Mackinac Island holds a mystic membership for all those who visit this Victorian era isle. For families who live on the island year round, their kinship holds a woven force of pristine pride. Join Chuck and I as we investigate unique sites, celebrate our 28th anniversary and welcome 2024 at this small community’s turtle drop.

Peaceful Streets

During the summer months, Mackinac Island is always teeming with tourists eating fudge. Bicycles, horses and carriages bustle through the streets. In contrast the winter season carries its own flavor of desolate peacefulness. After settling into our room at The Mackinac House, we strolled to The Mustang Lounge for dinner. Yes, they stay open all winter, along with Doud’s Grocery Store.

The peaceful quiet allowed us to reflect on our wedding day, twenty-eight years ago. We had thirty guests attend our ceremony where we exchanged vows under the church’s Christmas trees. These memories brought us smiles as did our careful stepping around horse obstacles. Only a flagpole line clanging in the distance applauded our anniversary. It was quiet and calm, just the way we like it!

The Mustang Lounge

We arrived at the paneled tavern and sat at the bar. As we chatted with the staff getting to know them and the history of The Mustang Lounge we placed our order. For our anniversary we split a delicious chicken sandwich. As an ‘old couple’ we continue to find pleasure in the simple things, nothing fancy.

“We’re open until two.” The bar tender swung around with a martini shaker. “I’ll be here until about 4:00. I have to make the funeral sandwiches for New Year’s Eve.” He shared nonchalantly. Hearing the word, “funeral,” my response carried empathy, “I’m so sorry. Who passed?” He shrugged and waved his hand through the air, “We have sammies here after the turtle drop. We just call ’em funeral sandwiches.” He slid to another section of the bar. I attempted to process this information as my mind had been stuck on the word, “funeral.”

Earlier in the day Alex and Megan Getz had commented on our Facebook post that there would be ‘fried bologna sammies’ at The Mustang Lounge on New Year’s Eve. I had started to assemble these pieces of the puzzle. I turned to Chuck, “We’re going to have to stop by here after midnight. Megan and Alex had commented that eating Mustang’s bologna sammies on New Year’s Eve was on their bucket list.” I shook my head at myself. “I thought he had to prepare sandwiches for an actual funeral.”

Honoring fellow military members and first responders, Dennis Brodeur had started the patch collection in 1972 when he took ownership of “The Stang.” With over 600 patches, the collection continues to grow under the leadership of Tony (Dennis’ grandson) and Jason, Tony’s best friend.

What Does One Do On a Quiet Island?

When we returned to our hotel, my heart soared to see families playing games in the lobby. I grew up playing cards and board games, so did our kids. On the rare occasion when Chuck was able to join us, he would masterfully win. “Scrabble?” Chuck asked with a cocked eyebrow. I felt a beaming smile stretch across my face. THIS was my kind of FUN!

Chad Bennett’s Walking Tour

The next morning we met the infamous, enthusiastic, Chad Bennett, who hosted a historical walking tour of the island. Chad has been a tour guide for decades following his time in the military. He’s a bundle of information and energy! We highly recommend a chance to chat with Chad! You can contact him through Facebook: “Chad’s Wonderful Walking Tours.” There’s a link at the end of this article.

The Little Stone Church

The Union Congregational Church, better known as The Little Stone Church, had its cornerstones set by Deacons S.B. Poole and J.M. Leggett in 1904, five years after the congregation had begun meeting. During construction granite had been shipped here to accompany the field stones found on the island.

This building has hosted pastors from a variety of Christian groups: , Methodist, Presbyterian, as well as Congregational. 

All fourteen stained glass windows have been made by Lamb Studios, “the oldest continuously operating stained glass studio in the United States,” which had been founded in 1857. Three pieces depict island history.

The Annex

Meticulously managed mansions surround this park area known as “The Annex.” Why?

As the industrial age took hold in the 1880’s, affluent urbanites flocked to Mackinac Island for a respite from the drudge and smudge of city life. These beautiful homes had been situated around an open space, a private park. It was here that meals had been prepared and shared due to the heat of cooking indoors and more importantly due to the threat of fire to their Carpenter Gothic Style cottages on the island. Charles W. Caskey had designed most of these ornate wooden homes surrounding The Annex. This area boasts being “among the first planned summer communities in Michigan.”

Hiking To Unusual Island Sites

The next morning Chuck and I startled the hotel concierge as she prepared breakfast offerings for the guests. “You’re up early.” her eyes widened, “Where are you off to?” She glanced sideways, knowing the island’s simplistic offerings of an itinerary for the day. “We’re going to hike through the center of the island to British Landing and then come back along the lakeshore.” I explained as Chuck poured himself coffee. “It is beautiful. Have fun.” She headed into a kitchenette to continue the set up before other guests emerged.

Harrisonville

Approximately a mile from downtown sits the closely knit community of Harrisonville where most of the year-round residents live. Chad had said that there are around 450 islanders with about 45 students attending the kindergarten through twelfth grade public school.

Harrisonville has a Police Outpost and a General Store. This mercantile is situated in Candy’s home. We met Candy when we were on our tour with Chad. He proudly shared, “Candy is related to the very last soldier who’d walked out of Fort Mackinac.” She had nodded with a smile.

