F 572 Copy i c .......ijy^ j I I 1 -^SXJIVIIVIER RESORXS€- -OF Till-: ^AW AND ADJACENT LOCALITIES By J. A. VAN FLEET, M. A., DETHOIT, MICH. Author of Old and New Mackinac. i !£^ >^- ^ BUSINESS COLLEGE, Chamber of Commerce, Detroit, Has complete courses in Business, Telegraphy, Shorthand and Typewriting. jIt was founded and is conducted by the Hon. IRA M AYHE W, LL. D., First President of the Business Educators' As- sociation of America, which embraces the leading Teachers of Fifty Business Colleges of the United States and of the Canadas . Mayhew's University Bookkeep- ing and Manual of Business Practice^ With Currency anl Business Papers for use as in well-conducted actual business, are used in lead- ing Colleges that seek the best aids, and in these find their wants fully met. A distinguished journalist writes; "I would not for f! 1,000 part with the instruction I hare gained from the Uni- versity Bookkeeping alone.'' Pamphlet Circulars of the College, containing full information of its courses of study — and price list of its I publications — are sent on ap- plication to the president, IRA MAYHEVV, LL.D, Detroit, Mich. HOW TO REACH MACKINAC ISLAND. The only all rail route to Mackinac is by way of the Michigan Central R. R. from Chicago, Jackson or Detroit, and through either of those points from all the Southern cities. This line has been completed recent- ly and is now running two daily trains to Mackinac City with Wag- ner Sleeping and Parlor Cars attach- ed. Remeihber that the Michigan Central is the only railroad running trains through to Mackinac. SEND FORSAMPLES o a V u 09 •a £ TREAD 1 1 READIII What people say. I am glad Thk Lbveb 18 dolDg well. I am ItB enthusiastic friend. It Is bright, rai o i and means baslness, and I like it and re imue In its prosperity. Mi ry T. Lathk ap. Free. 8. W. C. T. U. of Mich. ITCON-I TA 1 NS] 1. Nu- merous I edit orl- klB. 2 Marketl Reports. 3. A Weekly | News Sum- mary. 4. stories far! the Fireside. 5. The International I Sunday-school Lesson, | one of the best pahUshed. 6. Huusehold hlnts.fam- lly receipts, &c. t '. Stories for the Boys andl Girls. ^ 8. Miscellaneous articles I fron the best writers in the | country. 9. Serial articles from Hon.l A. B. Richmond , the Old iawyer,| and others. Thb Lbybb Is Independent In all ' things but neutral In nothing. It Is the aim of the publishers to make It an educator. Believi ng tt at the American people are a thinking peoplel they appeal directly to the Juagmentl and good sense of their readers. Their [ tiltlmate aim Is the BALLOT. They I consider Thk Lbvsb one of the very best temperance papers published. lu national circulation would do more to benefit the nation than a session of congress. GEO. W. BAIN, ItB outspoken declarations In fa- vor of temperance and the right ire Its best commentary. MoK- EAU 8. CROaBY,Lieut.Qov.Mlch. Thb Lbvbb Is clear, strong, fearless and out> spoken. It Is ably edit- ed always on the right side: It ought to pros- per and win. It should widely read, and UberaJly sup- orted. SAMUEL >ICKIE, Prof In Albion College. L: El V tkI,bvbbU the Organ of theN.C.T. U jr:5C^SAMPLE8 FREE!! Snbpcrlptlonsi **'-^* $ .50 per annum. Agents wanted. Liberal commissions. SplendldpremiuTing. Address, f^an Fleet if Jfoll,, 266 Woodward Ave., DETROIT, MICH. It ought to be In e»ery family. 1 most cordial- ly commend it. J. ESTA- BROOK., Prin. Nor. Dep't., Olivet College. R John R. Bailey, M. D., [Established 1854.] '4/c^an uiaeon^ ALSO iDi?.Tja-a-isT, MACKINAC ISLAND, MICHIGAN. WM CHANDLER & CO , PuWishers CHEBOYGAN, - - MICHIGAN. The best advertising medium in Northern Michigan. Best equipped office in this part of the State Subscription $2.00 per year. Job Printing Department full in every particu- lar. Only Steam printing house to be found in this section. SUMMER RESORTS -OK THE-- AND ADJACENT LOCALITIES. "Beauteous Isle! I sing of tliee, Mackinac, my Mackinac ; Thy lake-bound shores I love to see, Mackinac, my Mackinac. From Arch Rock's height and shelving steep To western clitfs and Lover's Leap, Where memories of the lost one sleep, Mackinac, my Mackinac. Thy northern shore trod British foe, Mackinac, my Mackinac ; That day saw gallant Holmes laid low, Mackinac, my Mackinac. Now Freedom's flag above thee waves. And guards the rest of fallen braves, Their requiem sung by Huron's waves, Mackinac, my Mackinac." By J. A. VAN FLEET, M. A. Author of Old and New Mackinac. 1882. H.:,. As .^pr.A > LEVER PRINT. En .«recl According to Act of Congress in the year 1SH2, by the Author in the Office of Librarian or Congress at Wasliington. INTRODUCTORY. ,N October 1868, we took up onr residence o u M ackinac Island . Our stay on the Island was prolonged for two years, and at the Straits during three years the last year being spent at Cheboygan. Dur- ing this time we became intensely interested not only in the Island but in the entire region of coun- try round about. Having lived in the in- terior portions of South- ern Michigan, life on Mackinac Island was to us one continuous series of novelties. The Island it- self was a novelty. Geo- graphically, it was to us interesting. Geological- ly it furnished ample scope for two years of study. Historically it seemed to us enchanted ground. The old Indian legends, though simple, possessed an indescribable fascination. We read and re-read them, and seemed to hear in the winds that moaned through the thick evergreens which cover some portions of the Is- land, the requiem of a race of departed braves. The atmosphere which enveloped the Island was different from anything which we had ever inhal- ed before. It seemed to possess the very spirit of mischief. We felt like climbing every tree and jumping every fence with- in reach. We were scarce- ly able to keep our buoy- ancy of spirits within bounds at all. We were compelled to set a double guard about our dignity, and even then it some- times got away from us. MAP OF MACKIXAC ISLAND. Battle Ground. 4. Place of Burial. Position of American Gun. .1. Parade Ground. Position of British Gun. 6. Fort Mack'nuc. Mission House. Island House. School House. The waters about the Island were novel, novel for their unparalleled transparency. In time of calm every pebble upon the bottom could be dis- [^ o INTRODUCTOKY. tinctly seen at a distance of '20 or 30 feet below the surface. In time of storm, however, these same waters were lashed into fury As one angry wave, black with rage, followed close upon an other we could but wonder that any craft could live upon them, yet the far-famed Mackinaw boat under the skillful management of some half- breed or Indian, rode over them with the most perfect ease and safety. We have heard it said that a Mackinaw boat, well managed, is among the safest crafts upon the lakes in a storm. The people of Mackinac Island were peculiar, and possibly some of them are still entitled to that distinction There were English, Scotch, Irish, French, Indians and every conceivable in- termixture of the same. Oftentimes the blood of several races flowed through the same veins The major part of the population, however, be- longed to the Irish and French departments of the human family. Religiously the people were very largely Catho- lics. In a population of about 900 there were not more than 50 adult protestants. Among these were Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Congregation- alists, Baptists, Methodists, etc., etc , and a good- ly number who made no profession whatever of piety, 'ihe diversity and intermingling of re- ligious views were only equalled by the diversity and intermingling of nationalities . We were amazed at some of the customs of the people. Sabbath- school teachers thought it perfectly proper to spend their evenings in the saloons . None of them drank, so far as we could learn, but most of them kept company with drinkers and gamblers and thought nothing of it. We knew of more instances than one where in- dividuals indulged in the dance all night on Wednesday night and attended prayer-meeting and took an active part on Thursday night This to us was bringing the Lord and the devil entire- ly too near together. We shall never forget a very amusing circum- stance which occurred one morning at church. A saloon-keeper, who, by the way, was quite de- vout and regular in his attendance at church, always stood during prayer time, and was the only one in the audience who did. He would always rise to his feet, turn his back to the min- ister, put his right foot upon the seat, his right elbow upon his knee and rest his head upon his right hand, most devoutly during the prayer. On the morning in question, he happened to be late, coming in during the singing of the second hymn. Not thinking that he was so late, but supposing that the first instead of the second hymn was being sung, he promptly put himself into position at the close of the singing for the prayer. The minister arose to announce his text but stopped to take a good look at the sa- loon-keeper's back. The congregation almost stopped breathing, so intense was the effort to re- press a big ha, ha. The saloon keeper waited about a minute for the prayer to begin then looked round, discovered his mistake, sat down confus- edly and the minister gathered himself up as best he could and went on with his discourse. It has been generally supposed that Mackinac is desirable as a place of residence in the summer time only. This is a mistake Mackinac win- ters are as grand as Mackinac summers, at least so far as climate is concerned. The average cold is greater, but the extreme is less than in cities further south as the following table will abund- antly prove: sjBaAJO "ON I ••paoBjqraa I 8uiii Saunp isaqSiul S3ni8i}xa jsaAvoii ■••8SBJ3AV .i!tJB3i' wqraaaaQi jaqraoAO^il .taqopQi jaqcuaidagl Aitfi aatif I jfBj^l liJi^Vi qojBI^I iaeaaqa^jl •jCipnuBf j ■ ai^-z>Z}^ • CM — ■ ^- CO CM -^CMa::ccoao-<1<-HC^J — coroco«onc^»-.}'-^m*^ 'O .C CTj CM Oi X) -^ -o t^ .o ■«t* "^ ■«?' '^ -^ "t* .O'O "^ "^ .o - o :g -jD ' X^ Xi CD c: ^' -o ^ ■^:oo-o3:j:ococc.Dt>- :o :o c- c^ X5 '.o o- c^ i^ t^ • OOCMCO..— O'0-?J t^ X) C"^ cocoocM-.o:oo^^Ha^co •^ 'O X" "X: -o 'O -o -D -o X" Cf^ -^ ■<^ O -^ --^ 'O lO -^ >o CM'>icocororc-<^-^CTO-^ — ■ --CMCMCvJ CM TO CO ^H CO c%-.^-^05-,* twenty minutes half the people on the oo Island were in the streets. The some- w thing was certainly approaching the Is- § land. Within an hour it resolved itself o into an Indian pony, a sleigh and a man, ''' and everybody was fully convinced that ^ the mail was actually coming. One fact, * however, caused a good deal of anxiety. ^ While the south channel between Bois > Blanc and the mainland was frozen over a there was no ice about the Island and o grave fears were entertained for the safe- '^ tyofthe approaching carrier. On and ^ on he came, however, as if regardless of § danger and more and more intense be- g came the excitement among the people . g When within a short distance of the m open waters he turned his course, land- p ed on Bois Blanc Island and came across a in a boat very much to the relief of every- ^ body. nDuring our second winter on Mackinac Island we were seven weeks without a mail. The great difficulty in this case was in the fact that the straits were con- stantly full of floating ice yet did not freeze over until about the 30th of Feb- ruary . This time the waiting was much more tedious than before.in short patience ceased entirely to be a virtue. Before the seven weeks came to an end the M acki- nawians just about concluded that they could live without the rest of the world, it the rest of the world could live with- out them. The spell was broken this time by two half-breeds who for a liberal sum of money performed the perilous feat of crossing the straits and bringing the mail over. Indians sometimes crossed on newly frozen ice, which was so thin that they could not stand upon it at all, by lying lengthwise upon a board or Crossing the straits in winter time was perilous dog sleigh and being drawn over by their dogs, under the most favorable circumstances. No one If the crossing was to be made on foot at a time ever knew at just what moment he might set foot when the ice was not thought to be reliable two on some treacherous piece of ice which would let men always went together. Taking a firm hold him down into the water. Many a poor fellow of the opposite ends of a long rope they proceed- has thus found a watery grave when he least ex- ed on their journey. If one broke through the pected it. The Indians and half-breeds, how- other pulled him out. if the other broke through ever, were always ready to attempt a crossing, no the one pulled him out, and if both broke through matter how perilous such an attempt might be. together they pulled each other out and proceeded If the crossing was to be made with a horse they on their journey. To us this seemed a very were always armed with an ax and a rope. If practical illustration of the "you help me and I the horse broke through the rope was at once will help you"' principle. We never felt strong- placed about his neck and he was choked until he ly inclined however, to make any practical ex- bloated and lay upon the surface of the water like porinients in this direction. a pnff-ball, when he was easily drawn out . The If Mackinac is famous for anything in winter. 