Kalamazoo Section of the American Chemical Society
We are a dynamic and visionary organization committed to improving people’s lives in our community through the transforming power of chemistry. We strive to advance the broader chemistry enterprise and its practitioners for the benefit of Kalamazoo, Allegan and Van Buren counties.
CGSA Report for NCW 2012
Friday 26 October 2012
By Alia Hinz.
Drake House
927 Drake Rd
Ostemo Township
Report for NCW2012 Volunteer Activity
In support of the Community Event associated with this year’s National Chemistry Week, the Chemistry Graduate Student Association (CGSA) at Western Michigan University pursued a project with Oshtemo Township. Four CGSA members spent two and a half hours at Drake House (927 Drake Road, Oshtemo Township) on Friday, October 26; we assisted the Oshtemo Historical Society in insulating the second floor windows and sanding several wooden support beams on the front porch.
The President of the Oshtemo Historical Society was most appreciative of our efforts and time invested, and, in turn, we were pleased to have been able to contribute to a local, historic public works project.
Drake House was originally built in 1852 by Benjamin Drake, one of the first settlers in the Kalamazoo area. The house remained as private property until 2004, when it was acquired by Oshtemo Township. Since that time, the Oshtemo Historical Society has been working with Oshtemo Township to restore the house.
The CGSA members who volunteered at Drake House. From left to
right: Jared Wabeke, Alia Hinz, Shino Toma, and David
Sellers. Photo by Millard Loy.
David and Jared, sanding the pillars on the front porch. Photo
by Shino Toma.