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Alpha Village Hall
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Porter School, now Circle Cafe
Alpha-Mastodon Fire Department:
The Fire Department has equipment located at both the Township Hall in Alpha and at Camp 5. We have 5 fire trucks including one just purchased in February of 2002. The fire department is staffed with approximately 20 volunteers and our Fire Chief is Jeff Seppala. Meetings of the fire department are held the first Monday of each month. In September, 2005, the Alpha-Mastodon Fire Department was awarded a grant from Homeland Security for $182,000.00 for the purchase of a new tanker truck which was delivered to the Township in Spring, 2006.
In October of each year, the fire department conducts a fire prevention program for students enrolled in grades 1 to 3 at the Forest Park School. Each student receives a plastic fireman's helmet and has the opportunity to inspect the fire truck. Also in October, the members of the fire department will clean out the chimney at the home of any Mastodon resident. This service has been provided for the last 10 years and has greatly reduced chimney fires.
Fourth of July:
This is probably one of the most important days in the calendar year for both the Township and the Village of Alpha. It is the time when people from all over the United States "go home" to visit with family and friends or return to the place they have vacationed all their lives. The day begins at 9:00 am at the Alpha Village Hall with a flag raising ceremony, a variety of speeches followed by a parade led by the local children and ending with the driving of the fire truck and the marching of the volunteer fire department personnel. Throughout the day there are a variety of activities for both children and communities to witness the fireworks display. Even though both the Township and the Village of Alpha contribute money for the purchase of the fireworks, it still requires additional donations from businesses and the general public to raise enough money for the purchase of fireworks. The Fire Department now days, handles the donations and events along with volunteers. This event is truly enjoyed by all who attend and each year it only becomes more spectacular.
Stager Lake
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On August 8, 1913, a special election was held to raise $30,000.00 to build the Porter School in Alpha. This resolution was adopted and on August 31, 1914 the Porter School was completed and ready to accept it's first students. In 1915, the school building was opened on Saturdays for the general public to take advantage of the bathing facilities. The Porter School was the pride and joy of the community. It provided space for church services on Sunday, employed a physician for the school children, distributed clothing for the needy children, provided a library for the community and was the center for dances, elections, weddings and other community events. By 1925, a total of 421 students were enrolled at the Porter School.
On October 10, 2005, the Mastodon Township Board unanimously voted in favor of selling the Porter School for $1.00 to Charles Hoogland, owner of Hoogland Wood Shop. He not only plans to relocate his business to the Porter School but also intends to restore the building to its original appearance. Hopefully as his business continues to grow, it will mean increased job opportunities for Mastodon Township. In the future, Mr. Hoogland plans to purchase the addition to the Porter School which includes the Township offices as well as the building that houses the Township Fire Department.
Old Fire Dept, now Alpha General Store
Veterans' Memorial
Civic Circle
Area Parks:
There are two parks that the Township owns and maintains: Buck Lake and Stager Lake. Many of the Township residents as well as visitors from all over the country take advantage of these parks for a variety of outdoor activities including family picnics, swimming and fishing. Enjoying the outdoors in beautiful Upper Peninsula is an experience to remember.
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