As we move into the new century it is important to take time to pause, reflect on the past, and take note of the influence one man had on the Hartland community. Although ninety years is but a short time, we can conclude that residents of the Hartland area have received countless benefits from the Hartland Area Project . Many of us may never have stopped to think of them.
Through the years we have had many educational, recreational, and cultural opportunities that have enriched the lives of every adult member of this community. In addition, many interesting speakers, courses, library services and musical programs helped to awaken the intellectual and cultural interests of the area.
People were afforded the chance to work cooperatively in committees or organizations that enabled them to study special problems or carry out valuable projects, all for the benefit of the Area as a whole. It was noted by Mr. Crouse that his entire Project would look to generations, rather than years for its period of development and operation. He realized that other activities would be developed when the time seemed appropriate.
As a result, the community has continued to build collaborations and partnerships among its organizations. Since 2013, two of the community’s institutions – Hartland Township and Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce – have worked regularly to examine the smart development of the community and its reception of new businesses. In 2015, that collaboration was expanded to include two more institutions – Hartland Consolidated Schools and Cromaine Library. Together, these four public service organizations, as Partners in Progress, have continued the ideals of J. Robert Crouse, Sr. for a “friendly association for cooperative service.” Community-wide events, such as Winterfest and the Summer Concert Series plus the community-wide informational website, Hartland Living, are the continued expression of Mr. Crouse’s ideals of cooperation and service.