Parks & Public Places Program

Charlevoix has always been known for its beautiful park system, three municipal beaches, the Mt. McSauba winter sports and walking trail venue, et. al.   In all, thirteen parks and recreational areas have been part of the landscape ever since pioneer Amos Fox sold a lengthy piece of land along the Lake Michigan beach up the bluff to Park Avenue, from Grant Street down to Antrim Street, to the city in 1882 for $840 “ . . . for Park purposes only.”

The Society is presenting an illustrated program tracing the historical development of these areas for human use and enjoyment, a community outlook and stewardship of our natural bounties that has continued for 126 years now, culminating in the complete overhaul of the jewel of our system, East Park, in 2008.

When: Thursday, July 31 @ 7:00 P. M.

Where:  Charlevoix Public Library Community Room

The  program will be presented by Society member Ken Polakowski, Professor Emeritus of Landscape Architecture at the University of Michigan.  Ken will describe the evolutionary process of park development and emphasize the main eras of public expansion—early, Depression, post-World War II, and the present, plus the ever-changing environmental factors and social, economic and political conditions that formed Charlevoix’s open spaces as we know them today.

Join us for another of our programs illuminating Charlevoix’s wonderful past.  Light refreshments.  No admission charge.  Donations appreciated.

   

---

VENETIAN POTLUCK!

Due to a slight mix-up, the Venetian Fireworks Potluck will be held under the north portico of and around the Depot, not the beach pavilion as originally announced, on Friday, July 25, beginning at 7:00 P. M.   Members and their guests are invited to bring a dish (plus serving utensil) to pass plus your own tableware, cutlery, chairs, and blankets.  We will supply hot dogs, buns, condiments, and lemonade.  BYOB if you prefer something a little more strong.  The Depot kitchen and microwaves can be utilized for a little prep work if necessary. Volunteers for setting up, grilling and taking down are more than welcome.  Call potluck hostess and committee chair Mona Bergeon at 547-2742 or the Harsha House if you can lend a hand.

---

PHOTO EXHIBIT IN VENETIAN TENT

 We are keeping our fingers crossed that the new sod in East Park will have taken root sufficiently in time for us to participate in the Venetian Festival Heritage Tent over the Friday and Saturday of Venetian weekend, July 25 (noon to 8 P. M.) and 26 (10 A. M. to 4 P. M.).  The photo exhibit theme this year is Vessels in Charlevoix.  If we are able to be there, the Harsha House Museum will be closed those two days.  The Lighthouse Restoration Committee will be offering its merchandise selection with lighthouse logos plus restoration information in the Murdick building at 311 Bridge Street over the same two days plus Thursday, July 24.  

---

ANNUAL SUNSET CRUISE

The ever-popular annual sunset cruise will take place this year on Tuesday, August 5 at 8:30 P. M. (boarding at 8:15) aboard the Beaver Island Boat Company’s Emerald Isle.  Ticket pricesare the same as last year, $20 pre-purchase, $25 at the dock, even with increased fuel costs.  As in past years, area members have recently been sent two tickets on the honor system.  If you decide not to attend, either return the tickets, offer them to someone else to purchase, or destroy them.  More tickets can be purchased at the Harsha House Monday through Saturday 1-4 P. M. or through the office side door 11 A. M.-4 P. M.

---

REPEAT OF EARL YOUNG PROGRAMS

A reminder: “The Life and Works of Earl Young, Charlevoix’s Master Builder in Stone” programs your editor gave last year will be repeated in the library’s community room.   The first part will be given on Thursday, August 21 at 7:00 P. M., the second part a week later on Thursday, August 28, also at 7:00. 

---

PROGRAM REFRESHMENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED 

We are still looking for volunteers who would be willing to make or provide refreshments for our programs either at the Depot or the library.  We have openings for March, May, and June program meetings next year.  This does not need to be a monthly commitment, but as needed for each individual program.  If you can do one of these programs, and get two or three of your friends to help you, please call Karen Pierce at 547-6004 or the Harsha House, 547-0373.

---

MUSEUM SUMMER HOURS 

The Harsha House Museum will be open Monday—Saturday from 1 to 4 P. M. through August 30 (except possibly July 25 - 26).  The side office door is open beginning at 11 A. M. 

---

HOLIDAY COLLECTIONS DISPLAY 

The Society is thinking of assembling at least twenty holiday collections from area members and residents to be displayed over the Thanksgiving weekend at the Depot.  This would include crèches, ornaments, nutcrackers, menorahs, vintage Christmas cards, bulbs, and other holiday memorabilia both domestic and foreign.  So far we have only four collections offered and need more committed by the end of September.   Anyone who would like to serve on the committee or has items they can offer for display please contact Karen Pierce at 547-6004, Betsy Reynolds at 547-4640, or the Harsha House, 547-0373.    

---

The Society welcomes new members: Gary & Rebecca Sakwa (Patron), Michael & Lisa Brode (Life)

The Society welcomes new Patron: Jeannine Wallace

Donation received for the Depot restoration in June from: Anonymous

Donation received for the lighthouse restoration in June from: Anonymous,

C. Marilyn Gibbons, Charlevoix Screen Masters

Donations in memory of Frank Ochs received in June from: George Haggard,  Jerry & Kate Left

Donation in memory of Bernie Ward, Jr. received in June from: George Haggard

Donation in memory of Charles Bleha received in June from: George Haggard

Donation in memory of Max Hosmer received in June from: Jerry & Kate Left

Donation in memory of Jinx Pancoast received in June from: Alvin & Patsy Ranger

Donation in memory of James Porter received in June from: Alvin & Patsy Ranger

---