MACKINAC STATE HISTORIC PARKS

Volume XXXVIII 2019 Issue 1

‘Mackinac - Our Famous Island’ Premiere

ery early on in Mackinac - Our Famous President of Philanthropy for Detroit Public premiere and event a real point of pride for what VIsland, Mackinac State Historic Parks TV) and the Detroit Public Television staff did we do at Detroit Public TV.” Director Phil Porter says that Mackinac has to make the premiere such a success,” Porter The Detroit Public TV station became an always been a famous place, and that the waves said. “I’ve really enjoyed working with Detroit impromptu theater for the event, as about 70 of history have continued to pass over it. This Public TV over the past several months and the people attended a premiere reception. Included comment was especially true as Mackinac – Our premiere was a wonderful conclusion to our joint in the reception were all seven members of the Famous Island premiered on Detroit Public TV efforts. I’ve received many glowing compliments Mackinac Island State Park Commission, as Thursday, February 28. about the documentary.” well as Mackinac Associates board members In the documentary, Detroit Public TV The documentary achieved a 2.4 Nielsen, Jeb Burns, Ann Parrish, Nancy Porter, Wesley and Mackinac State Historic Parks took which translates to about 64,000 people Maurer and Mary Jane Barnwell. Mackinac viewers along its many shores and trails to watching in the metro Detroit area. Associates Membership and Grants Coordinator experience the natural beauty of the island, Additionally, there were 2,238 unique views Michelle Walk also attended. visited landmarks that reveal its earliest history of the live stream, with people tuning in from Mackinac Associates contributed $25,000 and introduced the people who still work to 47 states and Washington D.C. along with 9 to the making of the documentary. It will air preserve this special place. There is far more to countries. Viewers pledged more than $18,000 throughout March and April on various PBS this sacred island than horses and fudge, and to the station during the broadcast. stations in Michigan and is being offered to DPTV cameras captured the landscape and “In every way, (the February 28th) broadcast stations throughout the Midwest. An additional beauty while connecting viewers to the diverse premiere, screening, and stakeholder’s reception premiere screening will take place at the Mission communities and people who have been stewards was a total success thanks to so many people’s Point Resort theater on the island April 27. of Mackinac Island throughout its history. work,” Alpert said. “I am very grateful for Copies of the DVD will be available for “The commission and staff sincerely everyone who pitched in so willingly to exceed purchase at Mackinac State Historic Parks’ appreciate all that Dan Alpert (Senior Vice expectations and make this documentary Museum Stores.

and duties of Fort Mackinac’s officers. New exhibit Fort Mackinac” walking tour, a “Women of the Fort” panels and interactive elements will help visitors explore walking tour, and a Bayonet Drill Demonstration. The officers’ roles in the fort’s daily operations as well as the Tea Room at Fort Mackinac, operated by Grand Hotel, NEW EXHIBITS administration of the Mackinac National Park. will feature new menu items for the 2019 season as well. The Soldiers’ Barracks interactive space at Colonial The exterior brickwork at Old Mackinac Point pening day for Mackinac State Historic Parks’ sites is Michilimackinac will allow visitors to step back in time Lighthouse received some much-needed restoration O just a few short weeks away, which means the debut to experience the lives of British soldiers in the 1770s. during the 2018 season, and work will continue in the of new exhibits, galleries, demonstrations and tours. Guests are invited to try on uniforms of soldiers of the second floor of the house throughout 2019. Over at Fort Mackinac saw the most extensive work over the 8th Regiment, sit at a mess table, climb into a communal Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park, a new guided nature winter, with the complete renovation of two spaces, bunk (two soldiers per bed!), or help a military hike will take place at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily. the North Blockhouse and Office. TheRedcoats on interpreter clean their equipment or cook a meal Mackinac State Historic Parks’ sites open for the 2019 the Frontier exhibit at Colonial Michilimackinac saw in the working fireplace. season starting May 1. Visit mackinacparks.com for a a complete overhaul of the kids’ interactive space in the “Two of our projects, the Michilimackinac barracks complete listing of updates and new projects. Soldiers’ Barracks. room and the North Blockhouse, will immerse our “All three of our new exhibits will hopefully help our visitors in the past,” Wilson said. “By touching, smelling, visitors better understand the complexities and realities seeing and hearing a glimpse of the past, I hope our of life at Mackinac in the past,” said Craig Wilson, guests will come away with a better appreciation of what Curator of History for Mackinac State Historic Parks. the people who lived here historically went through.” “These projects cover themes that range from the Mackinac Associates helped to fund these major seemingly mundane, like administrative work at Fort projects at Colonial Michilimackinac and Fort Mackinac. Mackinac, to the dynamically dramatic, like the 1812 Every season, Colonial Michilimackinac interprets a capture of Fort Mackinac in the North Blockhouse, new year of the American Revolution. This year, as you but they all help us more fully tell the story of our sites.” are walking through the site, you are stepping back in The North Blockhouse will plunge visitors into an time to 1776, as the American Revolution spread. A new immersive, multimedia presentation allowing them to program, Michilimackinac 1776: First Strike, will take step back in time to the War of 1812 and experience place throughout the 2019 season. Additionally, Colonial the confusion, fear, and drama of the British capture Michilimackinac will serve as host to several themed of Fort Mackinac on July 17, 1812. weekends, with topics ranging from gardens to trades The Office, formerly known as the Post Headquarters, to games. Visit mackinacparks.com for a complete list. will feature two updated period settings and two New and updated tours and demonstrations at Fort completely new gallery spaces interpreting the training Mackinac for the 2019 season include a “People of

