Welcome to the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm's Virtual Exhibit Gallery

Avon Township, now Rochester and Rochester Hills, was the first settled area in Oakland County, Michigan. The first settlers came from upstate New York, New England, and southern Canada in 1817. Seeking land to clear and farm, these pioneers worked their way north from Detroit by following Native American trails through the forests and marshlands or by traveling on the Detroit River and walking overland. Settlers found heavily wooded, gently rolling land crossed by rivers and creeks.
In the era before the common adoption of the steam engine, Avon Township owed its early settlement to the convergence of three potential sources of waterpower-the Clinton River, Stony Creek, and Paint Creek. Water powered mills were essential in providing food, clothing, and shelter.
In its first 33 years the population of Avon Township grew to 1,456 people and all the land was privately owned. The family farms were self-sufficient, producing most of their own food and clothing by 1850.

After 1900, residents began to travel by public transportation to work in city factories. By 1907 there were 8 passanger and 25 freight trains stopping in Rochester every day. With fewer farm laborers, farmers began selling their land for subdivisions, scientific farming, and estates for the wealthy.
In the decade between 1910 and 1920, the population of Rochester grew by a third as prosperous city workers moved to Avon for larger houses, yards, fresh air, and lower taxes. Thirty-five subdivisions were created between 1915 and 1930, and the population almost doubled again by 1930.
During the Depression of the 1930s, Rochester's small businesses suffered to maintain markets, factories, and livelihoods. The growing economy of the 1940s fed new demand for family homes by returning servicemen. By 1950 the farm community of Avon Township had become a community of families who earned their livelihoods elsewhere.
Today, the cities of Rochester and Rochester Hills have a population of approximately 80,000.

This online exhibit is only a small portion of our collection. For more information about the collection, the history of the greater Rochester area, and upcoming events check out www.rochesterhills.org or call us at 248-656-4663 or email us at  rhmuseum@rochesterhills.org
Last modified on: January 16, 2008