Photo Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
2001 Doherty Blue Ribbon Plaque |
Object Name |
Digital, Photograph |
Description |
A framed placque containing the seal of the U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Schools Program. Reads: Doherty Elementary School West Bloomfield, Michigan is recognized as a Blue Ribbon School 2000-2001 Signature - Rod Paige Rod Paige Secretary of Education A blue ribbon with the goldleaf inscription "Achievement" is located on the upper right corner of the placque. |
Date |
2001 |
Year Range from |
2001 |
Year Range to |
2001 |
Subjects |
Awards Schools |
Collection |
Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society |
Catalog Number |
2023.1.92 |
Accession number |
2023.1.92 |
Place |
Doherty Elementary School, 3575 Walnut Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, MI 48322 |
People |
Paige, Rod |
Provenance |
This photo was part of the research for the "Our School History" project and used in the final plaque at Doherty Elementary School. Frank E. Doherty Elementary School, 1969. Named for a farmer who had once owned the land. In 1904, John C. Doherty, originally from Ireland, bought 160 acres at the corner of Walnut Lake and Orchard Lake Roads to raise his family of five children. When the boys were old enough, John Doherty divided 100 acres of his property between Nicholas and Frank Edmond. On his 50 acres, Frank E. Doherty (born in 1891) raised fruits, vegetables, and flowers and sold them to neighboring communities. Frank lived on the farm with his brother Albert, and Albert’s family. When Frank died in 1964, he left the property to one of the men who helped tend his fields, Mr. Ano Olsen. Mr. Olsen sold the property to the West Bloomfield School District in 1966. To meet the needs of a growing population, Doherty Elementary School opened in January,1969. Formal dedication was delayed until November, 1970, after the completion of the building’s first expansion. In 1970, Boy Scout Troops 115 and 241 and the Orchard Lake Flower & Garden Club joined forces to transform the area around the old Doherty farm pond into an outdoor study area. Over 400 native plants were used, the first being a sycamore tree. The area was dedicated in memory of beloved teacher, George Merring, who had recently passed away. The Doherty PTA, and later PTO, have supported the teachers, students, and community through fundraising, volunteerism, and events like the Fashion Show, Carnival, and Field Day. Over the years, the PTOs have also funded technology tools, playground equipment, and other school improvements. |