Curiosities 1 Leave a Legacy ackinac evokes so many memories and images of Associates website has a more detailed list of options for Ma special place that has allowed individuals and consideration, suggested bequest language and forms to families to create memories and unique experiences. notify us of your plans if you choose to do so. Please also In managing more than 80% of Mackinac Island and consider Mackinac Associates when naming recipients the properties at Michilimackinac and Mill Creek State of memorial gifts. Parks, Mackinac State Historic Parks has the unique We hope you will keep Mackinac Associates in mind ability to protect and preserve the Straits of Mackinac’s as you meet with your tax advisors and estate planning most treasured natural and historical resources. attorneys. If you have already remembered us in your Through the Mackinac Associates Legacy Society, estate planning, please let us know so that we can enroll you can help preserve these wonderful resources for you in the Legacy Society and extend our gratitude and generations to come. provide the recognition you deserve. With a bequest, many of us will be able to make a Legacy Society members will be recognized in larger gift than is possible in our lifetime. There are Curiosities and on our website and receive a copy many ways to give to Mackinac Associates. Common of a publication from Mackinac State Historic considerations are remembering Mackinac Associates Parks. Inaugural members will also be invited to an in your will or as a beneficiary to insurance policies, appreciation luncheon this fall. Visit mackinacassociates. retirement assets or bank accounts. The Mackinac com/planned-giving.htm to learn more.

“My dear wife Annie and I have been members of Mackinac Associates for many years. We could not be more pleased at the enjoyment of our membership benefits. As we consider the fact that ‘you cannot take it with you’ we must consider possible alternatives. And so, as we pondered gift-giving, Mackinac Associates jumped to the forefront as a bequest candidate. Though not wealthy, it was an easy decision for us to plan a bequest that would have a positive impact on Mackinac Associates and Mackinac State Historic Parks, helping preserve it for generations to come. I encourage each of you to consider a bequest and the impact it will have.” – Tom and Annie Lockwood Wish List 2018–2019

If you enjoy the programs at Mackinac State Historic Parks and want to make a contribution, a wish Do you shop on Amazon? If so, list of needed items requested by staff is shown below. Your gift will fulfill a tangible and essential need. consider shopping through Amazon Smile! Each time you shop the • Pewter creamer for tea program: $160 • Men’s linen shirts: $80 each AmazonSmile Foundation donates • Pewter sugar bowl for tea program: $150 (can use several) 0.5% to Mackinac Associates. • Pewter teapot for tea program: $465 • Osnaburg sheets for period setting beds: $80 Here’s how to do it: • Woman’s 18th century work gown: $200 • Tea caddy for tea program: $100 Go to smile.amazon.com and choose: • Female dress form for clothing • Sponsor a library book – name of donor “Mackinac Associates” inscribed on bookplate of each title: construction: $250 OR $100–$500 • Soldier’s cocked hat: $200 each Go directly to: (can use up to 4) • Sponsor oak chairs for library table: $800 smile.amazon.com/ch/38-2328863 • Civilian men’s hat: $150 each • Two picnic tables with two accompanying Afterwards be sure to bookmark and (can use up to 4) benches for new pavilion: $3,375 shop from smile.amazon.com so that • Soldier’s bayonet belt: $150 each • Photography equipment for in-house every time you shop a donation will (can use up to 7) photography and video: $5,500 be made to Mackinac Associates! • Glass bell jars for fort gardens: $50 each • Underground utility locator: $3,000 (can use several)

