Charlevoix Historical Society - Charlevoix, Michigan

MUSEUM FALL HOURS

Beginning September 2 through December 31, the Harsha House Museum will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 1 to 4 P. M. except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Days. Co-director Steve Goslee will be there Tuesday through Thursday, and David Miles will be there Wednesday through Saturday.

ITEMS LEFT AT DEPOT

Several items have been found at the Depot and are now at the Harsha House. Earlier this spring after one of our programs, a lightweight Izod Club black shell jacket with mesh lining was left on the back of a chair, size M/M.

After the July potluck, a white serving bowl decorated with a French motif that says “Club Mimi,” a chopping utensil, long white plastic spoon, large metal spoon, ice cream scoop, and small tongs were left behind.

If these belong to any member, or if a member might know to whom they belong, please contact the Harsha House, 547-0373.

REPEAT OF EARL YOUNG PROGRAMS AT LIBRARY

Last August, in the community room of the Charlevoix Public Library, your editor repeated the illustrated “Life and Works of Earl Young, Charlevoix’s Master Builder in Stone” program, this time in two parts, that was originally given earlier in the year. The programs set a record for attendance at the library up to that time, standing room only of 150-plus for both nights with some people having to be turned away. Attendees even drove up from Traverse City and Cadillac. Interest in Young and his works increases exponentially every year. To accommodate those who missed them last year, the Friends of the Library committee has asked that the programs be repeated. They will incorporate more photos—classics taken by Earl in his youth, from his personal collection of negatives many of which are over one hundred years old, several tracing the development of the residential fireplaces, plus many others.

The first program will be on Thursday, August 21, at 7:00 P. M., the second a week later on the 28^th, also at 7:00. If last year was any indication, it is advised to arrive early to get a seat. Light refreshments will be served. There is no admission charge. Donations to support the Society’s programs and events are always appreciated.

NORWOOD AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY FUNDRAISER

Join in the old-fashioned fun of An Afternoon in Norwood on Sunday, August 31 from 2-5 P. M., sponsored by the Norwood Area Historical Society. There will be events for children as well as ice cream sundaes and cookies in the old schoolyard, live music, and a silent auction from 2-4 followed by a live auction. Maps will be available for self-guided walking tours of the village.

The live auction features one of the last trips on the century-old St. Marys cement company vessel Challenger before she is converted to a barge, a two-night Mackinac Island Grand Hotel getaway for two, four tickets to the Detroit Red Wings RED/WHITE game in Traverse City, and a Mackinac Bridge Tower Tour for two. Many items by local artists are included in the silent auction. At 5 there will be a raffle for a batik queen-size spread or king-size quilt made by the Norwood Needles.

For information about the auction items, including the placement of phone bids, contact Bill Gnodtke at 547-3066. Quilt raffle information is available through Ruth Hoppe at 599-2798. Please come join the Norwood Society in this major fundraiser to help restore the interior of the old schoolhouse!

FIRST EDITION BOB MILES’ CHARLEVOIX BOOK AVAILABLE

A local resident who wishes to remain anonymous is offering for sale an original Bob Miles’ Charlevoix 247-pp. limited edition photo history published in 1976, long out of print and a valuable collector’s item. The book is in pristine condition, unnumbered, and signed by Bob Miles in 1985. It would make a wonderful complement to the recently published and best-selling 476-pp. Bob Miles’ Charlevoix II. Copies have commanded as high as $700 on e-Bay. Asking price for this perfect copy: $600. Ask to see it at the Harsha House.

Greetings to the Membership from Our New President

Hello to all of you on this beautiful day in Charlevoix (Saturday, August 9, Art Fair day). Of course, every day in Charlevoix is beautiful just because we’re here! It is my great honor to be the new president of the Charlevoix Historical Society, so please allow me to introduce myself. I’ve been in love with Charlevoix for fifty-two years now, beginning with my marriage to native son Mike Bergeon (past president of the Society). We’ve been full-time residents for about fifteen years, and I’ve been on the CHS Board for twelve of those years. If ever a unique place deserved to have its history preserved, it’s this one! The stories are wonderful! I look forward to the support of each one of you, our membership, and thank you for all you’ve done in the past. It’s going to be a good year. I can just tell!

Sincerely, Mona Bergeon

DEPOT RESTORATION WORK NEARS COMPLETION

The major restoration work on the Depot has reached its last stages. Only two more portico pillars need to be redone. Carpentry and glass work have been completed on the exterior. Both sets of double doors and the single door facing Lake Charlevoix have been replaced. Now the final phase has been initiated. All the exterior brick pavers were lifted out by Boy Scouts over two days recently in order to be relaid and releveled to remove the safety hazard formed by their absence or unevenness. However, after the bricks were taken up it was discovered that six portico pillar footings have crumbled to the extent they must be replaced first, a $9000 totally unexpected and unforeseen added expense. Membership support of the Depot restoration to this point has been wonderful. Any further contribution toward bringing this major effort to a successful conclusion would be deeply appreciated.

The Society welcomes new members to the Ralph Hamilton Circle: Carl & Barb Roehling, Clint & Audrey Etienne, Ken & Nancy Kline

Donation (unrestricted) received in July from: Dick & Jan Dilley in honor of Alvin & Patsy Ranger’s 50^th wedding anniversary

Memorial donations received in July from: Dr. Jack & Carolyn MacKenzie in memory of Weber Nowak, faithful companion of Paul & Joan Nowak; from Gordon & Darlene Mol, Alvin & Patricia Ranger, Charles & Mary Adams, Clark & Katherine Hull, David Miles, and Eileen Edwards in memory of Jim Lewis; from Alvin & Patricia Ranger, Madelyn Harwood in memory of Robert C. Miles, Jr.

Depot restoration donations received in July from: Gary & Rebecca Sakwa, Michael & Lisa Brode, Don Kelly’s Furniture, Charlevoix Glass

Lighthouse restoration donations received in July from: Mary Beth Kur, Robert & Lisa Ranger

Sunset cruise donations received in July from: Alberta Beyers, C. T. Martin family, Mr. & Mrs. Rich Davis, Bruce Shanahan, Francis Flanders, Eileen Edwards, Tom & Esther Carey, Marguerite Currie, Rita Orlowski