By Jim Bloch
The Sherman Woods subdivision in Port Huron turned 100 years old in 2025 and held its 10th annual Red Kettle Christmas-season bell-ringing effort in support of the Port Huron Salvation Army.
On Jan. 14, the Sherman Woods Homeowners Association reported that the bell ringing campaign raised $7,069 to assist the Salvation Army’s annual holiday fund raising campaign.
“The sum is a 17 percent increase over 2024 donations and brings the total of funds raised over the past 10 years to $55,397,” said the association in its press release. “Funds were raised by volunteer residents and friends of the association managing a Red Kettle drop off in Sherman Woods on weekend evenings during the Christmas Holiday season with an additional night of bell ringing on Christmas Eve. Visitors contributed to the Red Kettle total while touring the Sherman Woods location to view the distinctive Christmas decoration displays the neighborhood organizes each year. Special decorations were included in 2025 recognizing the neighborhood’s centennial.”
The subdivision consists of 17 acres, 63 households, a 700-foot private beach on Lake Huron and about 180 people.
Ross Mahon bought the property, which runs from Gratiot to Conger avenue, in May of 1925 and the city approved the sub in July. Mahon developed the subdivision around three new roads, Edison Blvd. on its south side, Conger along Lake Huron, and LaSalle to the north. Mahon developed a dozen restrictions governing the size and cost of the homes in the neighborhood; one said, “No pigs or poultry and no savage or dangerous animals could be maintained at any time.”
During the 2025 bell ringing, there were holiday attractions – beyond the decorations and lights on individual homes – that drew visitors to the neighborhood, including the Sherman Woods Chorus, appearances by Santa Claus and the Grinch and horse drawn carriage rides.
“Over the past decade we have received wonderful support for this program from our residents and those visiting our neighborhood during the holiday season,” said Fred Kemp, president of the Sherman Woods Homeowners Association, in a statement. “To top the $55 thousand mark during our 100-year celebration was extra special and a
testament to the volunteer spirit of the members of our community. The Red Kettle campaign is an important fund raiser for the Salvation Army. We are pleased to be able to manage this endeavor each year, and I know the generosity of those visiting our neighborhood goes to assist the Salvation Army in Port Huron to provide gifts for children and meals for families in need at Christmas.”
Jim Bloch is a freelance writer based in St. Clair, Michigan. Contact him at bloch.jim@gmail.com
