example of a potential preservation project given was Rocky Run School, the township’s original school that still stands.

Something like this is no small undertaking, and we commend the township supervisors on their commitment and efforts to preserve their history.

— CM