By Jim Bloch
There is something slightly numerological happening in Port Huron’s Sherman Woods subdivision as the holidays approach.
The sub is celebrating its 100th birthday. For one tenth of its history, its residents have raised funds for the Port Huron Salvation Army’s Red Kettle drive.
“Two milestones will be reached this Christmas Season in Port Huron’s Sherman Woods community as its annual bell ringing fundraiser for the Salvation Army will mark its 10th anniversary, while the neighborhood celebrates its centennial year,” said the Sherman Woods Homeowner’s Association in a press release.
Since the sub started its Red Kettle drive during the Christmas holidays in 2016, residents have raised $48,000 for the Salvation Army. Last year, they raised more than $6,000.
The neighborhood on the banks of lower Lake Huron is known for its lavish holiday decorations and light displays, which attract visitors from around the knuckle of Michigan’s Thumb.
“Every year we have been impressed by the generous contributions made by visitors to the neighborhood,” said Fred Kemp, association president, in a statement. “Those donations and the dedication of our resident volunteers, have raised funds each year for the Salvation Army in Port Huron to help provide gifts for children, and meals for families in need at Christmas.”
The association will host a Christmas Tree lighting ceremony Friday, Nov. 28 at 5 p.m. at the Sherman Woods community patio on Conger Street.
“The ceremonial Christmas tree lighting will commemorate the lighting of the first Sherman Woods Christmas tree in 1925, which was sponsored at that time by Sherman Woods founder Ross Mahon,” said the press release. “The boulevards, streets and homes in Sherman Woods will also be lit for the season. Those attending the celebration will be treated to the sounds of the season and light refreshments.”
The Red Kettle station will be staffed by residents at the corner of Armour Street and LaSalle Boulevard during the tree lighting, 6-9 p.m.
During the season, bell ringing and fund raising will take place 6-9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 28-29, Dec. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, with a special night Christmas Eve, plus Dec. 26—27.
Visitors may ride in a horse drawn carriage through the neighborhood during the Red Kettle nights starting Saturday, Nov. 29. The 20-minute rides begin in Lakeside Park and proceed south through the subdivision, 5:30- 9:30 p.m. Make your reservations for the rides on the Facebook page of Majestic Heart Carriage Rides or by calling 810-310-0827.
“Sherman Woods has been celebrating its centennial year all during 2025,” Kemp said. “This special event commemorating the first Christmas Lights in Sherman Woods 100 years ago is a fitting way to initiate this year’s holiday season and Red Kettle campaign.”
Jim Bloch is a freelance writer based in St. Clair, Michigan. Contact him at bloch.jim@gmail.com.