6 INTRODUUTOKY. it is for the very frequent and brilliant Aurora Borealis or northern lights which are seen in that locality. We cannot hope to give our readers any adequate description of this grand phenome- non We have seen the whole northern heavens from the east around to the west and from the horizon to the zenith and oftentimes several de- grees southward from the zenith in one immense blaze with these atmospheric fireworks. The beauty of the display is largely in the endless variety of lights and shades that chase each other through the heavens. At one moment your at- tention is attracted to a display of special brillian- cy on the right. You turn to look upon it but have scarcely more than time to ejaculate your aston- ishment before the bright colors have all faded and your attention is as earnestly called to some similar display on the left which in turn fades as quickly away. The whole northern heavens seem converted for the time being into one immense kaleidoscope. Displays alike in kind and quality are sometimes seen in more southern latitudes but for frequency and brilliancy they bear no comparison that is worthy the name. The pastimes of a Mackinac winter were as varied as the circumstances would permit. It is needless to say that the Mackinac people never indulged in lectures, concerts, theatres or any- thing of the kind in winter time. From the close of navigation in the fall till the arrival of the first boat in the spring, the foot of a stranger seldom trod the streets of the village. Among the younger portion of the population, coasting, skating, driving on the ice, etc., were popular. We have seen almost the entire popu- lation of the Island out on the bay together with sleighs, ice-boats, skates, etc., having the jolliest kind of a time. Good skating, however, was not always abundant from the fact that the ice in the straits was almost always rough. So great is the current back and forth through the straits, and so boisterous are the winds of that locality that any iee formed during a calm is sure to be broken up within a day or two. The straits never close over permanently until the floating ice which has been formed in the bayous and narrow places and broken up by the winds is driven into the straits in large quantities and firmly cemented by a few days of vigorous freezing. If the winds are very violent when this drift ice is finally driven into the straits and wedged fast the ice is left in very bad condition for crossing. Huge cakes of ice will sometimes be driven up from ten to twenty feet above the water level and remain so all win- ter. Owing to these causes the skating is rarely good or rather there is rarely any skating at all. Occasionally, however, when the bay freezes over in a calm there is for a day or two the grandest skating in the world, and no community ever knew better how to improve it than the Macki- nacians. An instance is related of the narrow escape of a Mackinac skating party which almost makes the blood run cold. It was in spring time The old ice was aU out of the bay. During a very cold night when an absolute calm chanced tc pre- vail the bay was frozen over The ice was clear as crystal and smoother than polished marble. You could count the very pebbles on the bottom 30 feet below you. Of course such an opportun- ity was not to be lost Early in the day a large party of ladies and gentlemen was gliding hither and yonder over the bay with lightning like rapidity. The sport continued until noontime when all hands went home to dinner intending to return within an hour. Judge of the feelings of surprise mingled with horror which the party experienced when on returning to the beach it was found that the ice had entirely disappeared A little wind had caused sufficient "troubling of the waters" to break the ice in pieces, and the current had carried it so far out into Lake Huron that it was invisible to the naked eye in the short space of one hour. As we have before stated Mackinac winters are very fine We must, however, except an occa- sional storm from the list of fine things . We used to sing, "We'll face the storm, it won't be long " Our stay in Mackinac taught us, how- ever, that some storms could not be faced A storm of snow and sleet from the south-east, ac- companied by a heavy wind, was more than the most courageous could face for any length of time. No roof made ©f shingles was of much avail against the severity of these storms. For- tunately, however, they were not of frequent oc- currence or of long duration. The fogs which sometinaes envelop the Macki- naw region during early summer are worthy of mention. They are sometimes so dense that you can scarcely see an arms length before you. A pro- peller sometimes gets so near to the dock that the captain can carry on a conversation in an ordi- nary tone of voice with those on the dock before he can see the dock, and before those on the dock can see the boat. Growing out of the fog question is a statement which to us always seem- ed marvelous, and that is that there are boat cap- tains on the lakes who are so thoroughly masters of the situation which they hold that they can run from Chicago to Mackinac Island or any other regular port on their respective routes dur- ing the densest fog without any loss of time and without any danger of getting out of their course or failing to bring their boats into the harbor in good style. During a series of 22 years the average open- ing of the straits in spring was on April 20. The earliest opening during this time was on April 3. This occurred in 1870 and in 1871. The latest opening was on May 6. This occurred in 1875. At the time of which we write Mackinac Island had almost entirely lost the prestige it had once enjoyed as a business centre. The palmiest days of the Island from a purely business stand- point were from 40 to 50 years ago At that time the Michigan Central Railroad had not been com- pleted to Chicago, and almost the entire tide of emigration westward flowed through the straits of Mackinaw. This gave to Mackinac merchants an immense advantage. As the Island was the half way point between Detroit and Chicago all the boats stopped at her docks. Hundreds and thousands of cords of wood were sold to these boats every year, and the merchants were alwaya well supplied with everything needed by the INTKOUUCT()I5V RESIDENCE OF COL..IOHN R. BAILEY, POST SURr,EON, KJRT MACKINAC. MICH. thousands of emigrants who were passengers npon them. The merchants always kept a sharp lookout for the boats and were always ready to drive a brisk trade while they remained at the docks. A man was hired to keep watch dur- ing the night. As soon as the headlight of a pro- peller was visible every merchant in town was aroused, and by the time the boat reached the docks every store in the place was brilliantly lighted up, and every clerk was at his place be- hind the counter, smiling a most gracious smile, and ready for business. Oftentimes the mer- chants of the Island took several hundred dollars apiece from some boat load of hungry emigrants at the dead hour of the night. In speaking of Mackinac as a busines.s centre. a Mormon writer, whose work appeared in 1844 says : friHian lA/hicl/'au The most profitable, and, at IllUlall wVillOlVCy. the same time, the most minous trade Alackinac ever had is that in VVhiskej'. Indian Whiskey is made by putting; two gallons of com- mon Whiskey, or unrectified spirits, to tliirty gallons of water, and adding red jjcpix-r enough to make it fiery, and tobacco enough to make it intoxicating. Its cost is not above five cents per gallon. — Thousand.s of barrels have been sold every year, the prices generally being fifty cents a quart by the bottle, and six cents a drink. More than half the fish taken by the Indians for thirty years have been paid for in this article, and more than half the annuities they have received from the United States have been laid out in the purchase of it. The most wealthy and respectable traders have not been ashamed to deal in it. The outlaws and felons who found a hid- ing place in the country, were seldom without a supply of it; and being the instruments of wealthy traders in disposing of it; necame in some degre« necessary to their success in business, and thus secured their protection. By their means the horrors produced by this trade were kept out of Mackinac until the place became filled with an unprincipled class of small traders, who had as little regard to appearances as their more wealthy competitore had no integrity . Tho PichpripC '^he fisheries of ■ lie I lollCl iCOa inac were, to so Michilimack- some extent, a source of subsistence to the Indians, before the country was visited by Europeans. The Indians only fished oa the shores, in the streams and in the shallow inland Lakes. The first Frenchman in this country introduced the French modes of fishing, by which the fish were pur- sued to the deep waters, and thus a supply was obtained all the year. As early as 1824, small quantities of Whiteflsh and Trout began to be sent to Bufialo tor market. In the space of thirty years this branch of trade has increased from two thousand barrels to two hundred and fifty thou- sand, of these it is supposed one half are taken in what were formerly known as the Mackinac fisheries, extend- ing from Death's Door to Middle Channel. Formerly these were all taken to Mackinac, where they were re- packed and sent to market. The merchants at Mackinac turnished the fishermen, and purchased all their fish, and the entire profits of the business accrued to them. The fishermen, until within a few years, were all In- dians and Frenchmen, who lived in a state of barl>arism and misery, and were almost, and in some instances quite slaves to the traders. Their summers were spent in wigwams of the worst kind on the lake shores, nearly destitute of clothing, and not unfrccniently reduced to subsist on fish alone for weeks. The traders so conduct- ed their business that the fishermen were generally in debt. But if by any means one had a continual run of good success and got a little capital at cmnmand, he waa induced to lay it out in whi?key . and return to the fish- ing grounds, where, with all hi.s cinnpanious, he remain- ed drunk till the supply was gone. Gradually a few Americans and Irish went on to the fisheries. Some of these took with them small stocks for trade, and divided their time between tr.irliug and fishing. As these received tht-ir outfits from and sold their fish at Mackinac, it did not matirially change tlie course of trade. But, taking the supply of intoxicating liquors more among; the Indians, made their use nmre lonimon and fatal. But these were men bred to civilization, who had gone among savages t^) get beyond the restraints of the law. They were the worst class of men scattered among the most inott'ensive and defenceless — and it is needless to say they let slip no opportunity of plundering them. Numbers of them are known who boast of the amouulB they have made by taking fish out of the open tiarrels of the Indians from night to night and placing them in their own. Un a fishery where a dozen Indians were ' engaged, they were ofteu plundered in this way to the INTRODUCTORY. amount of one hundred barrels in a season. Since the Sauk and Pox war the Indians did not dare resent these or greater outrages, when discovered. As a natural consequence, a set of outlaws and felons were scattered through the country, and found on all the fisheries, hated and feared, and living in security on plunder. The control of the fishing business gradually fell into the hands of this class of men, the merchants of Mackinac being their factors. These intermediates were no less formidable by their crimes than their numbers, and their intimate connection with the Indians and mixed French and Indian. Over them they obtained all the influence of dependence and fear, strengthened by intimate association. In the hands of such men, the most productive inland fisheries in the world afforded only a miserable and uncertain subsistence to the fisher- men, even through the summer. In winter the Indian fishermen retired to the various Indian towns, and the French to Mackinac. The Indi- ans procured a precarious subsistence by hunting, and the French did such labor as they could get to do for their board . That failing, they took what fish they could for food through the ice, and when reduced to starvation, as more or less were every winter, they feU back on the traders for support, who furnished them on credit. On these debts they were frequently sold, of which mention is made hereafter. Since 1843 merchants and traders have established themselves at other stations, more convenient to the fisheries than Mackinac. Most of the fishermen had their outfits of provisions, barrels of salt, and many were in debt also for boats, nets, and the balances on their winter's support at Mackinac. But the interlopers or traders at other stations, who made them no advances, carried on a trade ruinous to the Mackinac merchants, by purchasing the fish put up in their barrels and salt. and caught by men provisioned and furnished by thera. Such were the habits of dissipation prevailing on the fish- ing grounds, that these frauds left the fishermen worse offat the close of every season ; for they were destitute of credit, and dare not return to Mackinac. This threw them more into the hands of the felons and outlaws, who infested the region. The losses incurred by these means have ruined several wealthy traders at Mackinac. With these losses, fishing trade is passing to other places, fast growing up, more convenient to the fisheries. The new class ot fishermen are persons of limited means, temperate habits, good morals, and persevering industry, from the best sections of the Northern States and Canada, who have come into the country to make it a permanent residence. They either make farms, or establish mechanic shops, in which they engage in pro- ductive labor.s, when not employed in fishing, and con- duct their business as in the best regulated civilized societies. Their fishing is resorted to, not from neces- sity, but as a source of profit, and only pursued while more productive than other business. Traders cannot make ys much profit off this class of customers, but they take more fish with less labor, and, husbanding their means, ars accumulating property, and rapidly improving the country. By these means more than half the trade of Mackinac has been transferred to Washington Harbor, St. James, St. John, St. Helena, Duncan, Detour, and divers other places; and as every part of the fisheries is more accessible to some of these places than to Mackinac, the trade of Mackinac in fish must soon cease. Indian Paumon+C '^^^ payment of Indian IllUlali rayillCllLO. annuities at Mackinac began a little subsequent to the war of 1812, and wiU con- tinue till 1856, when the last expires. They have some- times amounted to as much as $100,OUO a year, but are now only $20,000 or $30,000. The practice is to send word to the several bands some weeks before the payment is to take place, and call them in. While waitinir for the arrival of the agent they ex- pend all their means, sutt'er much of hunger, and usually obtain considerable supplies on credit, for which they are charged two or three prices. As soon as the payment is made the Indians have a Saturnalia, outvieing the car- nival in the darkest places of Paris or Naples, which usually lasts till their money is expended ai.d their provis- ions either eaten up or exchanged for whiskey and drink; when, on the first favorable wind, they strike their encampment, launch their boats, and return home poorer than when they left. Formerly the money was paid to each chief for his band. Before going to get drunk the chiefs depositCfj most of the money, uncounted, with some trusty white man, usually the trader with whom he dealt, only keeping what amount he wished to drink up. The banker in these cases paid himself whatever he had advanced to the Indians before receiving their annuities, and such commission as he thought proper for the safe-keeping of the money. Allowing these bankers to tell their own story, the commission was oftener above than below twenty-five per cent. The Indians were not able to count the money, and at the end of the Saturnalia, ill- qualified to judge whether well or ill dealt by. As a few large traders monopolized this business, and acted in concert, they thus secured a settlement of all balances against the Indians, in cash, once every year, and besides plunder outright, two or three hundred per cent, profit on every article sold. This state of things was unendurable to the class of small traders, who had no share in it; and they procured such a change of the law that the annuities were paid to the head of every family, instead of the chiefs of the bands. By this means all had a chance at the plunder, and measures still more scandalous were resorted to to obtain it. Some of the Indians, as soon as they receive their an- nuities, hand the money to their wives for safe keeping. The squaw immediately divided it into several sums, each of which is appropriated to a particular use, and the last she gives to her husband to get drunk on. In these cases, though the husband frequently returns for more money, and sometimes beats his wife to compel her to give him his money, it is generally securely guarded, and faithuflly appropriated, according to the original inten- tion. Notwithstanding a considerable number of cases of this kind, the annuities are a curse to the Indians. Take all the bands together, and they return home with less means than they set out with, and on an average they are