THE PHEASANT MONUMENT

The Olive Township Historical Society is in the process of restoring the site where the Pheasant Monument was erected 65 years ago. The monument was dedicated November 2, 1940 to commemorate the first planting of pheasants in Michigan. On March 27, 1895, conservationist and sportsman, A.G. Baumgartel of Holland released the pheasants on the northwest corner of 136th Avenue and Van Buren Street. The Holland Fish and Game Club and the Holland Pointer and Setter club later established the large stone monument at the spot to honor the event.

The Society has started to beautify the area with woodchips and flowers. Roadside markers with arrows indicating “Historic Marker” will be put in place this spring.

Anyone interested in helping with the clean up and plantings or making a donation to cover the cost of signs and materials may contact 875-8036.

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Tidbit in time: In the fall of 1895 a covey of pheasants were sighted in area fields, which delighted pioneer conservationists. The success of the plantings would provide good hunting for years to come. That winter however, John Van Lente drove to town with news that shattered the hopes of the sportsmen. Hunters had killed the entire covey of pheasants. Game Warden, Rookus Cook and Mr. Baumgartel investigated the situation in sub zero temperatures. Van Lente admitted he knew who killed them but would not tell for fear the delinquents might burn down his barn. Subsequent plantings allowed the pheasant population to flourish.

Taken from the Paging the Days of Olive by Harold Vander Zwaag