Rich history has woven these islanders together as does the fact that residents ‘wear many different hats.’ For instance, one may work in a retail store, serve on the fire department and be a school employee. When there’s a situation, neighbors willingly pitch in to help. “We’re all on this island together.” Trish, an employee at Doud’s Market, had told us. “So we all lend each other a hand.” I admire this mindset and feel like our mainland communities could learn from their example.

The Crack In The Island

Have you ever seen the crack in the island? I’ve heard legends and was looking forward to seeing it for my first time. One story tells of The Great Spirit who had stomped his foot with anger when the first Europeans had arrived on the island. His force was so great that it left a permanent crack. Another story explains how the crack leads to a trapped giant who is stuck in the underworld.

The crack had been created by water eroding the limestone from underground as well as from rain. As water had flowed underground it had slowly washed away the softer particles leaving the harder material. Rainwater has drained into this cavern continuing this chemical erosion known as “solution.”

The Cave In The Woods

Nearby the cave in the woods rests near the center of the island, 140 feet above Lake Huron. This cave had been formed by waves crashing into it 10,000 years ago. Yup. This cave had once sat at the water’s edge. The level of the water has certainly changed!

There’s a legend about how the first land came to be. The Anishinaabe story tells of the Great Turtle, Mitchimakinak, who could see that the animals had needed a place to rest. The Great Turtle had asked each animal to swim to the bottom of the lake and bring up some soil to put on his back in order ‘to create land for which to rest upon.’ Each one tried, but had failed. Finally the muskrat was successful. Land had been created!

Native Americans had noticed that this island was shaped like a turtle, so they named it “Mitchimakinak.” For centuries, this island had been revered as the first land on Earth. When the French came, they called it “Michilimackinac.” The English had shortened it to “Mackinac.”

British Landing

British Landing holds a lot of history. The British had silently invaded the island from this point on July 17,1812 starting the first land battle of The War of 1812. The troops had crept two miles through the woods with a six pound gun and climbed up the hill behind the fort. (The shot had been fired where Fort Holmes is today.) With a single shot, they overtook Fort Mackinac.

Firewood and supplies have been brought over the ice bridge from St. Ignace in the upper peninsula to Mackinac Island for centuries. In the more recent decades residents have traveled this nearly five mile stretch by bike and snowmobile.

Why do they have Christmas trees marking the path? Well, sadly back in 1833, eight year old Mary Biddle had fallen through the ice and drown. Her father, Edward, had created this method of marking the trail with the hope of keeping islanders safe. The plan has been to make sure you can see the next tree before you set off from where you are positioned.

With the warmer weather the islanders haven’t piled their Christmas trees along the shoreline as had once been customary following the holiday season.

The Turtle Drop

Clad in layers, Chuck and I headed to Lilac Tree Suites for The Great Turtle Drop. Norton, the turtle, was hung up high, lit up for the party and waiting patiently for a crowd to commence.

“I heard that the turtle’s name is Norton. Is that right?” I asked Bart, the Lilac manager. He nodded as he stood below the lit turtle high above. “Yes. The couple who made him had been in the Galapagos Islands and had met a turtle named Norton, so they wanted to honor him.” Bart explained. “Hey, do want a hat?” He handed me a cardboard top hat with a sticker of Norton. A second grade excitement fluttered through me. “Thanks so much!” I shook his hand and searched for Chuck as people clustered on Main Street.

Later, I had learned that Rich and Marge Lind of The Cottage Inn “had wanted to create a festive ‘Times Square’ event” on Mackinac Island twelve years ago. So a turtle was constructed along with the new tradition. This concept has been embraced by the island businesses with several hotels and shops re-opening for the occasion.

Random horns could be heard along with laughter and musings as the anticipation grew. Finally it was time . . .”Ten! Nine! Eight!” Norton began his decent as Bart gripped the rope. The pully got stuck only for a moment delay, then Norton continued downward. The volume of the countdown increased. “Three! Two! One!” Shrieks of noisemakers rang through the crowd. “Happy New Year!” echoed. I kissed my favorite guy.

Bologna Sammies At The Stang!

As the clusters disbursed we walked the block and a half back to our room where I thinned my outerwear, preparing for a visit to The Mustang Lounge.

A plate of ground bologna sandwiches welcomed us when we entered. We each took one. YUM! Then, we sat at the bar for a celebration drink. The bartender passed the platter of sammies and we each enjoyed another while two dozen people danced to tunes ushered by a DJ on the other side of the bar.

The Great Turtle Drop of 2024

The next morning we departed the island by ferry. We were filled with memories and looking forward to our next visit. I am in awe of the people who have lived on this island and the residents today. There’s still so much to see: Friendship Altar, Lover’s Leap, Robinson’s Folly, Dwightwood Spring and The Secret Garden in front of The Grand Hotel. Artist Erynn Rice has hidden “The Secret Seven.” These are beautiful burnt wood renderings which adorn stumps. (Due to construction, The Grand Hotel area had been closed.)

Here’s to 2024! There’s so much to learn and experience during our short span here on Earth. From our birth date to the day of our death, stay curious and make the most of your “dash!” Check out our videos on YouTube and other Mackinac Island articles below.

Related Links:

Restless Viking merchandise is available!

The Mutiny On Mackinac article

Christmas Tree Lighting On Mackinac Island article

Island Life On Mackinac article

The Horses Winter Vacation from Mackinac article

Mackinac Island School article

Resources:

The Mustang Lounge website

Chad’s Wonderful Walking Tour Facebook Page

The Little Stone Church website

Pure Michigan website

The Mackinac Island Ferry Company website