Road Commission For Oakland County Saves Historic Sign From Building Set To Be Razed

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI — The Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) saved a piece of Oakland County history that could have been demolished, according to a press release. The RCOC saved a historic carved stone sign, which reads "Gingell Bros.," from a Orion Township building that is being razed as part of the Baldwin Rd. widening project.

The sign is a historical treasure because it was part of the original Gingell Brothers grocery store building in the unincorporated area of Gingellville, according to the RCOC. For generations, the enterprising Gingell family operated a myriad of local businesses including a hardware store, gas station and grocery story.

Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chairman Michael Gingell, whose ancestors settled Gingellville, said in a statement, “The monument sign is a reflection of the community that my great grandparents and their descendants built along with many others throughout Orion Township. Gingellville is about community, neighbors helping each other and supporting one another. Preserving these qualities is important.”

Officials were reportedly first made aware of the treasured sign by former Baldwin Barber Shop barber and Gingellville resident Bud Stout. Orion Township Trustee Mike Flood said in a statement, "It was Bud's suggestion that started the whole process to retrieve and preserve this historic artifact before the buildings were removed for the Baldwin Road widening project."

So, what is the Baldwin Rd. project? It will widen and reconstruct Baldwin Rd. between Gregory and Waldon roads. Also on the agenda? Widening part of the road to five lanes and part to a four-lane boulevard as well as the construction of five roundabouts. The Gingell Bros. sign will be on display among the landscaping of the updated Baldwin Rd.

“Gingellville is an important part of both the history and future of Orion Township,” RCOC Chairman Eric Wilson said in a statement. Wilson continued, "We want our roads to be as modern, safe and efficient as possible. But, we also want to recognize the history of the county and the communities that make up the county. Preserving this sign is one way of retaining a bit of that history and helping to remind people about the historic aspect of our communities."

Photo caption: RCOC Chairman Eric Wilson (left) and RCOC Central Operations Department Foreman Ed Foreman just before the sign was removed from the original building. Photo courtesy of RCOC.