Shagbark #999, Williamston, Michigan

Shagbark is the name of a large country estate (circa 1875) in Williamston, Michigan named for the abundance of Shagbark Hickory trees on the property. There are eight buildings including the red brick pillared main house, a summer kitchen, ballroom, meeting hall, library, and workshop. The architectural style is a mix of Italianate and Greek Revival. Howard Wiest, a judge serving in nearby Mason and Lansing as a Supreme Court Justice, gave lavish banquets here and used the property as his country retreat from 1890 until his death in 1945.

Because of Judge Wiest’s large collection of law books, Shagbark’s library at one time served as the Lincoln Law Library for law students. Clippings and mementos reflect that Will Rogers, Calvin Coolidge, and Ian Paderewski attended or performed at events at Shagbark.

The Shagbark Chapter #999 was chartered on October 31, 1981.