UNWRITTEN HISTORY PROGRAM

And what, you may ask, might be unwritten history? It is history out there before our eyes in the natural world that only needs a knowledgeable eye to interpret what it can tell us. And who better to do that for us than Roger Knutson, former professor of botany at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, author of three wryly humorous books on offbeat areas of natural phenomena, and Courier columnist who describes what’s going on around us, usually unnoticed, every other week?

When: Tuesday, March 3 @ 7:00 P. M.

Where: The Depot

Roger will concentrate on the land around Charlevoix, even up into Canada, and the natural forces that shaped it to determine how we live on it today. Beginning 18,000 years ago, then through the end of the last Ice Age about 12,000 years ago and how that era formed our environs, he will use the evidence of the past to show the path to the present and into the future. The formation and placement of our lakes, the drumlins and moraines that sculpted the land and how they influenced farming techniques, the prehistoric animals that roamed here, a brief look at the Native Americans who lived on our lands 500 years and more ago, he precise conditions needed for the growth of white pine that once dominated Michigan and without which the nation as we know it could never have been built—all this and more in the way only Roger can tell it.

Join us for what will be an exceptionally interesting program on the history that was here before the history we usually concentrate on.

Light refreshments will be served. Donations in support of the Society’s ongoing programs and exhibits will be appreciated.

---

MUSEUM WINTER HOURS   

The Harsha House museum will reopen in March  three days a week (Thursday—Saturday, 1-4 P. M.). These hours are valid through April. The side office door will remain open from 11 A. M. to 4 P. M. Tuesday - Saturday for those who need to conduct Society business or make a purchase from the museum store during off hours. The museum will open Tuesday through Saturday from 1-4 P. M. May through June.  

---

BLACKBOARDS DONATED FOR DEPOT RESTORATION 

Last month we requested a donation of a blackboard for the upcoming restoration of the ticketmaster’s office in the Depot.  We were fortunate to obtain two, with many thanks to the donors. We could also use a telegraph “sounder” used for transmitting telegraph messages. Also donated recently were a coal scuttle and shovel. Anyone who has Pere Marquette and/or Chesapeake & Ohio memorabilia that they would be willing to donate or loan, contact the Harsha House (547-0373) or exhibit chair Karen Lewis (547-9743).

---

PHOTO DIGITIZATION PROJECT ONGOING 

The project to digitize our photo archives continues to make substantial progress. About 9700 photos have now been scanned and saved, of which well over 8200 have search capability. The preliminary effort to determine which photos from the Charlevoix Courier archives, donated to us a few years ago, to save has recently been concluded by a committee. This group has reviewed thousands of photographs and is now beginning the final winnowing to determine those of the highest historical value and to avoid duplication. This work is being accomplished by private donations and grants. Anyone who would like to contribute to the project, which forms the bedrock of much of what we accomplish through publications, programs, exhibits, and general photo sales please contact the Harsha House.

---

The Society welcomes new members: Ronald Sober III; Alicia Mosher; Jan Olach

Donations (unrestricted) received from: Anonymous in honor of Dave Robinson;  Jonathan & Lynn Friendly in honor of Paul Nowak; Tom & Esther Carey

Donation in support of the photo digitization project received from: The Bay Harbor Foundation

The Society deeply regrets the recent passing of Barbara MacArthur (Mrs. Bruce), a deeply loyal member who contributed much over many years

---