There's a lot on the docket between now and mid-August for the society.

Our annual Venetian weekend potluck picnic will take place this coming:

Friday, July 23
at 7 p.m. at the Depot Beach Pavilion

As before, we will provide hot dogs, buns, condiments, and lemonade, plus drinking glasses. Bring a dish to pass, plus your own tableware, cutlery, and beverage of choice if you wish something other than lemonade.

The great fireworks are set off just offshore from the beach, so bring your own chairs or blankets for the show.

This annual affair has grown into one of our most popular events. Arrive on time to get a parking space. The past few years, the city has blocked off Chicago Avenue for fire access before showtime. Call Harsha House if you need a ride (547-0307).

Anyone who would like to volunteer helping take in (and out) equipment and food, call party chair Mona Bergeon at 547-2742 or the Harsha House. We also need to know approximately how many will be attending, members and guests, to determine how much food to order. A quick call to Mona or the Harsha House would be appreciated.

Great food, good company, a beautiful evening, Venetian fireworks - what more could one ask for in Charlevoix?

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR VENETIAN TENT

If anyone would like to volunteer in the East Park tent on either Friday, July 23 or Saturday, July 24 (or both) safeguarding trophies and photos, answering questions, and meeting the public, please call David Miles at the Harsha House or President Jack MacKenzie at 547-7072.  Speaking of the Venetian festivities, the Society is proudly sponsoring the Venetian games tennis tournament once again.  Past president Bob Heath and Board member Karen Pierce are actively involved in that organizational committee.

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TRAIN SHOW AT THE DEPOT!

We’ve scheduled a train show at the Depot for August 13-15 and August 20-22 (Friday-Sunday), 11-4 each day, by appointment during the week.  Anyone who would like to work with chairperson Jim Lewis through provision of model trains or constructing the sets call him at 547-9743.  Contact the Harsha House as the time nears for more details.

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COINS STILL AVAILABLE

A reminder that a limited quantity of the Michigan State Quarter sets is still available at the Charlevoix State Bank next to the Harsha House. Each set costs $5. All proceeds from their purchase goes toward support of the Historical Society. Get your set(s) now before they are all gone.

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CORRECT MAILINGS TO THE SOCIETY

There has been some confusion recently regarding our correct mailing address. Even though we do list our street location, the Post Office has stopped delivering mail here because we have a box number. Mail has been returned to some members as undeliverable, for which we apologize. Therefore, until further notice, address all mailings to P.O. Box 525.

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2005 HISTORIC PHOTOS CALENDARS ARE HERE!

The ever-popular historic photos calendars just arrived, with thirteen brand new pictures for 2005. A new coil binding will alleviate the separation of pages some of us experienced from the plastic sectional binding of the previous ones. The price is unchanged, $13.75 (tax included), plus $3.50 extra for mailing.   This is one of the finest we’ve produced yet. Less than twenty of the 2004 edition remain, on sale now for $7. The 2004 Christmas ornament should be here in a few weeks, featuring the water tower and channel in winter on a bright red background.

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PATRONAGE CAMPAIGN TOTAL

This year the Society’s patron sponsor program reached almost to the $30,000 mark, which includes both direct contribution and in-kind donations. We would like to thank those who made this possible, reaching 50% of the long term goal of an eventual $60,000 annually. Their names are listed monthly on the front page of the newsletter and in almost all of our advertising. Next month we will acknowledge those who are members of our Ralph Hamilton Circle support group.

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OUR SYMPATHY

The Society deeply regrets the recent passing of longtime life member and patron sponsor Timothy Ives of Bloomington, Illinois. Mr. Ives was an enthusiastic supporter over many years and always expressed a deep interest in everything the Society did. We will miss him very much, and extend our sympathies to his family.

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HISTORY IN THE PARK

That same day, Friday, July 23, plus Saturday, July 24, we will be in East Park in the Venetian tent. A display of historic photographs will circle the perimeter of the tent. They will be in four sections: basketball teams and trophies in keeping with this year's festival theme of Charlevoix's sports greats; the multitude of boats that once plied our waters, from small passenger vessels to mighty liners to palatial yachts, schooners and lumber hookers; the great hotels that once put Charlevoix on the map and made us the mecca of the resort world of northern Michigan; and a pictorial review of what used to be where East Park is now, wonderful exterior and interior photos of the stores, Bridge Street places, and Round Lake waterfront.

Drop by the tent for a visit, and bring all your company. Friday 10-4, Saturday 10-3, longer each day if needed.

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ANNUAL SUNSET CRUISE

Just three nights after we close up the tent, off we go again on our annual Sunset Cruise on the Beaver Island Boat Company’s Emerald Isle.  All area members received two tickets, on the honor system, and can either return them, discard them, or sell them to others and return the money to us.  Those needing more tickets can purchase them either at the Harsha House or at the Bridge Street Book Shop, 407 Bridge Street.  Remember - tickets are $15 before sailing, but go up to $20 if purchased at the last minute at the dock, Tuesday, July 27.  Boarding at 8:15.

We will not be serving alcoholic drinks this year due to the steep increase in insurance costs for such single events.  Therefore, everyone under twenty-one is welcome to sail with us.  We will be providing soft drinks and snacks, and possibly popcorn.  There will be music for dancing, provided once more by the Bud Bechtold group.  Come one, come all for a beautiful evening.

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VISITORS TO HARSHA HOUSE

Visitors to the museum in the past year have arrived from Dublin, Ireland; Monterey, Mexico; Madrid, Spain; Rouen, France; Jakobstad (Pietarsaari), Finland; and Kazakhstan.

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SUMMER HOURS

The Harsha House is open Monday through Saturday from 1 to 4 P. M.  Co-director Steve Goslee will be there on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and co-director David Miles will be there Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.   Anyone who is not able to visit during those hours please call and make an appointment.  We’ll try to accommodate you as best we can.   After Labor Day we will go back to our regular schedule of Tuesdays through Saturdays until New Year’s.

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NEW MEMBERSHIP CARD POLICY AND DUES REMINDER

All those who renew their dues for 2004-2005 will be receiving a membership card, but this will be the last year we will be doing so for each renewal to eliminate extra paper work and increased postage expenses. After this fiscal year only new members will receive a membership card once they make their first dues payment. We would like to remind all annual members who haven’t done so to please send or bring in your 2004-2005 dues as soon as possible.  Memberships will revert to inactive status and newsletter mailings will be cancelled for all annual members who have not paid their dues by December 31. The membership/fiscal year goes from July 1 to June 30. Call the Harsha House if you are unsure of your status.

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QUILT SHOW A ROUSING SUCCESS

Karen Lewis, quilt show chairperson, reports that over 300 people visited the Depot for the four-day quilt show recently, and we received $485 in donations. Visitors arrived from all over northern lower Michigan. She is willing to take orders for a color photograph book of the exhibit.  Call her at 547-9743 for details and cost. Karen would like to acknowledge the assistance of Cynthia Garland and Sharon Knutson of the quilt committee, plus all those who helped organize and publicize it and served as docents for the event.

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JULY BOARD MEETING SUMMARY

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