from home six weeks, at a season of the year when fishing is good, and potatoes and corn require harvest- ing. Not a few have lost their lives returning home in boisterous weather, and weakened by intoxication. During our first summer on Mackinac Island we formed the resolution to prepare a history and description of the straits for publication. We were prompted to this by the constant inquiry on the part of visitors to the Island for some work of the kind. We had little idea of the task before us when we formed the resolution The straits of Mackinaw have always been the theatre of interesting and exciting events. While the whole southern portion of the state was a wilderness which no white man had ever pene- trated, Mackinac was the home of the missionary, the trader, the soldier, and the center of a valua- ble and fast increasing traffic with the Indians of the northwest. It was from Mackinac, as a center, that colonization spread through the surrounding country. Detroit was settled in 1701 by Cadillac who for several years had commanded at Mackinac. The history of Wisconsin and Minnesota as well as other northwestern states, must begin with a notice of this point because the earliest settlers of those states started out from Mackinac. The time is yet within the memory of persons now living on Mackinac Island when even the great Chicago came to Mackinac for her supplies These facts are significant. The early Jesuits and traders fixed upon Mackinaw as a basis of their missionary and commercial operations, not by mere chance, but because of its natural advan- tages. Mackinac is a historical center because it is a geographical center. Nature alone gave it its advantages and made it what it has been in history. For a series of years the natural advantages of Mackinac seemed to be overlooked and the surg- ing wave of population rolled across southern Michigan and so on to the westward. At the inti;odt'ctoi;y present time, however, this region is rapidly rising into favor, owing to the fact that it is becoming better known and better appreciated. We began the preparation of our little book early in the faU of 1869 . Fortvmately for the en- | terprise, the late Edgar Conklin, then^propnetor | of Mackinaw City, took up his residence on the i straits it about that time. In 1853 .Mr. Conklin, then of Cincinnati, had secured a large tract of land on the south side of the straits. At a later date large additions had been made io this prop- erty, so that at the time of which we write he controlled about ;!o,(»00acies of land on the straits, about 7,000 of which was on the north side. He 10 INTRODUCTORY. owned about 25 miles of the coast. In 57-'58 he had surveyed a city cite after the most improved plan with streets 80 and avenues 150 feet wide, with liberal reservations for parks, public build- ings, etc., and had now moved to the straits to begin the building of that city. Having such an immense financial interest at the straits, and being of a literary turn of mind, Mr. Conklin had collected together a very large and very valuaVjle library of books pertain- ing to the early history of that region. Iheie was no book in existence pertaining to the straits which money could buy which was not found in his library. We found there the writings of Father Marquette, Hennepin, La Hantan, Alex- ander Henry, and numerous others among the early missionaries and explorers. We found Bell's Canada, Sheldan's Early Mich- igan, Dillan's Early Settlement of the Northwest- em Territory, Parkman's Pontiac, and a host of other books which were to us of the most intense interest. With the books found in this library we spent the greater portion of our second win- ter in Mackinac. We studied the history of the straits until it was as familiar as A. B. C- to us. We were also very greatly interested in con- versing with the old settlers who lived upon the Island at the time. Among these were Ambrose and William Davenport, two brothers, Americans, with Indian women for wive i. These two men, now both dead, were in the employ of the North American Fur Company during almost the entire period of its existence. They were upon the Island during the exciting scenes of the war of 1812, and pointed out to us many localities of interest connected with those exciting events. These gentlemen also gave us a good many chap- ters of the unwritten history of the great North- west. We have listened for hours, with the most intense interest, to the tales which these men told of life among the Indians during the palmy days of the North American Fur Company. After a winter spent in the careful study of the written and unwritten history of the straits, we gave to the public the results of our labor in a book of about 175 pages which we called Old and New Mackinac. This book met with a very cor- dial reception, and has now passed through three editions. It has been about the worst stolen book of which we have any knowledge. A fellow by the name of Tuttle,who,a few years ago,published what he called a history of Michigan, incorporated 72 solid pages of Old and New Mackinac without so much as a quotation mark to indicate that the matter had ever appeared in print before. Oth- ers have been almost as liberal in appropriating to their owr purposes the results of our honest toil. Few authors, we imagine, have been so highly complimented in this regard. We give the present little volume to the public in response to the very earnest request of our friends living on Mackinac Island. It is designed as a pocket companion book for the tourist, tell- ing him where to go and how to get there . In its preparation we have made use of some of the descriptive portions of Old and New Mackinac, but have been compelled for lack of space to leave the historical portions of that Tolume alone, We have, however, reduced the price on that book so that the tourist who may desire both the historical and descriptive, may obtain the two volumes for the price formerly paid for the one . MACKINAC ISLAND. HILE presenting our ^ ftj^m!(|v readers with a, de- (;, Siife-ldtl] ,, scription of the sum- mer Resort'* of the s^^(^ ' Mackinaw region we ^^1$^ begin with Mackinac Is- '\op land. We do this, not ' because this Ishind pos sesses all the attractions of the Mackinaw region, but because to us it possesses more of these attractions than any other one point. We know of no locality anywhere in this portion of the state so free from flies, bugs, mosquitoes and snakes as this. We know of g no locality the climate of which £ is so even tempered. The lake ^ shore towns have what they g call the lake and land breezes, | the former always cool, the lat- h ter not always so cool. Macki- ^ nac Island knows no land breez- p es. Come from what direction ^ they may, the winds that blow g upon this Island are always cool ^ and pleasant. As a place to '^■ spend the sultry months of sum- B mertimein absolute "laziness," c Mackinac has few equals and g no superiors. > Namp -^^ ^^^ back as we nalllC' have any knowledge of it, this Island lias been a place of great interest. It re- ceived its original name from the Indians. An old legend re- lates that a large number of these people were once assem- bled at Point St. Ignace, and, while intently gazing at the rising of the sun, during the Great Manitou, or February Moon, they beheld the island suddenly rise up from the water, assuming its present form. From the point of observation, it bore a fancied resemblance to the back of a huge turtle; hence they gave it the name Moc^che^ne'- mock^e''nung, which means a great turtle. This name, when put into a French dress, became Michilimacinac. From the ishind it passed to the adjacent points. In some connections in the early history, the naiue is applied to the section as a whole; in oth- ers, to the point north of the Straits; but more frequentlv to that south of the Straits, now know as Old Mackinaw. The term is now obsolete, except as applied to the county which lies immediately north of the Straits, in which the island is included. The Island has now taken upon itself the name of Mackinac, pronounced Mackinaw; ac is the original French termination. 12 MACKINAC ISLAND. Father Marquette llius described the Island in 1671: I "Michilimackinac is an island, famous in these I regions, of more than a league in diameter, and elevated in some places by such high cliffs as to be seen more than twelve leagues off. It is sit- uated just in the strait forming the communica- tion between Lake Huron and Illinois (Michigan). It is the key and, as it were, the gate for all the tribes from the south, as the Sault is for those of the north, there being in this section of country only those two passages by water; for a great number of nations have to go by one or other of these channels, in order to reach the French settlements. "This presents a peculiarly favorable oppor- tunity, both for instructing those who pass here, and also for obtaining easy access and convey- ance to their places of abode "This place is the most noted in these regions for the abundance of its fishes; for. according to the Indian saying, 'this is the home of the fishes.' Elsewhere, although they exist in large numbers, it is not properly their 'home,' which is in the neighborhood of Michilimackinac. "In fact, besides the fish common to all the other tribes, as the herring, carp, pike, gold-fish, white-fish, and sturgeon, there are found thi-ee varieties of the trout, — one common ; the second of a larger size, three feet lona; and one foot thick; the third monstrous, for we can not other- wise describe it, it being so fat that the Indians, who have a peculiar relish for fats, can scarcely eat it Besides, the supply is such that a single Indian will take forty or fifty of them through the ice, with a single spear, in three hours, "It is this attraction which has heretofore drawn to a point so advantageous the greater part of the savages in this country, driven away by fear of the Iroquois. "It is worthy of notice that those who bore the name of the island, and called themselves Mich- ilimackinacians, were so numerous that some of the survivors yet living here assure us that they once had thirty villages, all inclosed in a fortifi- cation of a league and a half in circuit, when the Iroquois came and defeated them, inflated by a victory they had gained over three thousand men of that nation, who had carried their hostilities as far as the country of the Agnichronnons. "In one word, the quantity of fish, united with the excellence of the soil for Indian corn, has always been a powerful attraction to the tribes in these regions, of which the greater part subsist only on fish, but some on Indian corn. On this account, many of these same tribes, perceiving that the peace is likely to be established with the Iroquois, have turned their attention to this point, so convenient for a return to their own country, and will follow the examples of those who have made a beginning oa the islands of Lake Huron, which by this means, will soon be peopled from one end to the other, an event highly desirable to facilitate the instruction of the Indian race, whom it would not be necessary to seek by journeys of twu or three hundred leagues on these great lakes, with inconceivable danger and hardship. "In order to aid the execution of the design, signified to us by many of the savages, of taking up their abode at this point, where some have already passed the Winter, hunting in the neigh- borhood, we ourselves have also wintered here, in order to make arrangements for establishing the Mission of St. Ignace, from whence it will be easy to have access to all the Indians of Lake Huron, when the several tribes shall have settled each on its own lands. "With these advantages, the place has also its inconveniences, particularly for the French, who are not yet familiar, as are the savages, with the different kinds of fishery, in which the latter are trained from their birth; the winds and the tides occasion no small embarrassment to the fisher- men. "The winds: For this is the central point be- tween the three great lakes which surround it, and which seem incessantly tossing ball at each other. For no sooner has the wind ceased blow- ing from Lake Michigan than Lake Huron hurls back the gale it has received, and Lake Superior in its turn sends forth its blasts from another quarter, and thus the game is played from one to the other: and as these lakes are of vast ex- tent, the winds can not be otherwise than boister- ous, especially during the Autumn. Indian Mythology T.lt T^i'ltZ, Pairies; hence, the Indians have always regarded it with a species of veneration. According to Indian tradition, it is the birthplace of Michabow, the Indian god of waters. Tiie day is still within the memory of many individuals now living on the island when the heathen Indians, in passing to and fro by its shores, made offerings of tobacco and other articles to these Great Spirits, to propitiate their good will. These fairies, we are told, had a subterranean abode under the island, the entrance to which was near the base of the hill, just below the present southern gate of the fort. An old Indian Chees'a^kee, or Spirit- ualist, who once encamped within the lim- its of the present garrison, is related to have visited this abode of the fairies under the following circumstances: During the night, while wrapped in the unconscious- ness of a sound slumber, one of these spirits approached the place where he was, laid his shadowy hand upon him, and beckoned him to follow. In obedience to the mysterious request, his spirit left the body, and went with the fairy. Together they entered into the mystic dwelling-place of the spirits. Here the Cheesakee was introduced to the Crreat Spirits assembled in solemn conclave. He was lost in wonder and admiration at what he saw around him. The place where they were assembled seemed to be a very large and beautiful wigwam. After spend- ing some time in the fairy abode, the mas- ter-spirit of the assembly directed one of the lesser spirits to show the Indian out, and conduct him back to his body. What were the proceedings of that assembly, the MACKINAC ISLAND. 