Volunteer Opportunities Mark Your Calendars! There are a variety of opportunities to volunteer with Mackinac Associates throughout the year. Volunteers will receive complimentary ferry transportation if needed to reach volunteer site. Volunteers May 1 may receive other non-monetary items related to the event at the discretion of the membership and • Colonial Michilimackinac, 9:00 a.m. grants coordinator. If you are interested in volunteering your time, please contact Michelle Walk at May 2 • Fort Mackinac, 9:00 a.m. [email protected] or 231-436-4100. • The Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, 10:00 a.m. Mackinac Associates Events Mackinac State Historic Park Events May 3 We can always use an extra hand at our events with Mackinac Island Fort2Fort 5 Mile Challenge – May 11, 2019 • Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park, 9:00 a.m. several tasks. Volunteers assisting with registration While this isn’t a Mackinac Associates event this race • Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, 9:00 a.m. and check-in make sure people are on the registration is a fundraiser for Mackinac State Historic Parks and June 19 list, collect information from individuals that may not we are definitely in support of that. This race needs • Open House, Visions of Mackinac, have registered ahead of time, assist with distribution between 20 and 25 volunteers. Mackinac Art Museum, 6:30 p.m. of nametags. Greeters serve at entrance points to events June 22 and help direct the flow of traffic if needed. Fort Fright – October 4 & 5, 2019 • G. Mennen Williams Mackinac 2–4 volunteers needed per event. Lanterns light your way through an 18th-century fort Celebration, Young Cottage, 6 p.m. and fur trading village overrun by werewolves, witches, July 4 Mackinac Associates Mailings goblins and ghouls. Storytellers weave spooky folktales • Red, White & Blue Celebration, Mackinac Associates does several large mailings a year. near bonfires and treats such as hot mulled cider, behind Fort Mackinac, 5:30 p.m. Assisting with mailings will primarily entail folding cookies and candy can be found throughout the site. August 18 letters, labeling and stuffing envelopes. Minimum of two There are plenty of opportunities to take on an alter • Mackinac Associates Annual Meeting, hours requested, but up to 15-20 hours needed some ego and help us staff this spooky event! Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park, 6 p.m. months depending on the mailing. Number of volunteers needed varies depending on size of mailing and number of hours individuals are willing to volunteer.

Curiosities 2 DIRECTOR’S OUTLOOK

he world has not many islands so beautiful Mackinac Island Community Foundation, Tas Mackinac,” wrote William Cullen Bryant reviewed the 34 finalists and selected seven after an 1846 visit to the island. The beauty of talented winners. The list of successful Mackinac has inspired visitors for hundreds of applicants includes two painters, a poet, years. Those of an artistic bent have endeavored a sculptor, a playwright, a composer, and a to capture the island’s beauty through a graphic artist who will create a new typographic variety of media. Now, with the advent of the font inspired by Mackinac. Each artist will Mackinac Island Artist-in-Residence program, provide two public presentations and donate visiting artists will have the time to explore, the a piece of their work to Mackinac State opportunity to reflect, and the space to create Historic Parks. new Mackinac art. The Artist-in-Residence program joins a On June 10 the first of seven artists selected to growing and impressive list of Mackinac Island participate in the program’s inaugural year will arts resources and activities. The Mackinac move into the facility on the second floor of the Arts Council has taken the lead in providing Mackinac Island Visitor’s Center. The Artist-in- workshops, concerts, in-classroom programs, Residence program is designed to promote and and other arts opportunities for the island encourage the creation of artistic works inspired community. Along with Mackinac Associates, by the history, natural wonders, and beauty of the Arts Council has sponsored the annual Mackinac Island. The program is an exciting Contemporary Art Contest at the Manoogian new addition to Mackinac Island’s flourishing Art Museum. The Mackinac Island Public art community. Library has long supported artists by providing The idea of an artist-in-residence program a venue to display their work and receptions surfaced soon after the construction of the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum. The vacant second floor of the Visitor’s Center, centrally located and across the street from the museum, offered ample space “The beauty of Mackinac has inspired and an inspiring view of harbor. With passionate support from Park Manager Sue Topham, the island park operations crew skillfully remodeled visitors for hundreds of years.” the space creating an apartment, studio area, and a spacious meeting room. Architectural — Phil Porter, Director elements of the Coast Guard station bunk room that once occupied the building’s second floor were preserved and display panels interpreting that chapter of the building’s history will adorn to meet the artists. Grand Hotel hosts an Mackinac remains as beautiful and inspiring the meeting room walls. annual exhibition of world-class art from today as it was 173 years ago when William A call for artists generated 200 applications the Manoogian Collection. And, finally, the Cullen Bryant visited. Through the Mackinac from across the country. A jury, consisting of island’s commercial district boasts a number Island Artist-in-Residence program we hope to representatives from Mackinac State Historic of attractive shops featuring the work of provide an opportunity for artists from many Parks, the Mackinac Arts Council, and the contemporary Mackinac artists. disciplines to capture and share this beauty.

