Lake Orion in Oakland County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
A Moment in Time c.1939
Downtown Lake Orion
Photographed by Joel Seewald, April 12, 2025
1. A Moment in Time Marker
In its early years, the village of Orion was plagued with several major fires. The fire of 1862 destroyed most of Orion's business section. "Bucket Brigades" fought these fires (usually unsuccessfully) by passing pails of water from the lake or Paint Creek. In the 1890s the first well was sunk just east of the Flint/Broadway intersection, with more wells to follow.
The Village Hall served as Orion's 1st fire station with large arched double doors providing access for the horse drawn carriage that carried water and hoses to fire sites. The concrete block building to the west housed the horses and stored feed and hay on its second floor. The tower atop the town hall held a large iron triangle which was rung to summon volunteer firefighters until a siren was purchased in 1920.
Life in 1939
Local talent Brace Beemer was the voice of the Lone Ranger radio show from 1933-1956
The Wizard of Oz starring Judy Garland premiers
World War II begins
Bottom photo caption: late 1800s
Erected 2022 by Lake Orion Downtown Development Authority and Orion Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is
this page online
Location. 42° 47.085′ N, 83° 14.341′ W. Marker is in Lake Orion, Michigan, in Oakland County. It is on Flint Street east of Broadway Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 37 E Flint St, Lake Orion MI 48362, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Michigan and in Greater Detroit. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A Moment in Time c.1915 (within shouting distance of this marker); A Moment in Time c.1930s (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lake Orion Methodist Church (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named A Moment in Time c.1939 (about 300 feet away); A Moment in Time c.1911 (about 400 feet away); The Trains of Lake Orion
Photographed by Joel Seewald, April 12, 2025
2. A Moment in Time Marker
The marker is between the windows.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 2, 2025, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 186 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 2, 2025, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
