When: Tuesday, June 7 at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Greensky Hill Susan Hall & Church, Old U.S. 31 North

The evening will begin at Susan Hall for a slide presentation on the history of the church named after Native-American Christian convert and interpreter Peter Greensky in the 1800s, and constructed during the 1850s. Then the program will shift to the church itself with further information on its unique construction, cone using only notched and fitted logs and no nails, and a tour of the burial ground.

Afterwards, as a special treat, Bob has made arrangements with adjacent property owner William Purdy for attendees to walk over and view, up close and personal, the remaining ancient, uniquely bent Council Trees whose circle symbolized mutual trust and peaceful intent among the area's tribes.

Join us for an opportunity that comes along once in a blue moon at one of Charlevoix's most important and treasured historic venues. Call the Harsha House if you need directions. There is no admission charge.

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MEET THE AUTHOR -- POET ROSALYN GOLDSTICK SIGNS NEW BOOK JUNE 11

Society life member and new patron Rosalyn Goldstick has been writing much-appreciated poetry for Charlevoix residents and occasions for years. Now she has collected them iinto a charming softbound book titled "Do You Remember? Fond Remembrances of Charlevoix and the 'Good Old Days'," illustrated with line drawings by Society life member Marilyn Boss. Rosalyn reminisces in verse to capture such topics as the railroad station, penny candy, the old doctors, radio shows, what our lives were like in Charlevoix half a century ago and more, old timers, important citizens, town characters, and a few dozen other topics. Marilyn's illustrations add that extra touch. For older members their work will bring on a surge of nostalgia and wonderful memories. For newer members the book describes what life in our town was like way back when.

The Society is proud to host a book signing by the two ladies on Saturday, June 11 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the museum. All proceeds from sales of the book at the Harsha House go toward support of the Society. "Do You Remember" retails for $12.95 plus tax ($13.75). The book can be mailed for $3.50 extra. (Disclaimer: your editor wishes to make it clear that he is not boosting this occasion just because the author happens to be his aunt.)

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CITY INCORPORATION 100 YEARS AGO -- HOW THE SOCIETY IS MARKING IT

One hundred years ago on June 1, 1905, the State legislature elevated Charlevoix from village to city status. It was a low-key event marked only by a few mentions in the newspaper. It is not known at this time whether the State instigated the move or if Charlevoix felt it deserved this raise and acted to procure it. But the Society is marking the centennial by placing its entire photo archives at the service of the membership and the community and reproducing any photograph(s) on request. They are digitally printed on high quality ceramic-based 13'"x19" paper stock using dyes formulated to last over 150 years. The photos, for this year, have a corner logo that reads "City of Charlevoix 100th Anniversary Act of Incorporation 1905-2005." Each photo, unframed, is priced at $50. Examples may be found at the Weathervane Restaurant and the Coffee Shop downtown.

Stop in at the Harsha House during opening hours and look at samples from our Bob Miles Collection. We have over 2500 photos on our new digitization computer and many in albums. Specific categories of photos not yet on the computer can be looked at from the photo files. These photos would make attractive additions to any home or office, and excellent gifts. The museuym will have a selection of reproduced photos on display in a few weeks.

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EARL YOUNG HISTORY SIGN ON PARK AVENUE -- ANY INFORMATION?

Society member Joan Nelson has long been curious about the small history of Charlevoix that once appeared on a brick wall next to the alley on Park Avenue where the Vacation Property Rental Management Office is now. Earl Young wrote the words and she found out that Rev. Russell Parker, who did signs as a sideline, did the artwork. We have the words in a black and white photo, but does anyone remember the colors, when it was painted, and when taken off?

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SUMMER HOURS

Opening hours for the Harsha House from May 31 to June 25 will be Tuesday through Saturday 1-4 p.m. From June 27 through Labor Day weekend the hours will be Monday through Saturday 1-4 p.m.

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NEW MUSEUM EXHIBITS

Exhibits currently being installed in the museum for the upcoming season are: a Heritage Corner display of artifacts and photos from our last 100 years commemorating Charlevoix's incorporation as a city on June 1, 1905; the artwork of Manie Fessenden; a short history of and artifacts from the huge Inn Hotel (1898-1941) that stood above the Depot, with accompanying photos; Idle Hands Are the Devil's Workshop, hand-stitched and embroidered textiles from Charlevoix area homes. The exhibits will be completed by mid-June, but drop in to see the work in progress.