Photo Album: Coast Guard Station, 1920s

he Mackinac Island Coast Guard Station T was established in 1914, and closed in 1969. As it was built on park land, the property reverted back to the Park Commission and the 1915 building was converted into the present Visitor’s Center in 1970. The living quarters of the crew were located on the second floor. These rare interior photos of the functioning station come from the photo albums of Carl Woolheiser, who served in the 1920s. Both the bunk room and the dining room are now part of the new art studio space on the second floor. Note the stacks of books and phonograph, examples of leisure activities of the men. Other photos in the album attest to the fact that the men also took full advantage of the island’s numerous summer activities. The lockers, on the back wall of the bunk room, are still in place today. The albums were donated last year by Carl’s son, Joseph.

Curiosities 3 Mackinac Associates Board of Trustees NON-Profit U.S. POSTAGE Peter Pellerito President Harriet McGraw Vice President PAID Tom Lockwood Secretary/Treasurer Lansing, MI Phil Porter Administrative Agent Michelle Walk Membership Coordinator Permit No. 1176 Dominick Miller Editor

• Jack Barnwell • Mary Jane Barnwell • Jeb Burns • Kathy Lieder Mackinac Associates • Ann Parrish • Wesley Maurer • Mark Mercer • Todd Peterson P.O. Box 567 • Nancy Porter • Skip Young Mackinaw City, MI 49701 For membership information, call 231-436-4100

Published by Mackinac Associates. Subscription is a membership benefit. Membership levels include Friend, $70; Mackinac Heritage, $85; Voyageur, $95; Sentinel, $200; Explorer, $400; Commandant’s Circle, $650; Steward, $1,000; Guardian, $2,500; Patron, $5,000; Benefactor, $10,000. Other membership benefits include unlimited free admission to Colonial Michilimackinac, Fort Mackinac, Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse and The Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum; 15 percent merchandise and publications discount at the six Mackinac State Historic Parks’ museum stores; invitation to Mackinac Associates special events; and discounted admission for member’s guests (excluding Heritage level).

MackinacAssociates.com

Mackinac Associates Thanks Our Donors We thank our donors for their contributions to the Mackinac Island Native American Museum to be built at the Biddle House. With nearly 150 donations, this represents one of the most successful campaigns in Mackinac Associates’ history, and a true testament to our members.

