Our History
Our History
The Famous Tree - Namesake of Royal Oak & Oakview Cemetery
In 1819, Michigan Governor Lewis Cass and several companions set out on an exploration of Michigan territory to disprove land surveyors’ claims that the territory was swampy and uninhabitable. The beginning of their journey seemed to support those claims until they reached a desirable area of higher ground near the intersections of Main, Rochester and Crooks Roads.
Here they encountered a stately oak tree with a trunk considerably wider than most other oaks. Its large branches reminded Cass of the legend of the royal oak tree, under which King Charles II of England took sanctuary from enemy forces in 1660. Cass and his companions christened the tree, the "Royal Oak." And so Royal Oak received its name. (Source: https://www.romi.gov/501/History)
Notable Burials
Nancy Brown, December 11, 1870-October 7, 1948
Columnist for the Detroit News from 1919 to her retirement in 1942. She wrote a family-based advice column called the “Experience". She often wrote under the name, Mrs. J.E. Leslie. Readers loved her and enjoyed her annual ‘sunrise services’ at Belle Isle on the Detroit River. The readers helped funding for an 85 foot high tower on belle Isle dedicated to peace, calling it the Nancy Brown Peace Carillon. It was finished in 1939 and dedicated in 1940 during the 7th annual sunrise service.
George Anthony Dondero, December 16,1883-January 29, 1968
US Congressman. Elected to represent Michigan’s 17th and 18th Districts in the United States House of Representatives from 1933-1957. Also served as Mayor or Royal Oak, Michigan, from 1921-1923.
