Charlevoix Shipbuilders Program

From the time of the earliest Native Americans into the 1960s, Charlevoix was a thriving hub of shipbuilding. In what would become one of the most important ports of northwest lower Michigan, it was immediately realized from the days of our second settler John Dixon that transport across our vast waterways was our lifeline to the world. Boats of many sizes and uses were built here, from dugout canoes to commercial vessels to passenger steamers to sailboats and pleasure craft. Repairs and refittings were also an important part of the boat scene. Charlevoix’s skills were even a critical factor in the transport of thousands of Yanks across the major rivers of Europe in the thrust toward Berlin that ended World War II.

Join us as Harsha House co-director Steve Goslee explores this facet of Charlevoix’s history in his program “The Shipbuilders of Charlevoix“.

When: Tuesday, March 2 at 7:00 P. M.

Where:  The Depot 

Anyone who has photos, documents, artifacts to be displayed, anything relating to this maritime history—please call Steve at 547-0373 Tuesday—Thursday 9-4 so it might be included in the program. Light refreshments will be served. No admission fee, but donations appreciated.

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MUSEUM & STORE HOURS THROUGH APRIL

The museum will be closed the rest of February, and will reopen on Thursday, March 4. It will then be open three days a week from Thursday through Saturday up to May 1. But the side office door facing the Charlevoix State Bank will remain open from 11 A. M. to 4 P.M. Tuesday through Saturday for those who need to conduct Society business or make a store purchase while the co-directors are there.

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2010 DUES REMINDER

Payment of annual dues for 2010 came in better than ever the latter part of last year and in January. There are still some members who have yet to renew their memberships, and we are asking them to please make sure their dues arrive promptly so our membership roster can be finalized for the year. Your support is important.

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A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Members: Just to keep you up to date. The Earl Young House Tour Committee has met again and the planning and first steps are underway. This is going to be a huge event! We’re going to need all the help we can get! Please e-mail or call me if you can add your efforts. Phone: (231) 547-2742; e-mail: mona.bergeon@gmail.com. We have eight houses now and we’re going to need several docents for each of them on the day of the event, Wednesday, July 28 from 10:00 A. M. to 4:00 P. M. It’s going to be really exciting and fun!

Mona Bergeon

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The Society welcomes new members: John & Raechel Alberts; Geoffrey & Lynn Coleman; Donald Herrick (Ralph Hamilton Circle)

Donations (unrestricted) received in January from: Dale & Diane Herder; Sidney Feldman; John & Raechel Alberts; William & Carol Venema; Bernard Cannon; Harry Golski

Donation for the lighthouse restoration received in January from: Petoskey Questers Chapter

The Society deeply regrets the recent passing of members: Dawson Way (Life); Raymond Schultz (Life); Mary Alice Lyngklip

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