About

The Three Oaks township hall has historical significance as one of the oldest village halls still in continual use in Berrien County. On April 4, 1864, following a motion by Three Oaks founder and supervisor Henry Chamberlain, it was "...resolved that the sum of $800 be levied on the taxable property of this township of Three Oaks for the purpose of building a town hall..."

Chamberlain agreed to donate two lots to the township to construct the building. On August 30, 1866, the township signed a contract with Gilbert B. Avery, owner of the local sawmill, to build the township hall at the agreed price, with a supplemental appropriation of another $300 to cover the cost of a stone foundation to support the building, shipped from Joliet, Illinois. Completed in the fall of 1866, the Three Oaks township hall has been in continued use as a site for township business and activities for over 137 years.

The building was also once used as a courtroom for justices of the peace who could preside over civil trials involving less than $300 and misdemeanor criminal cases. During the Great Depression, there was a jail on the side of the building where the fire station is now.