“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, let nothing you dismay. Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas day.” The traditional holiday carol lofted across the three acres of the Realy farm, northeast of Jackson, Michigan. This small group of carolers had created a portal, welcoming us to the 1880’s Waterloo […]
Interests
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Fifty-six years after the United States had become a nation, Calvin Snell built his home along US-12, the Chicago Road, in the Michigan Territory. From 1832-1843 Calvin Snell offered meals and rest for people making the five day stage coach journey from Chicago to Detroit. Later it was named “Walker […]
“Oh. I have been looking forward to this stop on our tour of US-12.” Chuck’s eyes widened as we approached Drier’s Butcher Shop on South Elm Street in Three Oaks, Michigan. First opened in 1875, Drier’s Butcher Shop has served the Three Oaks community, surrounding areas and some well known […]
Did you know that Grand Rapids had been the first city in the world to have commercial electric lighting service? I had no idea of this amazing, local history! My husband, Chuck, had been walking along the Grand River last Tuesday, August 20th when he came upon a curiously large […]
“Imaginary Friends Stay Free” Last May as we had been driving along Highway 2 in Michigan’s upper peninsula, Chuck and I simultaneously read, “Imaginary Friends Stay Free” on The Colonial Motel sign. We each repeated the line with laughter. Chuck had quickly turned around and pulled into the parking lot. […]
Did you know there’s a multi-use recreation trail from Kalamazoo to South Haven? Through the effort of many and the resistance of some, this retired rail line had been reimagined into the linear park it is today. This rail line is FULL of crazy, curious history! Join us as we […]
“That historical sign says, ‘Ice Cream Sundae.’ ” I noticed as Chuck and I drove through Two Rivers, Wisconsin. “Birthplace of the Ice Cream Sundae” banners had flanked the streets. Curious minds had wanted to learn all about this “Ice Cream Sundae” situation. So, we spun the Jeep around to […]
Chirps of birds had threaded through the branches early one June morning as we strolled along the path at Palms Book Park near Manistique. The buzzing insects had answered the bird calls as Chuck and I stepped quietly, clad in our bug shirts. Suddenly the glassy water of Michigan’s largest […]
I’d like to introduce you to Bob and Karen Wiltse, a most dynamic pair! They call themselves, “Serial Entrepreneurs.” Over the past decades this visionary couple has creatively carved their own life path through innovation and hard work. Bob and Karen had invited us to stay at their off-the-grid, lighthouse […]
“What a shame. No victory.” Vietnam veteran, Ron Hayward, had shared with WOODTV8 reporter, Amber Krycka, as they stood next to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. Seventy-five mid Michigan soldiers, including three women, had been invited to attend an Honor Flight. These veterans were able to pay their respects […]