• $10,000 and above • $100–$249 -- Rick and Heather Mitchell -- The Lum Family -- Wayne and Margo Gagnon -- Grace Armour -- Diane Morand -- Lisa Mandeville -- Richard and Jane Manoogian -- Becki Barnwell -- Mark and Mary Rossio -- Peter Marabell and Frances Foundation -- Russell and Darlene Boice -- Saganing Indian Community Barger • $5,000–$9,999 -- Jose Brandao Church -- Dennis and Deirdre Moore -- Charles and Cordelia -- Joseph and Karen Broski -- Gayle and Patricia Steele -- Steven and Patti Ann Moskwa Putkammer -- John and Patricia Case -- Mark and Ute Stowe -- Gary and Tess Nelkie -- Douglas and Carol Rearick -- Dennis and Cynthia -- James Swan -- Ter r ie P f u nd -- Randy and Michelle Stuck Cawthorne -- John and Janet Talbot -- Ken and Maria Phillips • $1,000–$4,999 -- Joseph and Nancy -- Bob and Jean Traxler -- Louis and Marilynn Putz -- Roger and Peggy Baldwin Chrzanowski -- Michelle Walk -- Zackery and Amanda Riem -- Emily Everson -- Dennis and Diane Dombroski -- Harold and Mary Warp -- Daniel and Joann Root -- Gary and Gwen Gilmer -- Tom and Linda Donaldson -- Douglas and Jere Wilson -- Lisa Simon -- Scott and Sandra Johnson -- Craig Druskins -- Chuck Yob -- Perrin and Alice Stifel -- Bruce and Elizabeth Krone -- James and Bonnie Ellis • Up to $99 -- Jay and Kay Taylor -- Mackinac Island Bike and -- Charlotte Ernster -- Robert and Linda Barlekamp -- Edward Trudeau Buggy Bridge League -- Peter and Sherry Garchow -- Don and Susie Beeman -- Scott and Amy Vitek -- Nancy Porter -- Jeffrey and Melissa Gembis -- Michael and Beth Benjamin -- Nancy Waldron -- Sandra Orr and Debra Orr -- Nicki Griffith -- Larry and Kay Berke -- Matthew and Mary Ellen -- William and Rosalie Roush -- Kevin Gromley and Nancy -- Peggy Bertok Zabik -- Clayton Timmons Scott -- Richard and Jackie Bolander -- Matthew and Ruth West -- Mark and Barbara Halsted -- Maria Bonus • $500–$999 -- Tracy Hardin -- Joseph and Diane Brandonisio Mackinac Associates also -- Bob Benser, Jr. -- Stephen and Mary Anna -- Joseph and Rita Bridges thanks the following donors -- Bob Benser, Sr. Harper -- John and Sheryl Childs who made contributions in the second half of 2018 supporting -- Jeb and Erin Burns -- Craig Harris and Merideth -- Barbara Clark a variety of projects: -- Cryderman Builders, Inc. McLellan -- R.W. Coble -- Steve and Lisa Brisson -- David and Ann Levy -- Ken and Nancy Hayward -- James and Susan Conboy -- Jan Burdzinski and Carol -- Steven and Anne Murray -- Stephen and Susan Hoffius -- Kevin and Joan Cranmer Iverson -- Peter Pellerito and Lisa Brock -- John and Marie Hulett -- Maeve Croghan -- Fuller and Brita Cowell -- Sandy Phillips -- Charles and Aneta Jansen -- Katie Darrow -- Doug and Beth Cox -- Phil and Valerie Porter -- Susan and Robert Jensen -- David and Brenda Eckert -- Crary Foundation -- Vic Radecki and Lauren Walsh -- Terry and Noreen Keating -- Jim and Lynn Evans -- Jeff and Laurie Dykehouse -- Dennis and Barbara Thomas -- Pam Kvasnicka -- Stan and Kelli Flory -- Robert and Nancy Gleffe -- Andrew Zawacki -- Tom L arson -- Timothy Forche -- Martin and Pat Jahn • $250–$499 -- John and Lisa Lawitzke -- Alan and Jean Friend -- Frank and Nancy Kelley -- George Burrows -- John and Barbara Lloyd -- Harold and Kay Harrell -- Michael Leahy -- Mike and Sandra Clark -- Bill and Danna Marvin -- Daniel and Brenda Harvey -- Tom and Annie Lockwood -- Stephanie Crane -- Wes and Mary Maurer -- Janet Hutchinson -- Lawrence and Carol Ludwicki -- Mary McCourt Dufina -- David and Peggy McCormick -- Debra Ingold -- Helen McCauslin and Gene -- Ron and Brenda Hershberger -- Tim and Nancy McKay -- Lynn Johnson Radtke -- James and Kay Malone -- John and Joyce McKnight -- Sherry Kammer -- Peter and Marta Olson -- David and Cynthia Monaghan -- Patrick and Vivian McTigue -- Ray and Nancy Kriss -- Constance Rieger -- Shirley Nowakowski -- Mark Mercer and Johnna -- Anthony Kron -- Joan Scheel -- Richard and Vicki Riel Driscoll -- Richard and Virginia Lappin -- Jean Taffs -- Bart and Laurie Stupak -- Blythe Metternich-Smith -- James and Mary Lark -- Kyle and Tisha Zelner -- Clay and Mary Jo Warner -- Bruce and Sue Miller -- Richard and Jane Larson

Curiosities 4