Beginning in 1929, just as the Depression hit, a unique sight sprang up every winter on the ice just outside Boyne City - a city composed of fish shanties, as many as 300, placed there to take advantage of the huge annual smelt run up the Boyne River. This temporary community on the frozen tip of Lake Charlevoix's north arm became know as Smeltania.

While many who traveled there for the fishing treated the assemblage with a great deal of levity and hyperbole, to many others it was a serious business because each smelt brought in one cent when gutted and frozen for shipment downstate. One hundred smelt, or one dollar per day, could feed a family during those rough years.

The city on the ice peaked in the 1930s, faded through the 1940s, until it ceased in the 1950s. Join us to learn of this part of our history, in which many Charlevoixites participated, in a program presented by Society member Bob Morgridge.

When: Tuesday, May 4 at 7:00 p.m.

Where: The Depot

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"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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DIGITIZATION PROJECT PROCEEDING

The project to place our invaluable collection of historic photographs on permanent digital record has begun. A volunteer committee is meeting once a week to select the candidate photos. later, committee members then assign each photo its own category number and its contents are described in detail for the new computer system's information file. Considering the fact that we have around 10,000 photos already filed under the old system and a backlog of photo donations waiting to be processed, this project will consume much time over the next couple of years.

A generous grant has allowed us to purchase computer and scanning equipment to be devoted solely to this project, and to fund the time needed for its completion. By preserving our collection in this manner, the original photos and negatives will be spared the constant handling for duplication and research that can cause them harm over time. Our history will be preserved as it should be.

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QUILT SHOW ALERT, PART 2: BABY AND DOLL QUILTS NEEDED

As reported in last month's newletter, we are having another quilt show at the Depot, July 8-11. In addition to full-size quilts, the show committee is also looking for smaller quilts, such as those used in doll and baby beds and carriages. Should any member have one or two, or knows someone who does and would be willing to loan for the exhibit, please contact Karen Lewis at 547-9743 or Cynthia Garland at 547-6707.

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