13 Indian could not be induced to tell, nor were the particulars of what he saw during that mysterious visit ever made known to his fellow red men. From their fairy abodes these spirits issued forth at the twilight hour to engage, "with rapid step and giddy whirl, in their mystic dance." Something of the feeling of veneration which the red men had for this, to them, enchanted island, may be learned from the following soliloquy of an old Indian chief. He was just leaving the island to visit his friends in the Lake Superior country. The shades of night were falling around him, and the deep-blue outlines of the island were dimly shadowed forth. As he sat upon the deck of the steamer and watched the "lovely isle" fast receding from his view, memory was busy in recalling the scenes of by-gone days, and the emotions of his heart found expression in these words : "Moc'che^ne^mock^e^nung, thou isle of the clear, deep-water lake, how soothing it is, from amidst the curling smoke of my opawgua (pipe), to trace thy deep-blue out- lines in the distance ; to call from memory's tablets the traditions and stories connected with thy sacred and mystic character! How sacred the i"egard with which thou hast been once clothed by our Indian seers of by-gone days! How pleasant in imagina- tion for the mind to picture and view, as if now present, the time when the Great Spirit allowed a peaceful stillness to dwell around thee: when only light and balmy winds were permitted to pass over thee, hardly ruffling the mirror surface of the waters that surrounded thee; or to hear, by evening twilight, the sound of the Giant Fairies as they, with rapid step and giddy whirl, dance their mystic dance on thy limestone battle- ments! Nothing then disturbed thy quiet and deep solitude but the chippering of birds and the rustling of the leaves of the silver-barked birch," But these fairy spirits have long since deserted their island home, and gone, we know not where; and the race of beings in whose imagination they lived^has also well-nigh passed away. lA/hon Qd-H-IoH F">tn father Marquette's Wnen oeuieu description of the island, we learn that it was often the chosen home of the savage tribes. Marquette was doubt- less the first white man to visit it, or at least to dwell upon it. The first perma- nent white settlement on this island was made in 1780, when the fort and town were removed to this point, not because of its superiority in a commercial or military point of view, but for the security which it afforded against the surrounding Indian tribes. Had that one event of June 4, 17^3, the massacre at Old Mackinac, never oc- curred, this island would no doubt have still been in the liands of nature, and the fort and town at Old Mackinac, where they properly belong. Contrary to the treaty of 1783, the English held possession of the island until 1795, when they were compelled to give it up. Pnniilo-l-inn The size and population of rupuidllUIl the town has varied at dif- ferent stages of its history. In 1820 it con- sisted "of about one hundred and fifty houses, and some four hundred and fifty permanent inhabitants." At that time there was no school, no religious service, no attorney, and no physician (other than at the garrison) in the place. There were, however, courts of law, a post office, a jail, and one or more justices of the peace. At present, there are about nine hundred in- habitants, many of whom are engaged in fishing, and absent during a greater part of the Summer. North American Fur Company. — The most interesting feature of the island, since the war of 1812, has been its connec- tion with the fur-trade carried on by John Jacob Astor, Esq. , of New York. Previous to 1809, an association of traders existed, called the Mackinac Company; but at that date Mr. Astor organized the American Fur Company. Two years after this, he bought out the Mackinac Company, and es- tablished a new Company known as the South-west. During the Winter of 1815 and 1816, Congress enacted a law that no foreigner should engage in trade with the Indians who did not become citizens, and after this Mr. Astor again established the American Company. This Company was organized with a capital of two million dol- lars. It had no chartered right to a monop- oly of the Indian trade, yet by its wealth and influence it virtually controlled that trade through a long series of years. Tiie outposts of the Company were scattered throughout the whole West and North- west. This island was the great central mart. The goods were brought to the Com- pany's store- houses at this point from New York by way of the lakes, and from Quebec and Montreal by way of the Ottawa, Lake Nipissing, and French River, and from this point they were distributed to all the out- posts; while from all the Indian countries the furs were annually brought down to the island by the Company's agents, whence they were sent to New York, Quebec, or the various markets of the Old World. The traders and their clerks who went into "the countries" were employed by the Company at a salary of from four to six hundred dollars per year, but the engages or boatmen who were engaged in Canada, generally for five years, received, besides a yearly supply of a lew coarse articles of clothing, less than one hundred dollars per annum. Generally, at the end of five years, the poor voyageurs were in debt from fifty to one hundred and fifty dollars, which they must pay before they could leave the coun- try ; and the trader often took advantage of this, even encouraging the men to get in debt, that they might avoid the necessity of 14 MACKINAC ISLAND, introducing new and inexperienced men into the country. The men were fed main- ly on soup made of hulled corn, or some- times of peas, with barely tallow enough to season it, and without salt, unless they purchased it themselves at a high price. The goods were put up in bales or packs of about eighty pounds each, to be carried into the countries. Upon setting out, a certain number of these packs were assigned to each boatman, which he must carry upon his back across the portages, some of which were fifty miles over. They performed the journeys over these portages by short stages, or by carrying the pacJiS but a short distance at a time, tlius never permitting their goods to be separated. The route of travel to the head waters of the Mississippi was by way of Lake Kuron, St. Mary's River, Lake Superior, and such rivers as would take them nearest, the particular points to which the various parties had been assigned. The valleys of the Missis- sippi and the Missouri were reached by way of Green Bay, Fox, and Wisconsin Rivers. The traders often occupied nearly the whole summer in the trip Irom their trad- ing-posts to Mackinac and back. Mr. Astor's principal agent on this island was Ramsey Crooks, to whom, with others, he sold out in 1834; but the trade now lacked the energy and controlling influence which Mr. Astor had given it, and the Company soon became involved. In 1848; the business was closed, and the property sold. In its best days, the business was one of mammoth proportions; but it exists now only in historv. Population in \820.-!te'i^ll%fat scription of the state of society in 1820 : " Society at Michilimackinac consists of so many diverse elements, which impart their hue to it, that it is not easy for a passing traveller to form any just estimate of it. The Indian, with his plumes and gay and easy costume, always imparts an Oriental air to it. To this the Canadian— gay, thoughtless, ever bent on the present, and caring nothing for to-morrow— adds anoth- er phase. Tue trader, or interior clerk, who takes his outfit of goods to the Indians, and spends elevtn months of the year in toil and want and petty traffic, appears to dissipate his means with a sailor-li^e im- providence in a few weeks, and then returns to his forest wanderings, and boiled corn, pork, and wild rice again supply his wants. There is, in these periodical resorts to the central quarters of the Fur Company, much to remind one of the old feudal manners, in which there is proud hospitality and a show of lordliness on the one side, and gay ob- sequiousness and cringing dependence on the other, at least ti 11 the annual bargains for the trade are closed." Present Population. The elements of the present pop- ulation are much the same as during the palmy days of the fur-trade. Indians, prim- itive possessors of the "beautiful isle," are still present, and constitute no inconsider- able portion of the inhabitants. Many of the old French and English voyageurs, who have spent the best part of their lives in the employ of the fur-trade, are also living upon the island. The population is mixed. English, French, and Indian blood frequent- ly flows in the veins of the same family. Aside from the original population, there are several very excellent families, who have come to the place at a comparatively recent date. Description of Town. "^^1 £'Z''^'f. feet curiosity. It is situated at the foot of the bluff, upon the brow of which stands the fort, and extends for the distance of about a mile around the beach. It contains two churches, the old mission church and the Catholic church, several good hotels cap- able of accommodating from thirty to two hundred guests each, a number of stores, about one hundred dwelling houses a post- office, court-house, and jail. Some of the buildings are of modern architecture, but others are antique in design and appearance. There are buildings yet standing, parts of which were brought from Old Mackinac when the town and fort were removed from that point, while several of the houses, some of which are yet occupied, were stand- ing during the troubled and exciting scenes of 1812. Many of the fences are of the original palisade style. Let us make the cir- cuit of the town, starting from the docks. As we proceed along the beach toward the West, we see buildings of every description, from the most modern style down to the shanty with clapboards and shingles of bark. Beyond the extreme western limits of Shanty Town is the site of the old distil- lery, where, in 1812, the terrified and trem- bling inhabitants were gathered for safety while Captain Roberts, with his savage allies, should possess himself of the fort and island. Above this is the old Indian bury- ing ground, where still sleeps the molder- ing dust of many a brave son of the forest. Retracing our steps, we turn to the left and passed through Shanty Town, principally occupied by fishermen, who are absent dur- ing most of the Summer. The fishing- grounds extend from Drummond's Island, near Detour, around the north shores of Huron and Michigan to Green Bay, includ- ing the islands in the northern portion of both these lakes. As we return to the town, on the back street, we notice on the right the old Catholic burying-ground, upon which once stood the old log church brought from Old Mackinaw after the mas- MACKINAC ISLAND. 15 sacre. Farther along, upon the same side of the road, is an antique house with huge stone chimneys and dormer windows.which, during the war of 1812, was occupied by Dr. Mitchell- Mitchell was a traitor, and after the return of peace, had to leave the island and country for Canada. For a full and reliable account of the war of 1812, as it re- lated to this island, we must refer the reader to Old and Xew Mackinac. Adjoin- ing the court-house is the old store-house of the American Fur Company, which was the place of deposit and point of departure for all the merchandise of that Company. This with the adjacent buildings, now the Astor House, was put up by the Company for tlie accommodation of the clerks when they came out of the Indian countries dur- ing the Summer. Fnrt RarriPti Returning now to the rui I uai ucii. point from which we set out, let us make our way toward the east- ern extremity of the town along Main ' St. Main St. extends from the extreme east to the extreme west end of the town and is as fine a street as any town in the state can boast. The large garden upon our left as we leave the business portion of the town, belongs to the fort. It is cultivated by the soldiers of the garrison, and does much towards supplying them with vegetables of almost every variety. Potatoes, beets, car- rots, radishes, onions, cabbage, cucumbers, etc., are produced in great abundance and of the best quality. Cherries, currants, strawberries, and other small fruits also grow plentifully in this and other gardens, and from one tree, standing near the fort barn, twenty-two barrels of apples were taken at a single gathering, a few years since. In this garden is the site of the old government or council house, the first build- ing ever erected upon the island. Adjoining the garden on the east is the old agency property. The building now occupied by the union-school of the place was erected by the government for the ac- commodation of the Indians during their periodical visits to the island for the pur- pose of receiving their annuities, but never much used by them. This building was given to the village for school purposes by the government. As it was erected for the Indians and as a large majority of the children on the Island had more or less Indian blood in their veins the government thought that the original purpose for which the building was erected would be best car- ried out in that way. On the vacant lot just east of the building now used for the village school was tlie old agency proper. The building was erected over sixty years ago as a residence and ofiice for the United States Indian agent and for many years the Indian payments were all made in it. Afterward it was used as a residence by a succession of per- sons, the writer among the number. The building was burned years ago. down about eight building Catholic Church. Scl^amacts par- ticular attention is the Catholic Church. This was at first a small log structure erect- ed in 1832 by Father Mazzuclielli. The orig- inal structure was twice enlarged, and finally displaced entirely, by the present more commodious edifice. Miccinn Uniico At the extreme eastern ISSIOn nOUSe. end of Main St., is the old mission property, now in possession of Mrs. E. A. Frank?, the house being kept by her as a hotel. Tlie history of this mission is briefiy as follows: In the month of June in the year 1820, the Rev. I)r Morse, father of the inventor of the telegraph, visited this island, and preached the first Protes- tant sermon ever delivered in this portion of the North-west. Becoming particularly interested in the condition of the traders and natives, he made a report of his visit to the United Foreign Mission Society of New York, in consequence of which the Rev. W. M.Ferry, a graduate of Union Col- lege,wa3 sent in 1822 to explore the field. In 1823, Mr. Ferry, with his wife, opened a school for Indian children which, before the close of the year, contained twelve scholars. In 182t), the school and little church passed into the hands of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions and as Mackinac was easy of access to the In- dians of the lakes and the Upper Mississip- pi, it was determined to make it a central station, at which there should be a large boarding-school, composed of children col- lected from all Northwestern tribes. These children were expected to stay here long enough to acquire a common-school educa- tion and a knowledge of manual labor. Shops and gardens were provided for the lads, and the girls were trained for house- hold duties. The first report of the mission made to the American Boards of Commis- sioners for Foreign Mission was at the meeting held in New 1 ork in September, 1827. It contained the following facts: Number of teachers, eight; Rev. William M. Ferry, Superintendent; Mr. John S. Hudson, teacher and farmer; Mr. Heyden- burk and wife, Mrs. Hudson, Miss Eunice Osmer, Miss Elizabeth M'Farlaud, and Miss Delia Cooke, teachers; there were one hun- dred and twelve scholars in the school, who had been collected from the whole region extending from the white settlements south of the Great Lakes to Red River and Lake Athabasca; there had been several inter- esting cases of conversion ; French priests had occasionally visited the region, and op- posed the mission to the extent of their power. During the winter of 1828-9, a revival in- fluence prevailed. Thirty-three were added to the church, and ten or twelve others ap- peared to have become penitent for sin. 16 MACKINAC ISLAND. Instances of conversion occurred even in | the depths of the wilderness, amon? the traders. The church now numbered fifty- ; two members— twenty-five of Indian de- scent and twenty-seven whites exclusive of I the mission family. The establishment j continued prosperous for several years. At times there were nearly two hundred pupils in the school, among whom were