Huntington Woods, Michigan 2025

History

The area now known as Huntington Woods was once home to the indigenous tribes of the Potawatomi Nation. The first European-American settler was French missionary Father John Baptist. In 1826, Father Jacques Marquette built a public mission to minister to the Native Americans. It was not until 1850 that settlers began flocking to the area during the construction of the Railroad between Detroit and Milwaukee.

In 1865, the first school was built, and the area became known as "Corktown," named after the predominantly Irish residents. In 1876, the name was changed to Huntington Woods, named after prominent landowner and railroad tycoon, Ara Buttel. The area continued to flourish with the help of the railroad and the lumber industry.

By 1885, much of the surrounding forest land had been cleared, making way for farming. By the early 1900s, Huntington Woods made a name for itself with a Grand Circus Park, an attraction that drew visitors from all over the region. As the park grew in popularity, so did the need for housing. In 1922, a housing development boom drew many professionals who worked in Detroit but wanted to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

As the population grew, the farmland gave way to homes and businesses. Once Circus Park closed, a new shopping plaza called "Surrey Hills" was established, which still serves the needs of Huntington Woods' residents. In May 1950, voters chose to incorporate as a city, taking the community' Boundaries from 8 Mile Road to 14 Mile Road and from Greenfield Road to Woodward Avenue. From there, the residents sought to protect and preserve their neighborhoods and farmland.

The residents of Huntington Woods have always sought to maintain harmony between residential, commercial, and natural areas. The city planning committee has been instrumental in this effort. When shopping centers threatened to overtake the character of the city, the planning committee required stores to be built behind, rather than in front of, residences. Stores were limited to two stories to prevent high-rise development.

The largest city in Oakland County, Huntington Woods is a mostly residential city that preserves and protects its beautiful woodlands with a watchful eye on development. The 160-acre park system within the city contains four major parks and a nature study area (the James F. Atchison Park) built on land received from the Nightingale family, who helped settle the area. The Atchison Park also has a Bird Sanctuary featuring a meditation garden, nature trails, and an outdoor amphitheater. The former site of the Gordon, Starkweather, and McClintock farms, this area features hills, woods, streams, and ponds.

Public Use of City Emblem, Logo and Flag

The city is proud of its municipal flag, a green and gold insignia with the city's initials in the center. The flag is flown from the city hall as well as various municipal buildings throughout the city. The flag, or city emblem, is part of the city's brand and image represented in printed materials, stationery, and the city seal. Reproduction and use of the city of Huntington Woods flag or emblem for commercial purposes without proper authorization from the city is expressly prohibited. Contact the city clerk's office at 248.547.3300 for more information on how to obtain a copy or a license to use the flag or emblem.