The Hartland Area Project still lives. Over a period of about 30 years, it was actively managed by the Crouse family and Hartland residents through Waldenwoods. Many of its accomplishments are all around us: Cromaine Library (Crouse & Tremaine), the consolidated Hartland Area Schools, Hartland Music Hall, Community Life Newspaper, and Waldenwoods Resort to name a few. Waldenwoods became the recreational center for the community. People came here for religious retreats, business retreats, community conferences, and family activities. This is all still true today. The Creed of the Hartland Area Project is “Friendly Association for Community Service.” This philanthropic objective was born from a business philosophy that made the Crouse’s millions: “Friendly Association for Wholehearted Service.” In the late 1800 and early 1900s, the Crouse’s were leaders in transitioning of America from whale oil lamps to electric lamps (National Electric Lamp Association, now GE’s lamp division in Ohio) and from salt and ice to electric freezers (Nizer Corp – the first refrigerator/freezer available in the USA). They even made a car called the Peerless. Without a doubt their business philosophy worked and the philanthropic philosophy was based on solid principles. The Hartland Area Project is about doing things first in our community. It’s about getting to market, getting to our community FIRST and getting our community to lead, not just follow. We must not wait for our others to get it right. Get involved. Make it happen at what ever level makes you comfortable. It’s also about COOPERATION, engaging employee and citizen, to make GREAT things happen. It’s a participatory method that requires everyone to set aside preconceptions and not be afraid to try new things. Make it happen. Get involved. It doesn’t matter where we are or what problems we have. It’s about how committed we are toward a better future. Great things are possible – right here! We need to remember well and figure out what made Michigan the industrial center of the world at the turn of the century. Our heritage is one of Greatness and Leadership.
Posted on: Sat, 15 Jun 2013 06:20:02 +0000