Charlevoix Historical Society - Charlevoix, Michigan

Again a reminder there are still some of the new Michigan State Quarters available at the Charlevoix State Bank next to the Harsha House. Proceeds from the sale of these quarters benefit the Society.

The Society wishes to thank Don Heise for his five years of volunteer membership on our Finance Committee. Don's background in business, banking, and finance proved invaluable in resolving many important decisions that faced the Society during his tenure. It is with his advice and expertise that we are now on a good financial foundation for the foreseeable future. He will be devoting his time to the future of the new library. We thank him for the time he was able to spend with us.

As soon as they are off the press our annual Charlevoix in Historic Photos calendars begin to sell like hotcakes, thanks to the efforts of energetic volunteer John Gaskin who canvasses the town and outskirts to establishments where people are always pleased to see both him and the new historic photo offerings. Close to 200 have been sold in three weeks both by John and at the Museum Store. To our seasonal members - be sure you obtain yours before you leave town at season’s end. The calendars are $13.75 each, with an additional $3.50 for mailing.

As of this writing, exactly nine of the Bob Miles’ Charlevoix II first edition books remain for sale at the Harsha House. It sold much faster than we had anticipated and will probably be sold out before 500 second editions arrive after Labor Day. Those who would still like to obtain a first edition autographed by all who worked on the book - do not delay. The second edition will again be available also at the Bridge Street Book Shop and The Shop of the Gulls.

The Depot Heritage Garden is private property and may not be used at liberty for private functions. It may be utilized for events, ceremonies, or gatherings sponsored by non-profit organizations with the approval of the Society’s Board of Directors. Personal photography is allowed if it does not interfere with any Society or Garden Club function happening at the time. Professional photography for background needs must be scheduled with a Harsha House director. Large unauthorized gatherings cannot be allowed because of the potential for noise disturbance of the Depot’s neighbors and/or damage to the grounds. The public is welcome to visit the garden and enjoy its beauty at any time outside of scheduled events. We are sure that Society members recognize the need for this policy.

The Venetian Festival Heritage Days in East Park saw the Society occupying the park tent for the second time, this year both Friday and Saturday. A huge display of historic photos mounted on panels lined the tent interior above tables of basketball trophies from Charlevoix’s sports history. The panel themes were sports, East Park, the town’s hotels, and the vessels that graced our waters. We estimate that several hundred visitors passed through the tent, some as many as three times. The only period no one was there came during the last few minutes of the Saturday street parade. This may prove to be one of our most well-attended functions in the future.

Joan Nowak and Patti Aikin of the Charlevoix Area Garden Club presented design ideas for the pergola at the Depot Heritage Garden. The sunset cruise netted almost $724, up from last year even with fewer passengers because of no need for increased insurance. The photo donated toward the community pool auction netted $300. A meeting will be held August 25 to discuss plans for celebration of Charlevoix’s 100th anniversary as a city in 2005. The museum store took in $1673 in July. A large storage cabinet will be constructed in the rear of the museum, cost $2500. The Garden Clubs would like to co-sponsor a Twefth Night party at the Depot as a fundraiser for the Heritage Garden. Jim Lewis constructed two sandwich boards to advertise events and functions. Harbor Industries will help in building display cases for the Native American exhibit at the Depot next summer. Various means of replacing rotted pillars at the Depot are being explored. The Board voted to no longer sponsor the tennis tournament of the Venetian Festival Games. It was suggested the cruise be moved ahead into August.

Donations for the cruise received from: William Kenney, Peg Ohle, Jeannine Wallace.

Donation in memory of Tim Ives received from: Fran Kohler

Unrestricted donations received from: Marj Dinwiddie, James Ochs, Charles Novak.

The Society welcomes new members: Charles Novak, Lorraine Warner, John & Sue Dixon, Faye & Lawrence Feindt.