When: Tuesday, December 2 at 6:00 p.m.

Where: Grey Gables Inn, 308 Belvedere Ave.

"A Christmas Gambol Oft Could Cheer" - Sir Walter Scott

Once more all members and their guests are invited to gather in the spirit of the season at the Grey Gables Inn for our annual Historical Society Christmas Dinner. A holiday cheer social hour with old friends will precede the Gables' quality offerings (click HERE to download menu). As in previous years, the Grey Gables would like to have a rough estimate of how many of each entrée and dessert will be ordered. So, if you can, we would appreciate a call by Friday, November 28, informing us of the number in your party and your selections: 547-0373, talk to David Miles (Tuesday-Saturday 1-4) or leave a message. You can also contact David at home, 547-6736, or leave a message at that number. You can appear at the restaurant that evening should circumstances prevent you from deciding until the last minute. No prior payment needed - David will be on hand to collect your payment at the door.

This is always one of the nicest evenings of the year, but this December's will be especially so since we will be honoring former Harsha House director Betsy Reynolds for her many years of dedicated service to the Society. Betsy retired after close to ten years as director on September 1. Her husband Doug and the rest of her family will be invited as our guests. So please join us to give a warm thank-you to Betst for a good job well done.

Also, master dulcimer artist Mike Berst of Eastport, who presented our October program at the Depot, will be returning with a selection of Christmas tunes presented with a true American flavor. Those who missed him last month may have heard what an outstanding evening it was, and can now hear for themselves.

"A morsel of genuine history is a thing so rare as to be always valuable." - Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 1817

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After reviewing a surprising number of applications for the vacated position of co-director, the Executive Committee has chosen Steve Goslee of Eastport to assist David Miles in the day-to-day running of the Harsha House. Deeply interested in history, Steve has pursued courses in museum methods and has mounted several exhibits around the state. He will be bringing many good ideas to us. Right now he is learning the basic ropes and realizing just how much material the Society has at the Harsha House and Depot to work with. We look forward to working with him.

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The Society welcomes new members: John & Krista Jarema; M. Christine Byron & Tom Wilson. Donations received: from Morgan Braswell, Barbara & Bruce MacArthur for the lighthouse preservation project; from Sandra Moers in honor of Mary Adams. Memorial received: from David L. Miles in memory of Robert Fame.

The Society deeply regrets the passing of member Robert Frame.

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An invitation to attend the Society's annual New Year's Eve Party at Cinema III and the Depot is extended to all members, their families, and friends. This is the final event of the year and a truly gala occasion, black tie optional. Information and a ticket reservation form can be downloaded HERE. All proceeds go towards the continuing renovation and restoration of the Harsha House. This has proven to be one of our best fundraisers of the year. Call Mary Adams (547-0348) or Mike Bergeon (547-2742) for further information.

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ANNUAL SPAGHETTI DINNER CONTINUES ITS SUCCESS

The sixth annual fundraising all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner at Terry Left's Villager Pub on November 5 brought in just over $1200 from tips alone to the Society's coffers. This makes 2003 one of our best years ever for this event. Our intrepid staff of Board members and member volunteers served in the vicinity of 300 meals in less that three hours. Everything went very smoothly with the help of Terry and his excellent staff, to whom we extend our gratitude for the opportunity to host the event one again. Winners of the door prizes are: the Christmas ornament, Nancy Mikulski of Charlevoix; the 2004 Historic Photos calendar, R. Cull of Beaver Island; the Grand Prize of dinner for two at Terry's Place, Lew Campbell of Charlevoix. Thanks to event co-ordinator Mick Smith and his crew for making this event a continuing success.

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO DECORATE HARSHA HOUSE

A decorating party will take place on Monday, December 1 at 10:00 a.m. to decorate the Harsha House for the holiday season and the upcoming December 6 open house (see below). Anyone who would like to join in putting up the tree and hanging decorations should just show up at that time for the festivities.

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Again, any member who would like to head up a committee for the dissemination of information regarding planned giving to the Society, please contact President Dave Garland at 547-6707.

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The Society would like to extend its appreciation to Ms. Morgan Braswell, age 7 1/2, for her contribution to our lighthouse preservation and restoration project. Morgan heard of our efforts and decided to same all her pennies for several months. She managed to accumulate 80 cents which she turned over to her grandmother to give to us. It is contributions like these which go a long way to the success of this very important project, and we thank Morgan for her thoughtfulness. She is the granddaughter of Barbara and Bruce MacArthur.

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The Harsha House is hosting its annual Christmas Open House in conjunction with the city-wide celebration on Saturday, December 6, from 12 to 4 p.m. Our museum store will be stocked and manned for Christmas gift sales. Light refreshments will be served. Anyone who would like to volunteer to work a two-hour shift selling items and greeting visitors please call Karen Pierce at 547-6004 or the Harsha House at 547-0373. If not a shift, we could accept donations of cookies or punch for the refreshment table.

The following list will five some indication of what the Harsha House has to offer for that perfect Charlevoix gift. A complet listing can be found by clicking HERE, or call the Harsha House for more information. We accept credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover). Shipping and handling is usually $3.50 extra for most items, $5.00 for the Bob Miles' Charlevoix II book.

Bob Miles' Charlevoix II: This 488-page pictorial history of Charlevoix was published in September 2002 and has surpassed all sales expectations. Only 150 of the first edition remain out of 2200, and they will be going fast. Be sure to get this first edition before we go back for a second printing! $47.70 (tax included).
Christmas Bulb Ornaments: Our 2003 bulb shows bobsledding on Bridge Street. We also have bulbs from 1998 through 2002 available. $7.00, but $6 if you buy three or more.
Gold Lighthouse Hanging Ornaments: Both Charlevoix and Michigan lighthouses. $5.00
Lighthouse Replicas: Some as magnets, pull chains, or hanging ornaments. Various prices.
Lighthouses and Piers Collectible Plaques: $17.00
Historic Photos Calendar 2004: Always a big seller. $13.75 (tax included). Previous years' calendars are available at reduced prices... valuable for their photos.
Irene Young's Famous 1934 Map of Section Michigan: $10.00
Russ & Sue Bolt's Note Cards, Mugs, & Tiles: $1.50, $7.00, $18.00
Historic Photos Note Cards: $1.00
Lighthouse & Sunset Note Cards: $1.00
Beaver Island History Journals: $12.00
Postcards: $1.00
Various Children's Books
A Selection of Historic Photos Used in our Calendars: (or order from our photo archives: $5.00, $7.00, $10.00 depending on size)
Edith Gilbert's "Summer Resort Life: Tangos, Teas and All": $16.50
Historic Charlevoix: A 48-page walking and driving tour booklet $5.00
Depot T-Shirts: Various prices
Historic Round Lake Schooners Plaques: $10.00
Ferdinand the Foghorn Cassette Tapes: $5.00
And more...

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