The Old Settlers Reunion Association is a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization set up to support and promote the OSRA through Scholarships, Events, and Archival.
The Old Settlers Reunion, as it is known by, was started back in 1934. At that time, the Old Settlers' that came to Mecosta, Montcalm and Isabella counties, decided to revive the "Old Pioneer Picnic" that had been held for years. As time went by, and as the group grew, a need was felt to do more for the descendants of these first pioneers, thus, The Old Settlers Reunion Association was founded and Incorporated in 1977. Marguerite Berry Jackson, Jay Cook and Arthur Cross were the incorporators of this Association.
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The purpose of this organization, the Old Settlers' Reunion Association (O.S.R.A.), is to continue the preservation and restoration of the history and heritage of Black people in Isabella, Mecosta, and Montcalm counties.
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To act as a liaison between the aforesaid counties and any restoration or preservation of Black historical affects, sites, etc., and may be the recipient of any funds ( County, State or Federal) for such preservation and/or restoration.
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To establish a scholarship to be awarded to worthy academic students who are direct descendants of the old settlers of said counties. Old Settlers' to be defined as Black immigrants who made his/her home in Isabella, Mecosta and Montcalm counties in the eighteen hundred (1800s)
2023 Scholarship Deadline - April 15, 2023
2023 O.S.R.A. Scholarship Application: Apply online: Link to online application directions.
Important Information
OSRA Membership Dues
Contributions to the Old Settlers Reunion Association, a 501(c)(3) organization, are tax-deductible as permitted by law. The Scholarship program is supported by Membership dues and fundraisers.
Our Scholarship goal of $1,000 to applicants graduating from high school and, to make available two(2) scholarship of $500 each to post high school/re-entry students. If you or a member of your family have benefited from the OSRA Scholarship, we ask that you continue your support for future students. If you haven’t paid your FY2013 Membership Dues yet, join other proud descendants who have already made their commitment to our young people.
Click here to go to Membership page.
OSRA and AmazonSmile
Old Settlers Reunion Association (OSRA) is a registered organization on AmazonSmile. Shoppers can benefit OSRA and the OSRA Scholarship Fund when making purchases using the link: http://smile.amazon.com/ch/38-2445785
The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price to the OSRA Scholarship fund.
This does not increase the price for the
shopper and there is no fee to OSRA.
Please click on Smile icon for more information.
Address Submittal Form
We recognize that many of our relatives are unintentionally missing from our mailing list and we need our message to reach them. We ask you to take the necessary step to reach out so that we can connect with them personally. We want to thank you in advance for your assistance.
Please take a minute and fill out the form by clicking on the below link.
Friends of the Pavilion
The Remus Area Historical Society Facebook website for the Pavilion:
Click here for updates:
Memorial Contributions
Charitable giving can be a special tradition for many families. Giving for the benefit of others can be an exceptional way to reaffirm the values and priorities we share with our loved ones. One way to remember our family members and friends who have lived before us is through memorial gifts. These donations represent a heartfelt way to honor the cherished memory of others, while furthering the goals that enhance our quality of life.
1. Link to our OSRA Charitable or In Memory Of Donations page.
2. Link to our In Memory Contributions page for other Foundations.
The OSRA awarded four OSRA Scholarships for 2019 The awardees are listed below.
We are so proud of their accomplishments. We wish them much success in their educational endeavors.
Noah Hughes
Because the OSRA would
be helping me achieve
my dreams, I feel that
I should also give back.
I was scheduled to perform
at the 150th church
anniversary for the
Wheatland Church of Christ.
I plan on attending Full Sail
University in Orlando, FL to study Music Production. I hope to one day create music for movies, video games, and other types of entertainment media for everyone to enjoy.
Full Sail is one of the best universities in the world for this type of degree, which makes it quite expensive. Outside of technology, I also dream of composing music for orchestra, band, and piano.
Autumn Burns
I want to deeply thank
The OSRA for choosing
me as a recipient of the
2019 scholarship award.
Not only will this
scholarship aid in my
expenses for college,
but also makes me appreciate the ability I have to gain a higher education when it was not always encouraged and accessible for my ancestors.
I will continue to give back to the OSRA and aid future generations in their next endeavors. I will be attending Grand Valley State University where I plan to study Diagnostic Medical Sonography and will be actively involved in their Cheerleading program.
This scholarship has made it possible for me to continue my education and to acknowledge the pride that I have in family history.
Old Settlers' Reunion
"A Nation Within Itself" Book Order Information
Pre-Order a soft-cover re-printing of The Old Settlers book, “A Nation Within Itself”.
Click here to pre-order the OSRA history book online, download an order form, or contact us by Email.