represent- atives of nearly all the Indian tribes to the north and west. Owing to the great expense of the school, the plan was modified in 1833, the number of scholars being limited to flf ty,and smaller stations commenced in the region beyond Lake Superior and the Mississippi. In 1834, Mr. Ferry was released from the mis- sion ; and in 1837, the population having so changed aroutid Mackinac, and the resort of the Indians to the island for purposes of trade having so nearly ceased that it was no longer an advantageous site for an Indian mission, the enterprise was aban- doned. The mission-house was erected in 1825, and the church in 1827-30. After the close of the mission, the property passed into the hands of the present occupant. We can not say how much or how little was accom- plished by this mission ; the revelations of eternity alone will give full and relialile information on tills point. We only know that many who would other- wise have been left in ignor- ance and heathenism are in- debted to the Christian efforts of these missionaries for a knowledge both of the arts and sciences, and of the way of salvation. Fort Mackinac, now midi the circuit of the town, we are ready for the two forts. Fort Mackinac, which stands on a rocky eminence just above the town, was built by the English ninety years ago. It is new garrisoned by a small company of United Slates troops under the command of Maj. E. E. Sellers. There are six brass pieces, and arms and accoutrements for a full com- pany. The buildings are a hospital, just outside the wall east of the fort; a guard-house, near the south-gate; officers' quarters, near the south-west angle of the fort, and on the hill near the flag-staff ; quar- ters for themen.in the center; block-bouses on the walls; magazine, in the hollow, not far from the south gate; store- houses, ciffices, etc. There are pejsons yet living on the Is- land who, during the troubles of 1814, took refuge in these self same block-houses. Pass- sing out at the rear gate of Eort Mackinac, we cross the parade-ground, and see the spot where Captain Roberts planted his guns in 1812, while his whole force of Indians was concealed in the adjacent thickets. Capt. Roberts dis- embarked at British Landing, marched across the Island and took up his station at this point without being discovered. < pi o MACKINAC ISLAND. 17 c^^*. u<%i»«ne Half or three-quarters of h Ort nOimeS- ^ mUe to the rear of Fort Mackinac, on the crowning point of the island, is Fort Holmes. This was built soon after the British captured the post in 1S12. Each citizen was compelled to give three days' work toward its construciion. When tinished, the excavation encircling the embankment, or earthworks, was mucli broader and deeper than now, and the em- bankment itself was lined on the outside by cedar poles, reaching from the bottom of the ditch to its top ; while a quarter or a third of the distance from the top of the embankment to the bottom of the ditch, cedar pickets interlocked with these poles, which'extended out over the ditch like the eaves of a house, making it absolutely im- possible for any one to get inside the fort except by the gate The place of the gate is seen on the eas: side, one of the posts yet remaining to mark its position. In the center of the fort was erected a huge block- house, beneath w^hich was the magazine. Near the gate was the entrance to several underground cellars, which have now caved in. The fort was defended by sev- eral small guns, the largest of which was an eighteen-pounder, placed on the point, on the opposite side of the cellars from the fort. They undertook to dig two wells; but, finding no water at the depth of one hundred feet, they became discouraged and relinquished the attempt. The fort, we are told, presented a very tiue appearance when finished. It was first named Fort George; but, after the sur- render of tlie island to the Americans, it was called Fort Holmes, in memory of the lamented Major Holmes, who fell in the engagement at Early's farm . After the return of the Americans, a party of officers, wishing to see what they could do, planted a gun at the rear gate of Fort Mackinac and made the block-house in Fort Holmes a mark. They soon tore this monument of English absurdity to pieces, showing how ill adapted the Fort was to the purix)6es intended. The frag- ments of the building were afterward re- moved to the foot of the hill beneath Fort Mackinac and made into a barn which is yet standing From the "lookout," built so je years since at Fort Holmes, by Government En- gineers, a commanding view of the island may be obtained. The little clearings seen in various places were once gardens, culti- vated by American soldiers. That in the vicinity of Arch Rock was called the "big garden." In 1812, when the English cap- tured the- island, the clearing on the high plateau back of Fort Holmes, was planted with potatoes, and when the Americans came back to take possession of the island | in the spring of 181.5, the English, not hav- j ing cultivated it during the time, were com- ' pelled to plow it up and plant it, that ac- 1 cording to the terms of the treaty they might leave everything as they found it. National Park, fj^^'.^ ^» i^^erTj^ whose birtliplace is on this island, at the earnest solicitation of parties who are deep- ly interested in the island, succeeded in getting a. resolution through congress for- ever dedicating the major part of the island to the public to be used as a National Park. The resolution which reads as follows will give the reader a correct idea ot the ends sought in the establishment of this park: Resolctd by the Senate^ That the Secretary of War be directed to consider the expediency ol dedicating to the (jublic use so much ol' the Island of Mackinac, lying in the Straits of Mackinac, within the County of Mackinac, in the State of Michigan, as is now held by the United States under Militiiry Itcscrvation or otherwise (excepting the Fort Mackinac and so much of the present reserva- tion thereof as bounds it to the south of the village of Mackinac, and to the west, north, and east, respectively, by lines drawn north and south, east and west, at a dis- tance from the present fort llag-stalT of four hundred yards), to be reserved and withdrawn from settlement, occupancy, or sale under the laws of the United States, and dedicated and set apart as a National Public Park, or grounds, for health, comfort, and pleasure, for the benefit and enjoyment of the people ;*that all persons who shall locate or settle upon or occupy the same or any part thereof, except as herein provided, shall be consid- ered trespassers and removed therefrom; that said public park shall be under the exclusive control of the Secretary of War, whose duty it shall he to make and publish such rules and regulations as he may deem necessary or proper for the care and management of the same. Such regu- lations shall provide for the preservation from injury or spoliation of all timber, mineral deposits, natural curios- ities, or wonders within said park, and their retention in their natural condition. The Secretary may in his dis- cretion, grant leases, tor building purposes, of small parcels of ground at such places in said park as shall re- quire the erection of buildings for the accommodation of visitors, for terms not exceeding ten years ; all of the pro- ceeds of said leases, and all other revenues derived from any source connected with said park, to be expended, under his direction, in the management of the same and in the construction of roads and bridle-paths therein. He shall provide against the wanton destruction of game or fish found within said park, and against their capture or destruction for any purposes of use or profit. He shall also cause all persons trespassing upon the same, when by law thus set apart, to be removed therefrom, and generally shall be autuorized to take all such measures a« shall be necessary or proper to fully carry out the ob- jects and purposes expressed; and that the Secretary be reciuired lo report to the Senate, at the opening of the next session of Congress, whether or not such dedica- tion would be incompatible with ihe.public service. Nothing has been done toward the im- provement of this park up to the present time. We are informed however, that a movement is now on foot to aell the govern- ment land on Bois Blanc Island, aud de- vote the proceeds together with an appro- priation which it is hoped will before long be made by Congress to its improvement. Tnac this may be done very soon is certain- ly the earnest wish of all who have any just appreciation of the Island. Natural Scenery. ™/ S'^iBiaod""? Mackinac is unsurpassed. Nature seems to have exhausted herself in the clustered objects of interest which everywhere meet the eye. The lover of nature may wander through the shaded glens, and climb over the rugged rocks of this island for weeks, and even months, and never grow weary ; 18 MACKINAC ISLAND. for each day some laow object of beauty and interest will aitract his attention. As you approach the isUind, it appears a per- fect gem. A finer subject tor an artist's pencil could not be found- In some places it rises almost perpendicularly from the very water's edge to the height of one hundred and fifty feet, while in otliers the ascent is gradual. Parts of the island are covered with a small growth of hard-wood trees— beech, maple, iron-wood, birch, etc. — while other parts abound in a rich variety of evergreens, among which spruce, arbor- vilfe, ground-pine, white-pine, balsam, and juniper predominate. Henry R. School- craft, Esq., who first visited the island in 1820, thus speaks of it: "Nothing can exceed the beauty of this island. It is a mass of calcareous rock, rising from the bed of Lake Huron, and reaching an elevation of more than three hundred feet above the water. The waters around are purity itself Some of its clilfs shoot up perpendicularly, and tower in pinnacles, like ruinous Gothic steeples. It is cavernous in some piaces; and in these caverns the ancient Indians, like those of India, have placed their dead. Portions of the beach are level, and adapted to landing from boats and canoes. The harbor, at its south end, is a little gem. Vessels anchor in it, and find good holding. The little, old- fashioned French town nestles around it in a very primitive style. The fort frowns above it, like another Alhambra, its white walls gleaming in the sun. The whole area of the island is one labyrinth of curious lit- tle glens and valleys. Old green fields ap- pear, in some spots, which have been form- erly cultivated by the Indians. In some of these there are circles of gathered-up stones, as if the> Druids themselves had dwelt here. The soil, though rough, is fertile, being the comminuted materials of broken-down limestones. The island was formerly cov- ered with a dense growth of rock maples, oaks, iron-wood, and other hardwood spe- cies; and there are still parts of this an- cient forest left, but all the southern limits of it exhibit a young growth. There are walks and winding paths among its little hills, and precipices of the most romantic character. And whenever the visitor gets on eminences overlooking the lake, he is transported with sublime views of a most illimitable and magnificent water-prospect. If the poetic muses are ever to have a new Parnassus in America, they should inevit- ably fix on Michilimackinac. Hygeia, too, should place her temple here; for it has one of the purest, driest, clearest, and most healthful atmospheres." Geological Aspects. ^^.rlrtSl island are curious and interesting. At its base may be seen the rocks of the Onon- daga Salt group, above which, says Profes- sor Winchell, "the well-characterized lime- stones of the Upper Helderberg group, to the thickness of two hundred and fifty feet, exist m a confusedly brecciated condition. The individual fragments of the mass are angular, and seem to have been but little moved from their original places. It ap- pears as if the whole formation had been shattered by sudden vibrations and un- equal uplifts, and afterward a thin calcare- ous mud poured over the broken mass, percolating through all the interstices, and re cementing the fragments. "This is the general physical character of the mass; but in many places the original lines of stratification can be traced, and in- dividual layers of the formation can be seen dipping at various angles and in all direc- tions, sometimes exhibiting abrupt flexures, and not infrequently a complete down- throw of fifteen or twenty feet. These phenomena were particularly noticed at the Cliff known as 'Robinson's Folly.' "In the highest part of the island, back of Old Fort Holmes, the formation is much less brecciated, and exhibits an oolitic char- acter, as first observed in the township of Bedford, in Monroe County." . . . "The island of Mackinac shows the most indubitable evidence of the former preva- lence of the water to the height of two hun- dred and fifty feet above the present level of the lake; and there has been an unbrok- en continuance of the same kind of aqueous action from that time during the gradual subsidence of the waters to their present condition. No break can be detected in the evidences of this action from the present water-line upward for thirty, fifty, or one hundred feet, and even up to the level of the grottoes excavated in the brecciated materials of 'Sugar-loaf,' the level of 'Skull Cave,' and the 'Devil's Kitchen.' "While we state the fact, however, of the continuity of the action during all this peri- od, it is not intended to allege that the water of the lakes, as such, has ever stood at the level of the summit of Sugar-loaf. Nor do we speak upon the question wheth- er these changes have been caused by the subsidence of the lakes, or the uplift of the island and adjacent promontories. It is true that the facts presented bear upon these and other interesting questions; but we must forego any discussion of them " In a private communication to the writer, the author of these extracts states that, in his opinion, there has been some elevation of the island and adjacent regions, but more subsidence of the wa,ter. The island and neighboring promontories were once con- tinuous with each other, the isolation hav- ing been effected by denudation; "much of which," says the same eminent author, "was probably effected during the preva- lence of the continental glacial, and much during the time of flootJs following, and the action of the sea while the region was submerged." Springs of water, clear and MACKINAC ISLAND. 19 cold, may be found at the base of the high cliffs which bound many parts of the island, and also at other localities in its interior. The geology of the surrounding islands and promontories is much the same as that of this island. Robertson's Folly. S general ideas, descriptive and geological, we may now pro- ceed to visit the various places of interest. To aid the tourist in tinding these interesting localities we invite a little careful study of the map of the island found on pa^e 3. Fix- distinctly in the mind the fol- lowing localities: 1. Battle Grand. 2. Position of Ameri- can gun. 3. Position of Brit- ish gun. 4. Place of burial of the slain. 