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RALPH HAMILTON CIRCLE RECEPTION AT HARSHA HOUSE

The Society will be hosting its annual reception recognizing and thanking its Ralph Hamilton Circle members on Tuesday, June 14, at 7:00 at the Harsha House. This evening will also honor Society benefactor Andrew Lonyo and our scholarship-winning students. The Circle is named for one of the most prominent founders of the reconstituted Society in 1972, former president and local accountant Ralph Hamilton. Membership constitutes a $100 annual pledge in support of the Society, single or couple. Any Society members who would like to join this important Circle and attend the reception in their honor are invited to do so by filling out and returning the form (mailed to current members and available at Harsha House). Membership in the Circle includes annual membership fees. Those who would like to join at any Patron level receive inclusion in the Circle.

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FOLDING CHAIRS NEEDED FOR DEPOT

The unexpected (and flattering) success of our last tow presentations at the Depot, which drew standing room only and then some attendence, accented our need for more chairs. Anyone who has, or know of someone who has, folding chairs in good condition who would be willing to donate them, call the Harsha House, 547-0373, or President Jack MacKenzie at 547-7072.

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DIXON AVENUE RESIDENTS -- WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHOW OFF YOUR HOUSE?

The Society is hosting a Dixon Avenue house tour called "Festive Settings" on Wednesday, December 14 from 3-7 p.m. This tour will emphasize the creativity of those who spend much time and effort decorating their homes for the holidays. If any members who live on Dixon Avenue would like to participate and open their homes to the tour, or know non-members living on Dixon who might like to join in, call Mona Bergeon at 547-2742.

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DOCENTS NEEDED FOR HARSHA HOUSE AND DEPOT THIS SUMMER

Docents (guides, supervisors, and overseers) are needed in July and August for both the Harsha House and the Depot, where the Ancient Charlevoix exhibit is being mounted. The hours and days at the Harsha House are Monday through Saturday 1-4 p.m. Days and hours at the Depot will be Friday and Saturday from 1-4 p.m. On the job training will be provided. Anyone who would like to volunteer as much time as they are willing to donate for these important and needed time slots please call Mona Bergeon at 547-2742 or the Harsha House at 547-0373.

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FISCAL YEAR MAY BE CHANGED TO CALENDAR YEAR

The Board of Directors is exploring the possibility of changing the current fiscal/membership year that runs from July 1 through June 30 to one that matches the calendar year. Many patrons and members renew their pledges and memberships later in the year rather than in mid year, and the turn of the year in December is often a reminder to do so. This will be explored at both the Board and Executive Committee levels in the coming months for possible institution within the next couple of years. If any member wishes to contribute suggestions, please feel free.

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SOCIETY SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS FOR 2005

The Society is proud to announce the winners of this year's scholarship context in which members of the senior class participated. Thirteen entrants wrote on area places, businesses, people, and events. The two winners of the Kohler/Bartlett awards are Michelle Fritsch, "Five White Houses and a General Store," on Ernest Hemingway and Horton Bay, and Anne Strawbridge, "The Summers on the Bay: Camp Charlevoix." The two winners of the Society awards are Sarah Cross, "Men Who Changed History by Simply Being Part of It," on members of The Cross fishing family, and Jacky Heckendorn, "A Man of Rarity: Robert Cook," a former Charlevoix teacher and advocate for the mentally challenged. Each winner receives $500. Each entrant receives honorary membership in the Society for one year. Our thanks to all the students for their contributions.

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SUMMARY OF MAY BOARD MEETING MINUTES

Our website received 9460 hits in April. The Vessels in Charlevoix program may be repeated in August by request. The 2006 historic photos calendar has gone to the printers. About 2500 archival photos have been digitized. A projection screen and wireless sound system will be installed at the Depot. Thirty school classes have signed up to tour the Ancient Charlevoix exhibit at the Depot this fall. If there are no fireworks on Venetian Friday, we will not have a potluck at Depot Beach. The lighthouse has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The city will patch the cemetery chapel roof and explore grant sources for the building's preservation.

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Donations received: from Tom Armstrong (unrestricted)

The Society welcomes new members: James P. Reamsnyder, Gary Marek, Jonathan & Lyn Friendly, Dan & Juli Fialkowski

The Society deeply regrets the recent passing of life member and former officer Myrtle Fulton.

Memorials received: from Suzanne Miller in honor of Myrtle Fulton; from John R. and Barbara Danly in honor of Bill Brady.

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