This building served many purposes for the Clarkston community. It was built as Clarkston High School in 1910, and students studied and played here until 1930. In later years, it was used as a community center and as Independence Township Hall. In 1940, Henry Ford bought the property to manufacture parts for military and other vehicles during World War II. Ford added a power plant with a smokestack at the back, using water from Parke Lake behind the building to create steam power. Local workers made vehicle straps and seat cushions here.