5. Parade ground. <3 FortMnckinac 7. Mission Hout^e. 8. Island House. With these points well fixed in mind, let us start at Fort Mackinac and follow the foot- path along the brow of the b bluff overlooking the eastern c part of the town. To the right s and below us we see the school « building, Island house, St. a Cloud house, several fine rest- " dences, the Catholic church ■". and a great number of small % dwelling houses . ^m ^ Fishing and hunting are most excellent in this locality. Black bass, pickerel, perch, etc., and wild fowl, are very abundant at most seasons of the year. Scammon's Harbor fetwelnTaSiiI Island and Boot Island, one of the Cheneux group. This is a secure harbor for vessels of a large size . The government works for the construction and repair of lighthouses, are located at this place. The entrance Is surrounded by high lands of a romantic character. This also is a fine fishing station. Mackinaw trout and white fish are taken in great abundance, and several fine speckled trout streams are near by on the main land. The residence of Father A. D. G. Piret was at the Cheneux. Father Piret owned a large tract of land in this locality, and came to be known before his death as the "Hermit of Les Cheneux." The land which he owned has now passed into the hands of Mackinac parties, who contemplate the ROUND ABOUT MACKINAC. 27 erection of a suitable hotel for the accom- modation of tourists at no distant day. Qaiilt Qto Ma rip ^^ situated on St. oaUll Oie mane Mary's River, be- tween Lakes Superior and Huron, sixty miles above the latter and fifteen miles be- low the former. It is ninety miles distant from Mackinac- The town is located on the American side just at the foot of the rapids, from which it takes its name. As oflficially reported when the last census was taken in 1880, two thousand and fifty souls composed its population. The town is grow- ing steadily, is the county seat of Chippewa county, and a port of entry. It is incorpo- rated as a village, has a president and com- mon council, a good fire department with steam fire engine, a Masonic lodge, and about the number and variety of business establishments usually found in towns of its size. It has an Episcopal chapel, Meth- odist and Presbyterian churches, and a large brick Catholic church just completed. Jesuit missionaries first visited" these falls in 1641. in 1668 the illustrious Father James Marquette established the first per- manent white settlement in Michigan on the site whereon this village now stands. Father Marquette only remained a short time at the "Soo," but Jesuit missions have been maintained with varying fortunes from that day down to the present, and two Jes- uit priests now officiate in the church and over the charge. An important post of the American Fur Company was established at this place at an early day, which served as a sort of head- quarters for the Lake Superior trade. This was not abandoned until 1848. The store and dock built by the company still stand. Fort Brady, situated a little above the town on the banks of the river, was estab- lished in 1823. This is a two, company fort, with large rolling parade grounds, and white, neatly kept barracks and officers' quarters, presenting a very pretty appear- ance from the river. The old Indian agency, built at an early date by Henry R. Schoolcraft, and occupied by him for many years, still stands on the bank of the river, and is one of the prettiest spots in the village. Two very ornamental buildings have re- cently been erected,— a stone court house costing $24,000 and a brick school house costing $10,000. The rapids near which the village lies descend twenty feet in three-fourths of a mile and are about three fourths of a mile wide. The scenery on either side is very beautiful. A cool breeze always fans the village from the rapids, no matter how hot may be the weather elsewhere. The chan- nels which separate the numerous islands that skirt the river banks, afford the finest trout fishing, while Indians, in bark canoes may always be seen strung along below the falls, catching white fish with scoop nets. The fish taken at the foot of the rapids are unusually fine. Indians can always be hired at reasonable prices to take tourists to the trout streams or over the rapids in their canoes. The canal for the passage of vessels around the rapids into Lake Superior is on the American side and is one mile long. There are two sets of locks. The first was completed in 1855, and consists of two locks 70 feet wide, 350 feet long, and twelve feet depth of water. The second, consisting of only one lock, was completed at a compara- tively recent date. This new lock is 80 feet wide and 560 feet long, and will lock through four of the largest vessels on the lakes, lifting them up eighteen feet in twenty minutes, all at one locking. This is said to be the finest piece of masonry in the United States. The gates are worked by hydraulic power. There is a fine section of farming country back of Sault Ste Marie, in which over 3,000 farmers have settled during the last ten years. Wheat raised in this section took the first prize at the last state fair. On the opposite side of the river is a handsome little town of about 800 inhabit- ants. This was formerly one of the most important posts of the Hudson Bay Com- pany, and is well worth visiting. The Sault is the starting point for coast- ing parties going into the Lake Superior region. A few of the points of interest accessible from the Sault are as follows: GARDEjST RIVER INDIAN RESERVATION and VILLAGE on the Canadian side, and Waiskai Bay Indian A^'illage on the Amer- ican side, about twelve miles above. ECHO LAKE, a beautiful hill-locked, clear lake, about fifteen miles below on the Can- adian side, reached by river two miles in length, connecting with large river, and navigable for small boats. The bluflTs about this lake are very precipitous, causing a peculiar echo which gives name to the lake. LITTLE RAPIDS, about one and one-half miles below on the American side, where the river divides, passing each side of Sugar Island. The swift, deep channels, twine in a confusing net-work around countless lit- tle islands, making a labyrinth which it would take days to explore fully. Trout, perch and sun fish are caught here, and ducks are numerous in their season. Point Aux Pais, six miles above, is a beautiful pine-covered point much fre- quented Point Iriquois, on the American side, and GROS CAP on the Canada side, are fifteen miles above at the entrance of Lake Superior. These points rise abruptly, the the former to the hight of 600 and the latter to the hight of 700 feet above the water. Lake trout are caught here by trolling. Taquamenau Bay is above this, into the head of which pours the rushing Taqua- 28 ROUND ABOUT MACKINAC. menau river, visited by Lorgfellow and immortalized in liis Hiawatha. Fifteen miles up this river are beautiful falls and rapids, descending in all about 100 feet. Guides and boats can be easily obtained to visit any of these points. The run up Sault Ste Marie river from Detour, occupying about a half day, is very pleasant, the scenery along the banks often being compared to the scenery along the Hudson. The boat passes into a labyrinth of islands, twisting and tui-ning amongst them in a must confusing manner, then into a broad, straight stream between level shores, then in a narrow gorge between bold bluffs, then out into an open lake fifteen miles wide, and then again between high hills. On the right you pass two large islands, on each of which is the remains of an old British fort. The first is Drum- mond's Island, which belongs to Michigan, and the second is St. Joseph's Island, be- longing to Canada. Each island supports a population of farmers. St InnaPP ^t)0'^t five miles northwest \ji. lyiiauc. Qf ^g jjgg ^^^^ enterprising town of St. Ignace. This town is very finely yet very singularly located. It extends in a sort of semi-circle around the head of East Moran Bay for a distance of three and one-half miles. At the extreme north end of the town is the extensive establishment of the Mackinaw lumber company, while at the extreme south end is the not less exten- sive establishment of the Martel furnace company. Lumber, shingles, lath, etc., etc, are manufactured on an extensive scale by the former of these two companies, while by the latter the native ore, as it is taken from the iron mines of the Upper Peninsula, is subjected to the grinding, melting, casting process, and fitted for use in the foundries of the country. Gathered about each of these two establishments is a little berg or village, with stores, shops, residences, etc., etc., aufficient for the ac- commodation of the few scores of individ- uals who are especially interested in them. Between these two establishments, and forming almost a continuous line from the one to the other, is the main part of the town. There is scarcely a business place, and but very few residences comparatively, which are not located along the beach on one side or the other of tflie very fine drive- way, which runs from ten to fifty feet from the water's edge. Thus the town is all long and almost no wide at all. There is scarcely a town in the state which can boast of a more^iextended water front. From 40 to 150 feet back from the water's edge the land rises, in some places abruptly, in others more gradually, to the height of from 20 to 50 feet, thus forming a terrace or table land most admirably and charmingly adapted for residences. Upon this table land some fine dwellings have already been erected, while many others are in process of erection. The population of St. Ignace numbers some 2,500 souls, and is composed of French, Indians, half-breeds, etc-, etc., who are the old residents of the town, and the much larger and much more enterprising "live Yankee," "Young America" population, which has settled there within the last six or eight years. There are about the usual number and variety of business places and much more than the usual amount of busi- ness done, A good Methodist church has been erected during the present year, and a Oongregational church is soon to be built. The Catholic church is one of the oldest buildings in the place, yet kept in good re- pair. In a historical point of view, St Ignace is one of the most interesting localities in the state. It was settled in 1 671 by Father James Marquette, and for more than a quarter of a century was really the center of everything of interest in the at that time wilderness of Michigan . During this period it contained a garrison of about 200 well disciplined soldiers, with a tine fort of pick- ets and "about sixty houses which formed a street in a strait line." Some six or seven thousand savages dwelt- in villages near by. There was a Jesuit mission and college, with an unbroken succession of Jesuit priests. The lands adjacent were cleared and well cultivated, and a sufficient quan- tity of Indian corn was produced for the use of both the French and savage inhabi- tants. The town continued to fiourish until some aispute arose between Cadilac, the commander at the fort, and the Jesuits, when the former repaired to France, where he received a commission to establish De- troit, which he did in 1701. Subsequent to this date the town declined until 1706, when the Jesuits became discouraged, burned down their college and chapel, and re- turned to Quebec The garrison was re- established in 1814, but on the south side of the straits at Old Mackinaw, now Macki- naw City. It was from St. Ignace that Father Mar- quette set out on the 17th day of May, 1678, in search of the Mississippi river. The good father had learned much of this river from the Indian tribes among whom he had labored, and had earnestly longed to see it with his own eyes. It was therefore with delight that he set out upon the journey. It was to this point that bis bones were brought back in 1677, two years after his death at what is now Ludington, and bur- ied in a little vault in the middle of the chapel which he himself had constructed, and at the altar of which he himself had often officiated. After the chapel was burned down by the discouraged mission- aries in 1706, the final resting place of Mar- quette was entirely lost sight of and the town ceased to be of any importance. Marquette Monument, ^fg^ years ROUND ABOUT MACKINAW. 29 ago the site where the chapel had stood was discovered, and excavations made which resulted in finding some fragments of the birch-bark colhn in which the bones were interred, and also some small pieces of the bones of the much-lamented missionary and discoverer. These were carefully pre- served by tlie priest of the place as sacred relics, and since that time an association has been formed for the purpose of erecting a suitable monument to his memory. An admirer of Marquette, in speaking of this matter, says: "The end, men propose to themselves,is seldom the end they reach. God works through them and plans over them. Marquette meant the Christianization of a handful of savages and the aggrandizement of his king. He opened to the .vorld the gigantic commerce of half a continent. They prepared the soil for the growth of an in- dependent people, greater than any of the past . But though that is our destiny, let us not be de- ceived. It is not greatness of numbers, but of quality, which alone should occupy this splendid New World. It is not advancement only, but advancement in the spirit of nobleness, which is real progress. We mast go, as Marquette went, eager for knowledge, for discovery, ever for new and material gain on the one hand, but, on the other, not less eager for truth, for freedom, for justice, for the helping of every man we meet. And if the proposed monument to this simple miles distant from this point. The country is heavily timbered with maple, beech and black birch and is excellent for farming purposes. The road then passes through some cedar swamps. Good cedar grows in abundance on both sides of Carp river Palmer station is 13 miles from 8t. Ignace! Thirty-two miles from St. Ignace are the second kilns of the Martel furnace compa- ny. This company is clearing about 1000 acres per year and converting its timber into charcoal. Trout Lake statioi) is i'(J miles from 8t. Ignace. The soil is sandy and the timber largely pine and hemlock in the locality. To the west of the station a short distance are five lakes from .] to 1 mile in length which are full of troui and other fish. Deer and other game abound m the forests. These lakes are about 250 feet above Lake Huron. East of these Jakes is a belt of timbered land. The soil is a splendid clay marl. The wheat which took the first prize at the last state fair was grown in this sec- tion of the state. McMillan fiS miles from St. Ignace is the most promising town on the line of the road. The road at this point skirts the hard laud. For ] of a mile back from the road the land rises 100 feet and then is somewhat hilly. Between this and Lake Michigan isa belt of beautiful farminglaud, istique -^s long fest destiny into spiritual conquest, that monu- ^.^J2''' ^i^lY^^^ ??"^'-^ «^?P'"g ^^^ t^igh priest, who never dreamed of worldly honors, To the south and west are the Man is in ue shal keep this thought n the mind of a nation i^^kes the largest of which is six inilllloZ not too prone to translate the doctrine of mam- k„ f^„„ „.;^„ _.:ii ..i._ ... . "^*J^» /uug ment may weU be builded." I «? .Mirlv m«n ! ^^fj^^.^^t^t'^^^K^"^"""^" This association is officered by men of ^^uV^^^^ ^,^P'^ .^^^^^^ ^^f^, a wood means and culture, and it is confidently ^^/,^^/'''^^^\P/^,^^°^^^^ expected that ere long on some suitable spot !'I?^e'i^-^„J?,^«.