Author Michael Lindley Speaks

The Historical Society is presenting a very special program next month when Michael Lindley, author of the bestselling The Seasons of the EmmaLee, will speak about his new sequel titled On Past Horton Creek.   Both novels are set in Charlevoix, the latest one in the 1940s and 50s and into the present day.  Horton Creek continues the story of the McKendrys, the Comptons, and George Hansen as well as the love affair of Alex Clark and Sally Thomason and the return of the palatial yacht EmmaLee.  The idea for this boat was inspired by the magnificent vessel Sylvia which called Charlevoix her home from 1930 to 1941 before she was called to war duty the next year.

Michael will present a shore slide presentation, give a brief talk about his adventures in the business of writing and publishing, and touch upon his family’s roots and ties to Northern Michigan.  The basis for the novels is the time he spent visiting them and the memories of his childhood.  The floor will be open for questions and discussion.

When: Tuesday, May 6 @ 7:00 P. M.

Where: The Depot

Michael is also working on his third novel, this one set in the Florida panhandle in Prohibition 1920s.  Those who would like more information and background on his work can visit his website: www.michaellindley.net

Please join us for what should be an exceptionally interesting evening.  There is no admission charge.  Light refreshments will be served.

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MUSEUM HOURS FOR MAY

The Harsha House Museum will be open Tuesday through Saturday in May from 1 to 4 P. M.  Anyone who needs to conduct Society business or make a store purchase during off hours can enter through the side office door facing the bank from 11 A. M. to 1 P. M.

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HISTORY OF RAILROAD AND DEPOT BOOK PLANNED

A new booklet on the history of the coming of the railroad in 1892 and the depot is in the works.  The booklet on the history of the channel, piers, and lighthouses is on the pres and will be available soon.

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NEW COLOR PHOTO BOOK ON CHARLEVOIX AVAILABLE IN MAY

Mike Barton of Boulder, Colorado, son of Society Patrons Graham and Betty Barton, visited his parents at their Park Avenue condo on two one-week vacations in 2004 and 2007.   Over those two weeks, the ardent photographer and Charlevoix enthusiast captured the town in a nutshell in 120 stunning full color images.  From Bridge Street to the Earl Young houses to our legendary sunsets, they have been gathered into a new hardcover 64-pp. book titled Charlevoix the Beautiful, with text by Mike and foreword by local artist Sue Bolt.   The book will be available in May and retails for $19.95.  Those interested in investigating Mike’s work can visit his website www.mikebartonphoto.com, Michigan Landscape Photos from the home page.

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The Society welcomes new life members Dr. Melissa Makowski and Michael Lucido

Depot restoration donation received in March from: Knights of Columbus through Gabe Campbell

Lighthouse restoration donations received in March from: Michael Ann Mullen, Andrew Baur, Bruce & Amy Briney, Charles D’Arcy & Juanita Fox  

The Society deeply regrets the recent passing of life member Frank Ochs, Charlevoix pharmacist for decades.  Mr. Ochs provided the Society with usage of hundreds of negatives taken in the early part of the 20^th century by his pharmacist father, Harley Ochs, which have become classic images in our photographic archives.