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Bloomfield Blossoms: p. 58-59

Smith, Kay, 1925-

Bloomfield Township Public Library

Bloomfield Township (Mich.) -- History

Surveying -- Michigan -- Bloomfield Township -- History

GB01a031

part of 'Bloomfield Blossoms' by Kay Smith

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SHOUTS OF JOY In the early part of the fall of 1818, two groups of men from Detroit decided to see for themselves if the lands in the interior really were "irreclaimable and unfit for culture or occupation, and their obvious destiny must be to remain in possession of wild beast," as Tiffin's report concluded. One group mentioned in an article published in the Nov. 13, 1818 issue of the Detroit Gazette, was composed of Governor Lewis Cass, the Rev. John Monteith, David C. McKinstry, Austin E. Wing and Benjamin Stead. The fact that they named Wing, Cass and Elizabeth Lakes after themselves and Mrs. Cass is proof that they did indeed explore this area. The second group has Major Oliver Williams, Calvin Baker, Jacob Eileet and "other prominent Detroit men" setting out, turning back, and setting out once again. In any case, they passed through the swamps of Royal Oak, traveled along the log road being built by Army Troops under the command of Colonel Leavenworth, and eventually reached the tableland which would soon be called Bloomfield. The account of their journey was written in 1872 by Thomas Drake for the Oakland Pioneer Society. He tells of their reaction when they first caught sight of Beautiful Bloomfield: "We will not undertake to describe the shouts of joy which burst from their lips as they looked upon the lovely landscapes which were presented to their view. They were enraptured with the scenery. The plains and openings were covered with new and brilliant flowers. After making as full an investigation as their means would allow, having gathered as many flowers and shrubs as they could carry as evidences of the fertility of the soil, they returned to Detroit, after an absence of three or four days. "The exploration made by this party was the theme of conversation and it undoubtedly led to the formation of the Pontiac Company which held its first meeting November 5, 1818, with the purpose of selling land."