^,«"^^^^^ bf°g r^Pidly . T. . , .. .. ., ^ ... '^ . settled, ana is destined soon to contain a large agricultural population. All kinds of vegetables grow in luxuriant abundance Six miles beyond McMillan is the northeast in the vicinity of the straits a monument will be erected which will appropriately commemorate the illustrious deeds of the humble missionary. The first event which gave new life and importance to St. Ignace was the election of the Mackinaw lumber company's mill. The second was the erection of the Martel furnace in anticipation of the early com- pletion of the Detroit, Mackinaw and Mar- quette railroad, but the main thing which has given new life aud importance to the town is the completion of this railroad. Already the amount of ore, telegraph poles, lies, square timber, etc., which is brought tfc> St, Ignace over this road for shipment is simply immense. The soil about St. Ignace is peculiar. It is a rocky, gravelly, rotten limestone formation which produces well- Vegeta- bles of very excellent quality are abundant. No curculio trouble the plums. Out five miles, beds of gypsum extend across the j)oiut. Ten miles up the road are the first kilns; on the east side of the track and just beyond is Moran station. Brevoort Lake, branch of the Manistique river. From this point the road runs through open marshes interspersed with sand ridges but all on ,a good grade toward the streams which are the diflerent branches of the Manistique. A large amount of good pine is found on these streams. At Munisy the' road rises on the water shed between lakes Michigan and Superior, which hugs the latter lake very closely through this portion of the peninsula. From this point to Manistique but little of interest presents itself except the very fine views of Lake Superior which frequently greet you as you are borne rap- idly along your journey. Xorth from St. Ignace is the blufT called Rabbit Sitting, and still further north Carp and Pine rivers which afford excellent piscatorial sport for the disciples of Isaac Walton. Mackinaw City. On the northern apex of the lower Peninsula famous for its fine fishing, is only two about eight miles distantjfrom from Mack- 30 ROUND ABOUT MAKINAC inac Island and five miles from St. Ignace, is located the historic "Mackinaw City' or Old Mackinaw as it is known in history. The first permanent white settlement at the straits as we have already seen was at St. Ignace in 1671 . This was thirty years before Cadillac founded Detroit. After the founding of Detroit, a dispute arose be- tween Cadillac and the Jesuits, the former insisting upon a concentration of French interests in the west at Detroit, the latter urging the French Gi-overnment to maintain its post at Mackinaw. The Jesuits did all in their power to prevent the Indians re- moving to Detroit while Cadillac held out every inducement to prevail upon them to desert their villages and settle in the vicin- ity of the new fort and so far succeeded, that in I706,the Jesuits became discouraged burned down their college and chapel and returned to Quebec. Within a few years however the fort was re-established or | rather a new fort was established at Old Mackinaw instead of St. Ignace. I But little is known of the history of this 1 point from 1721 when it was visited by ! Father Charlevoix, the historian of New j France down to 1760 when the whole coun- try passed forever out of the hands of the Frencli into the hands of the English as the result of the bloody war which was brought to a close in the decisive victory, gained by the English over the French on the hights of Abraham at Quebec. The French and Indians had lived on terms of the greatest intimacy. They had slept in the same wigwams, joined in the same chase and shared the same privations, until the Indians had come to regard the French as their best friends. This being the case the Indians rose in arms to prevent the English from taking possession of the country. Under the Leadership of Pontiac all the tribes of the lake region were banded together for the purpose of exterminating the English at one blow. When the fatal blow was struck nine out of the twelve military posts scat- tered around the lakes were utterly de- stroyed, the fort at Old Mackinaw among the number. While Pontiac was the author of the gen- eral scheme by which his conspiracy was to be carried into effect, the particular plan by which Fort Michilimackinac was to be sur- prised and its garrison barbarously massa- cred, must have been born in the brain of some Mackinaw chieftain. According to this plan all the Indians gathered around the Fort, making themselves as friendly and agreeable as possible, in order to allay suspicion. This ingathering took place a few days prior to the 4th of June, which was the King's birthday. On that day, as if to celebrate the event, all the tribes joined in a game of bailor baggatiway just outside the Fort, for a high wager. This game was the most exciting sport in which the red men could engage. At the beginning of the game the main body of the players assemble half-way be- tween the two posts. Every eye sparkles and every cheek is already aglow with ex- citement. The ball is tossed high in the air, and a general struggle ensues to secure it as it descends. He who succeeds starts for the goal of the adversary holding it high above his head. The opposite party, with merry yells, are swift to pursue. His course is interrupted, and rather than see the ball taken from him, he, throws it, as the boy throws a stone from a sling, as far toward the goal of his adversary as he can. An adversary in the game catches it, and sends it whizzing back in the opposite di- rection. Hither and thither it goes ; now far to the right, now as far to tlie left; now near the one, now as near the other goal; the whole band crowding continually after it in the wildest confusion, until, "finally, some agile figure, more fleet of foot than others, succeeds in bearing it to the goal of the opposite party. Persons now living upon this island, who have frequently seen this game played by the Indians, and themselves participated in it, inform the writer that often a whole day is insufficient to decide the contest. When such is the case, the following day is taken, and the game begun anew. As many as six or seven hundred Indians sometimes engage in a single game, while it may be played by fifty. In the heat of the contest, when all are running at their greatest speed, if one stumbles and falls, fifty or a hundred who are in close pursuit and unable to stop, pile over him forming a mound of human bodies; and frequently players are so bruis- ed as to be unable to proceed in the game. This game, with its attendant noise and violence, was well calculated to divert the attention of officers and men, and thus per- mit the Indians to take possession of the fort. To make their success more certain, they prevailed upon as many as they could to come out of the fort, while at the same time their squaws wrapped in blankets, be- neath which they concealed the murderous weapons, were placed inside the inclosure. The plot was so ingeniously laid that no one suspected danger. The discipline of the garrison was relaxed, and the soldiers per- mitted to stroll about and view the sport without weapons of defense. And even when the ball, as if by chance, was lifted hieh in the air, to descend inside the pickets, and was followed by four hundred savages, all eager, all struggling, all shouting, in the unrestrained pursuit of a rude, athletic ex- ercise, no alarm was felt until the shrill war-whoop told the startled garrison that the slaughter had actually begun. Nearly the entire garrison was indiscrim- inately massacred after which the fort was ROUND ABOUT MACKINAC removed to the Island for greater protection against the Indians. Among those who miraculously escaped was Alexander Henry, an English trader, whose own account of the scenes through which he passed reads more like romance than truth. After the massacre and subse- •quent removal of the fort to the island, Old Mackinaw dropped almost entirely out of sight until about thirteen years ago, when Edgar Conklin removed to the straits, as narrated in our introductory, and began the work of building a city by constructing a good dock. A visit to this locality is of rare interest to the tourist, not so much for the magnificent proportions of the town as for the historical associations that cluster around it. Phohnunon About eighteen miles south l^lieuuygdll. ^nd east from Mackinaw City, and the same distance from Mackinac Island is Clieboygan- The town has a most advantageous location at the mouth of tlie Cheboygan river, and is growing rapidly. The number of buildings are said to have doubled within the last two years. The business interests of the town are repre- sented by eight saw mills, two planing mills, one shingle mill, one bank, twelve hotels, thirteen grocery and provision stores, twelve dry got)ds and clothing stores, five meat markets, three tailor- ing establishments, eight mil- linery stores, three hardware stores, four drug stores, three jewelryan Kishkonko. In 1843 these names were chan"^ed to Em- met and Charlevoix, but the coun- ties were not fully organized un- til several years later. A Mor mon writer gives the following account of the Indian population of the county in 1854: Indian Population of Em- _. _x There arc in Emmet five Indian Ulcla villages:— Garden Island. Cross Village, Middle Village, Le Arbor Croche, and Bear Village, containing in all a popu- lation of about two thousand. The Garden Island Indians formerly re- sided on the north end of Beaver Island, and have removed to Garden within six years. A majority of the males and many of the females can read, and some of them write in their own language. Very few, none but the children, speak English. They are skillful fishermen, and pay some at- tention to agriculture and the mechanic arts. A few years ago they were excessive- ly dissipated; but now, owing to the sup- pression of the liquor trade, are sober and industrious. They are in better circum- stiiuces than any other band in the State. A Roman Catholic Priest visits them once a year. They have a church, and are very devout In the absence of the Priest, one of the head men reads service. A few, how- ever, remain Pagans. Cross Village lies on the ton of a high blurt', at the bottom of the broad Bay, South of Point Waugo-shance. A Roman Cath- olic Priest resides there, who receives his support from the United States, under the character of a school teacher. The Indians at Cross Village are considerable farmers, and keep many horses and some cattle. They are respectable workmen at house building, boat building and coopering, and have a saw mill. Changing frequently from well constructed houses to the hunter's camjj, pulmonary diseases prevail. Middle Village is on the bluff back of Isle le Galet (8killagalee) light house, and is much such a place as Cross Village. Near the head of Little Traverse, and upon a splendid harbor tbat makes up in quantities of corn and potatoes for sale, and, besides th business and employments common among the Indians, have a well built vessel of thirty or forty tons burthen, constructed, owned and navigated by themselves. Bear Village is on the South side of Little Traverse, aiJd is an out station of Le Arbor Croche. Its agriculture is considerable. All these villages are engagca in fishing er- quantities lor domestic use, ana aunng me winter more or less are taken through the ice. Tho Raw I-iittle Traverse Bay isabout I ne Ddy. ^ miies long. At its mouth it is about six miles wide, buc its undu- lating shores gradually approach each other 36 THE LITTLE TRAVERSE REGION. r until they are only two miles apart when they turn upon a common centre and form the head of the bay in a half circle. The bay is enclosed by high table lands or high- er hills that approach the water in a suc- cession of natural terraces or abrupt bluffs. These terraces and bluffs have apparently been crowded back from the water's edge by the formative process, arranging them- selves into one vast amphitheatre, having an elevation of 200 feet above the surface of the bay. PptncUpv ^^ ^^^ south side, and not rciuoivcy. more than two miles from the head of the bay at the foot of high ' Lake, empties into the bay at this point. bluffs, yet at an elevation of about 50 feet above the wa- ter, is that modern town of rapid growth, called in hon- or of an aged Indian, who now resides in the outskirts of the town, Petoskey. A more romantic location for a town could scarcely be imagined Chas. Hallock, Esq , thus speaks of it : "If we are out in a boat on the bay and look in toward the land, we perceive that Petoskey occupies a series of picturesque undulations that spread out on either hand, and rises to the rear in the form of an amphi- theatre. A lofty limestone cliff flanks . the town on the west. Its top is CO crowned with trees, among which J-; are discovered the tents of many va- r^ cation tourists who are ''camping Q out." Behind them rises an over- Hr< topping eminence, dotted with pre- tentious villas of wealthy residents. From the verge of this cliff the out- look is superb. Across, five miles distant, is the ridge of hills that line the opposite side of the Little Traverse Bay. These sweep round in a sym- metrical curve to the head of the bay two miles to the right, and then fol- low the hither shore until they rise and terminate in the cliff' on which we stand. •'AH along in that direction, as far as sight can reach, we can trace the white line ot the pebbly shore limned against the green of the hills; and then from the base of our cliff" in a sweep of two miles or more to the left in the form of a crescent, ending in a wooded point. Tree-covered hills slope gently back and upward from the beach, and pretty cottages peep out from among their branches. The principal part of the town lies in the bowl of the amphitheatre, from which a practicable road leads through a ravine to the long pier which projects from the hollow of the crescent into the bay. This pier gives additional character and life to the scenery. "Petoskey offers consiaerable at- trai_tl(juff to suiumer vititurs who may dcbire to make it headquarters lor side excursions. For local out-of-door amusemeuts there are boating, sail- ing, bathing, and fishing in the bay; walks and iuvestigntious along the beach ; picnics iu the groves ; drives to Bear Lake, Round Lake and Crooked Lake— all of which contain bass and pickerel; and hourly excursions by steamer across the bay to Harbor Springs, an Indian res- ervation, where the red man luxiuiates after his own red fashion. The city of Petoskey honors the name of one of the high-toned of these aboriginals, who still lives and occupies a large two-story frame house near the mouth of the Bear River, on the outskirts of the town." Petoskey has a water front of about one and one-half miles and extends inland about the same distance. It has a population of about 2,500, is six years old, is growing rap- idly, is well supplied with hotels, schools, churches and miscella neous business places; has ajgoodlsyste m of walei|wciks, &c., &c. Bear Creek, which is the outlet of Bear H THE LITTLE TRAVERSE REGION. 