In celebration of Clara Ford’s 150th birthday, the Richmond Hill Historical Society will host fundraising events on April 23, including a tour of The Ford Plantation, and other architecture in Richmond Hill that was built or restored by the Fords; an evening gala; and an opportunity for an overnight stay at the Fords’ winter mansion. Proceeds from these events will benefit the Richmond Hill Historical Society’s Preservation Fund. The society is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Business sponsorship opportunities are available.

“These events will offer a rare opportunity to gaze behind the gates of the Ford estate, which is normally closed to the public,” said Christy Sherman, president of the Richmond Hill Historical Society. “Fortunately, the historic Ford mansion has been restored and is in good hands with the current owners, but there are other local historic sites in need of help. Proceeds from this event will help the Historical Society with our efforts to preserve and interpret our history.”

Events sponsored by and benefiting the Richmond Hill Historical Society include the following:

● Tour of The Ford Plantation
         April 23, 2016
         2 - 4 p.m.
Board a trolley and take a tour of the beautiful Ford Plantation, formerly Henry and Clara Ford’s winter estate in Richmond Hill, Ga. Guests will tour the Fords’ home, Richmond Hill Plantation, as well as the historic oyster house and yacht basin. Ticket holders will meet at the Richmond Hill History Museum, located at 11460 Ford Avenue at 2 p.m. Cost: $35.
 
● Tour of “Henry Ford’s Southern Town,” including The Ford Plantation,
Fort McAllister and Lunch
April 23, 2016
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Board a trolley and take a narrated tour of Richmond Hill, Ga., “Henry Ford’s Southern Town,” including stops at The Ford Plantation, Richmond Hill History Museum and Fort McAllister. The trolley tour will show you several sites along the Coastal Bryan Heritage Trail which showcases Ford-era historic sites including the Courthouse, Martha-Mary Chapel, Community House, employee housing, Plantation Office, Bakery, Commissary, Kindergarten, original site of George Washington Carver School and more. A boxed lunch will be served at Fort McAllister. Cost: $65.

● Evening Gala at The Ford Mansion
April 23, 2016
5 - 9 p.m.
This unique one-time event will provide for an elegant evening at the Ford mansion reminiscent of the Fords’ galas. Guests will enjoy a party at Henry and Clara Ford’s winter estate and grounds, the likes of which haven’t been seen in Richmond Hill since the Ford era. Guests will be treated to a cocktail hour from 5-6 p.m., followed by heavy hors d’oeuvres and entertainment from The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra. This celebration is evocative of the times when the Fords would have an orchestra brought down from Michigan and invite local students and guests to dance on the lawn. Enjoy the beauty of the estate, situated on the Great Ogeechee River and canopied by ancient live oaks and spanish moss. This Gatsby-esque event will be a night to remember. Tickets are limited. Cost: $125. Cocktail attire.

● The Ford Plantation Overnight Stay, Trolley Tour, Evening Gala and Breakfast for Two Package
         April 23-24, 2016
         Clara Ford Suite
This package includes the following: two trolley tour tickets, Saturday evening cocktails and Gala Event for two, an overnight stay at the Ford Plantation and breakfast the following morning. Guests will stay in Clara Ford’s bedroom suite, located upstairs in the winter home of Henry and Clara Ford. Built in 1936, this mansion is a re-creation of the Hermitage Plantation in Savannah. The Fords purchased the Hermitage, dismantled it, and rebuilt it using the original Savannah Gray bricks. Guests will enjoy a view of Clara’s garden, the avenue of oaks and the Ogeechee River from the suite and then enjoy coffee and gourmet breakfast for two in Clara Ford’s dining room. Cost: $1,200.

● The Ford Plantation Overnight Stay, Evening Gala and Breakfast for Two Package
         April 23-24, 2016
         Henry Ford Suite
This package includes the following: two trolley tour tickets, Saturday evening cocktails and Gala Event for two, an overnight stay at the Ford Plantation and breakfast the following morning. Guests will stay in Henry Ford’s bedroom suite, located upstairs in the winter home of Henry and Clara Ford. Built in 1936, this mansion is a re-creation of the Hermitage Plantation in Savannah. The Fords purchased the Hermitage, dismantled it, and rebuilt it using the original Savannah Gray bricks. Guests will enjoy a sweeping view of the Ogeechee River from Ford’s private balcony and then enjoy coffee and gourmet breakfast for two in Clara Ford’s dining room. Cost: $1,200. Available for title sponsor. 

Henry and Clara Ford arrived in Ways Station in 1925 and purchased land to build a winter residence, Richmond Hill. They also built a courthouse, a church, schools, a community center, a sawmill, bakery, commissary, a medical clinic and more. In 1941, the town’s name was changed to Richmond Hill in honor of the Fords.
 
Clara Ford was born on April 11, 1866, and grew up on farmland north of Detroit. Henry Ford, who met Clara at a New Year’s dance in 1885 and married her in 1888, nicknamed her his “great believer” and always appreciated her unwavering support of his ideas and ambition. They had one son, Edsel, who ran Ford Motor Company until 1943.