October 21, 1981, was an important day for the Rotary Club of Bay City as representatives watched the Trombley/Centre House ply the waters of the Saginaw River aboard the barge "Helen" owned by William Stender Mal-Marine. The short but exciting journey marked a milestone in a lengthy project that involved the club, the Historical Society, and the Chamber of Commerce.

The project unfolded years earlier when Rotary President Kyle Haselden, Historical Society President Mary Smith, and Chamber President Frank Braman put together a plan that would preserve the very cornerstone of historic Bay City. This effort would require moving this significant structure from its location at 24th & Water Street to a new location in Veterans Memorial Park.

Although the actual distance was not extensive, the necessary groundwork was. The initial project planning began in 1979. Planning required the participation of the City of Bay City, including the Crump Street "right-of-way closure" and site arrangements in Veterans Memorial Park.

Necessary funding was arranged by the Rotary club and the Kantzler Foundation, along with other assistance from the Historical Society, for the move. Laracey Brothers executed the move. An archeological excavation completed by Dr. Earl Prahl met additional preparation requirements of the State.

As a major Rotary project, moving the 146 year old historic Greek Revival Trombley House in 1981 was certainly spectacular. Haselden and other task force members were aboard the "Helen" as the barge moved slowly and cautiously down river through the open spans of the Lafayette Bridge and onto the pages of history.