MS 2006-27 consists of records of the Pearl Sarno collection (covering the years 1856-2005, bulk of material dated 1870-1995). The collection is divided into three series. Series 1 consists of the Pearl Sarno personal papers (1904-2002). Series 2 consists of the Covert Congregational Church records (1870-2005), and includes a large number of records relating to the Women's Club of the First Congregational Church. Series 3 consists of the Covert Township records (1856-1921, 1953-1967.
The Van Buren County Board of Supervisors officially organized Deerfield Township on October 5, 1855. The first annual meeting of Township electors occurred on April 7, 1856.
The name “Deerfield” reflected a local abundance of deer. It proved a popular name in Southwest Michigan, and eventually, the United States Post Office requested name changes to avoid confusion. In 1876, State Senator William O. Packard petitioned the Michigan legislature to change Deerfield’s name to “Covert.” This was officially done with a legislative act of March 29, 1877. A “covert” is a common term for a thicket that provides cover for deer or other game. In a broader sense, it can refer to any sort of concealment or shelter.
Covert has gained some renown for its history of racial integration. Schools and churches were integrated, and African-Americans held elective offices. A Stronger Kinship by Anna-Lisa Cox (New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2006.) documents the phenomenon. Prominent African-American families include the Connors, Tylers, Seatons and Pompeys.
