In 1843 The Livingston County Agricultural Society was formed for the purpose of encouragement and advancement of agriculture. This is barely ten years since the first settlers came to this wilderness area. In that short time land was cleared of trees, swamps were drained by digging ditches and the prairie was furrowed by the plow. The foremost crop at the time was wheat.

Over the radios came the news, “D-Day, the Invasion of Europe!” Those over the age of 65 are all too able to recall that day.  As with December 7, 1941, and November 22, 1963, one will always remember that momentous event.

Following high school graduation, June 8, several of the 18 year olds found themselves in a uniform.  Not much to celebrate under those circumstance.  War related shortages precluded even the printing of a school Annual that year.

The rationing of sugar, coffee, flour, shoes, tires, gas, butter, lard, etc., became tolerable, especially when compared to the sacrifices being made by those in the Services.  Unflagging support on the home front made the waiting for the end of the war bearable.

Sixteen veterans of the Brighton area, which did not return, are pictured in the 1946 “Victory Home Coming” booklet sponsored by the Brighton Fire Department.  The “Honor Roll”, below, stood in mute memory on the south west corner of Grand River & main Street in town.  Every family in the community was related to one of those names and small white banners, with blue or gold stars, hung in the front windows of many homes.