Sesquicentennial--it's a big word, but it means 150 years, which is what Hamlin Township is celebrating in 2011. February 28th was its official birthday, and many activities are planned now through the summer.

In 1861, the Township of Hamlin was established, named after Hannibal Hamlin, the Vice-President at the time under Abraham Lincoln. Prior to being named Hamlin Township, it was called Little Sauble in 1851 by Charles Mears; then in 1854 it was known as Big Sauble. From there it was called Lincoln, and finally to Hamlin in 1861.

The Kickoff Birthday Party was the first of many events planned for the Sesquicentennial:

July 2--Fireworks over Hamlin Lake.

July 4--150th Anniversary float in the Freedom Festival Parade, downtown Ludington.

August 1-5--Hamlin Township Historical Display, 8am-4:30pm, Hamlin Township Hall.

August 6--Hamlin Township Open House Celebration, 1-4pm, Hamlin Township Hall.

August 7--Sesquicentennial Boat Regatta and Ice Cream Social. Everyone is invited to decorate their house, boat, and dock with a historical patriotic theme. Boats will meet at Wilson Hill Park at 1pm and cruise around Hamlin Lake, ending up back at the park at 3pm. Free ice cream will then be served and prizes awarded.

All through the month of August 150 American flags will be displayed throughout the township along with Sesquicentennial banners. Residents are also invited to drop off items at the Town Hall for the 150th birthday time capsule. It will be buried at the Town Hall and marked with a plaque instructing that it be opened in 2061.

The Hamlin Lake area has provided so much fun and has created wonderful memories for generations of families. This summer, come help celebrate Hamlin Township's Sesquicentennial.