37 The current of the stream is very rapid, affording ex- cellent water power for manufacturing purposes. Ddy view, Giove and Martha's Vineyard of tlie north, combined in one, is but a short distance from Petoskey. Of the histor3s purposes and prospects of the association, which owns this resort, Rev. S. Reed, the Sect. , writes as follows: The Methodists in Michigan, after thoroughly examining all points offered to them as a site for a State Camp Ground and Summer Residence ac- cepted from the Grand Kap- ids and Indiana railroad com- pany a tract of land lying at the head of Little Traverse Bay, from one to two miles from the village of Petoskey. The selection has proved to be a very fortunate one, and the two-fold purpose had in view is being fully realiz- ed. Though but six years have passed since its location it has become remarkably popular with western people, while increasing numbers from the more southern states are seeking the benefits it affords. BPEAEEB S STAND, BAY VIEW BAILKOAD STATION, BAY VIEW. The Michigan Camp Ground Association now numbers over ;^00 members and the number is increasing every year. Nothing but a good mor- al character is required as a test of membership, and the membership fee which is $10. Each member is entitled to select and hold by lease two lots on the ground, the an- nual rent for which is ^o per lot. Special accommodations in trav- el to and from Bay View are giv- en to the members and their families by presentation of cer- tificate from the secretaryby near- ly all railroads of the state, while to the public round trip tickets have thus far been sold at one fare during the sessions of the camp meetings. The Association owns in fee simple 360 acres of land extend- ing about one and one-fourth miles along the beach and half a mile back. The land rises from the bay in natural terraces which afford delightful sit«s for resi- dences. More than half the land has been platted into lots, and over 250 lots have already been leased. On about half of these, cottages are already built. Thus far the cost of the cottages varies from *-J0O to SIOOO, while they vary still more widely in style, some being quite ornate and others characteristically plain. The Bay View hotel and audi- torium, and a large number of the cottages are supplied with water through pii^es from a cold and never failing spring that issues from a hillside 60 to 70 feet 38 THE LITTLE TRAVERSE REGION SUMMEK COTTAGE AT BAY TIEW. above the platted grounda. The pipes can easily be extended to other parts of the grounds. This spring, called Pisgah spring, is of inestimable yalue to the encampment. But it is needless to enlarge upon the points that combine to make Bay View the most at- tractive Christian summer home in all the north- west. The bay itself is a gem of beauty; the ground, delightful ; climate, healthful ; air, pure ; water, excellent ; expenses, reasonable ; forests, grand ; material, abundant ; access, convenient ; depot and dock, on the ground ; daily boats and trains ; rates, reduced ; lots, large ; rents, small ; society, good ; membership,increasing ; privileges, abundant ; government firm yet sufficiently flexi- ble ; plans, far reaching contemplating nothing temporary but permanent, valuable, safe. The present officers of the Association are : President — S. O. Knapp, Esq., Jackson, Mich.; First Vice-President — Rev.A.P.Moors, Coldwater, Mich.; Second Vice-President, Kev. W. H. Shier, Flint, Mich.; Secretary— Rev. S. Eeed, Owosso, Mich. ; Treasurer — D.Preston, Esq., Detroit, Mich. By Laws of the Association and any needed information will be cheerfully furnished on appli- cation to the secretary. Uarhni* Qnmnnc On the north side of naruor springs, ^i^e bay, and about four miles distant from Petoskey and Bay View, is located the little Village of Harbor Springs, formerly Little Traverse- This is the county seat of Emmet county. The village is located on a beautiful harbor formed by Harbor Point, a narrow penin- sula, projecting into the Bay and enclosing a surface of a mile in length and half a mile in width. It is this small bay that gives the place its Indian name of We-que-ton- sing, a name since appropriated by one of the adjacent resorts. The harbor shore is a pebbly beach.washed by waters of such crystal purity that fish and other objects are plainly visible upon the bottom at a depth of from thirty to fifty feet. All along the water's edge are large springs, from which gush streams of water as clear as air, and only twelve or fourteen degrees above the freezing point. Had the Spanish explorer who searched the wilder- ness of Florida for the myth- ical fountain of perpetual youth turned his attention in this direction, his search would not have been entirely in vain. The health-renewing properties of these waters are almost mar- velous. Many visitors to this lo- cality ascribe their rapid im- provement in health and strength as much to the purity of these waters as to the well- known bracing and exhilarat- ing effects of the atmosphere. The land rises from the water lome ten or fifteen feet, and is then almost perfectly level, thus making an unrivaled location for the business portion of the town. Back of this flat, parallel to, and at a distance of from fifty to sixty rods from the beach, rises an abrupt bluff, seventy-five or a hundred feet in height. This is followed by a sec- ond plateau, diversified by a succession of terraces, affording fine building sites for residences. A small trout brook, starting from springs at the foot of the bluff, winds its way across the lower flat ana flows into the harbor. Harbor Springs is so situated that the raw winds are excluded by the hills, and the warm land breeze tempered by passing over several miles of water. This accounts for the fact that the mercury invariably indicates greater regularity here than at any point in the vicinity where observa- tions have ever been made. The authentic as well as the legendary history of the place is full of interest. Pieces of ancient crockery have been found here, indicating that it was once a stopping place frequented by the extinct race of Mound Builders, on their journeys from Mexico to the Lake Superior mines. For ages it has been a camping ground for the Indians, for whom it was well situated, its harbor being secure and abounding in fish. At the time of Marquette, the principal village of the Ottawas was L'Arbre Croche. It is said that they were finally induced to leave that place and establish themselves at Harbor Springs by the advice of a Cath- olic priest, who may have seen, with pro- phetic eye, the future importance of the place. It was something' like seventy or eighty years ago that a rude church was erected and used as a place of worship for a number of years, until the present structure took its place. Gradually the bark lodges and wigwams gave place to substantial cabins, and savage barbarism to a fair de- gree of civilization and enlightenment. For many years this was a central point for the payment of annuities, and was a trading post only exceeded in importance by Mack- inac. The march of civilization has not yet THE LITTLE TRAVERSE REGION. 39 effaced the marks of its occupancy by the Indians. There are many Indian residents left, the oldest of whom retain all the marked characteristics of their race. Here and there are dilapidated block houses, roofed with bark and fenced with palisades. Many of the original feasts and ceremonies of the tribe are still observed. There are many curious legends concerning the place, one of the most weird of which relates to Devil's Pond, an innocent-looking pool near the portage of Harbor Point, where the Indians solemnly believe the Bad Spirit dwelt UHtil frightened away by the noise of the white man's saw mill. The scenery in the vicinity of Harbor Springs is beautiful. From the bluff one sees at his feet a picturesque village, the marked contrast between the old and new buildings bearing mute testimony to the the unequal struggle between the races. Next is the harbor. No lovelier sheet of water ever reflected in its placid bosom the drifting clouds and silent stars. Every tree and leaf-embowered cottage of Harbor Point, and every tint of foliage, is mirrored wiih perfect distinctnese, while the deep- ening shadows upon the water so blend with the shade of the shore that the divid- ing line is scarcely discernible. Beyond is the open bay, occasionally undisturbed save by long, unbroken swells, but usually touch- ed with here and there a dash of white, and at times tossing and foaming as though en- raged, filling the harbor with the winged messengers of commerce seeking shelter from the gale. The encompassing shores rise in a succession of wooded hills, rolling far back inland, and becoming more and more shadowy and indistinct, until, seen through the haze of a summer's day, the furthest summit thirty miles away, seems but a cloud of smoke. Bay Tiew looks out from the trees of the opposite shore, Petos- key lies spread out upon the hillside, and to the right is the broad expanse of Lake Michigan, bounded only by the horizon. The summer visitor will find here a vari- ety of amusements. The roads are good for a new country, and afford pleasant drives. The fishing in the harbor is excellent, and the most unskillful angler can secure large strings of fine palatable fish. Being com- pletely land-locked, it gives amateur yachts- men and boatmen an opportunity to enjoy a row or sail with perfect security. The beach is strewn with pebblen, among which are found many fine specimens, including beautiful agates and curious petref actions. The surf of the bay and the quiet harbor, each in its way, is unsurpassed for bathing. On one side of the village is Harbor Point, and on the other is We-que-ton-sing resort. Both are reached by a short row or walk, and their presence adds much to the desirability of the place as a summer home. Among the principal attractions for tour- ists is the Indian church, time-worn and weather-beaten, the interior showing the distinctive traits of savagery which religion has failed to eradicate, and the church-yard filled with the departed brave and good, in whose remembrance the wooden crosses and headboards are each year decorated with wreaths of gaudy, artificial flowers. The accommodations for visitors have been greatly increased and will no doubt be fully adequate to the wants of all who may visit this delightful resort. The vil- lage is connected with the outer world by a telegraph line, and the railroad is in process of construct i(ni . Wp niiP tnn Qinn This beautiful resort V¥e-que-lOn-bmg. belongs to an associ- ation of Presbyterians organized in 1878, and is located on the north side of Little Traverse Bay, one mile east of Harbor Springs. The grounds, consisting of eighty acres, were formally opened to the public July 17, 1878, when Hon. Schuyler Colfax delivered [ his famous address on Abraham Lincoln. The object of the association is to im- prove and make attractive its grounds, for the use t>f its members and their guests who wish a pleasant, healthful and inex- pensive place to spend the summer months. The hotel, erected in 187S, has been im- proved and greatly enlarged, affording bet- ter accommodations than in 1880, when the manager could scarcely furnish rooms to all applicants. The grounds have been thor- I oughly cleaned, and walks and drives laid out. There are a score or more of cottages now upon the grounds. Approaching this resort by water, a picture of exceeding beauty lies before vou. The ground riseg 40 THE LITTLE TRAVERSE REGION. in gentle terraces and is covered with a luxuriant grow th of tree?. What a comfort for a tired workman to lie in a hammock under the trees, and read, or look up at the lace-work which the leaves and branches embroider against the sky, or out over the bay— beautiful at all times and glorious in some moods. " How sweet to dwell, unvexed with care and strife. Where no rude sound disturbs the tranquil dream, The sacred calm on earth and azure lying; Where mellowed murmur? of each laughing stream That glances wanton in the glistening beam, Tlie wood bowers wakened to a soft replying, Or hushed, as listening to thy farewell sighing, AH weave enchanted dream." The resort takes its name from that given by the Indians to the small bay upon which the village of Harbor Springs is located. The new association starts out with a capi- tal stock of $.5,000, with nower to increase to $10,000. The stock, which has been read- ily taken, Is divided into shares of $25 each, and no person is permitted to take less than one, nor more than eight shares. Four shares entitle a person to one lot, and eight shares to two lots, free from future assessments. The financial condition of the new associ- ation is quite flattering; its grounds, hotel and other property are free from debt, and it has $3,500 to place in its treasury when- ever called for. Its object is to more fully carry out the plans of the old association. It is of a private character, its stock being sold only to such persons as are approved of its Board of Directors, and it can be transferred only with their consent. Uorhni* Pnin-f The Harbor Point Asso- ndl UOr ruini. elation owns a tract of land which seems particularly adapted by nature for a summer resort. It adjoins the village of Harbor Springs, and comprises some fifty acres, jutting out into the bay for a mile, and being sixty rods in width at the base, and narrowing gradually to a few rods in width at the apex in the bay. The land is high and rolling, and is covered with a fine growth of beautiful young trees, forming a park which, for natural beauty, is rarely excelled. On either side the beach is covered with clean white sand, and gently slopes to the water's edge. On one side the water is quiet, and for many feet from the shore is shallow, thus affording excellent facilities for boating and still bathing. On the other side a beautiful surf is almost incessantly rolling, formed by a full sweep from the clear and sparkling waters of the lake as they roll into the bay, and here is surf bathing unsurpassed any- where unless ir, be at some of the favorite ocean resorts. Thus situated, the grounds of the Harbor Point Association afford a delightful water- front of over two miles in extent, and being nearly surrounded by water, it is always cool and comfortable. During the brief time which has elapsed, since the asssociation was formed exten- sive improvements have been made to their property. About one-half of the tract has been platted and laid out into circu- itous walks and drives; a fine hotel has been erected, and several handsome cot- tages already adorn the grounds. The capital stock of the association is $10,000, the most of which has already been sold. The stock is sold only in shares of $100, which entitles the owner to the use of a lot for a cottage, and board at the hotel at as near cost as may be deemed consistent by the Board of Directors. About $10,500 have been expended in im- proving the grounds and building cottages. This association is of a private character, its stock being sold only to such persons as are approved by the Board, and transferred only with their consent, the design being to make the resort such that all the stock- holders with their families, may be gath- ered together into one circle, and surround- ed with the sacredness and purity of home. The hotel will be open for the reception of such as may desire a delightful retreat under these auspices ; and we promise that the means of enjoyment there are legion. The distances are: Four miles to Petos- key (across the bay) ; one mile to tlae Pres- byterian resort; and half a mile to Little Traverse village. CH A R L E V O I X, w r^!': IGHTEEN miles ■l&iKiSSI"' "'^st and south ; l^alis) from Petoskey, on the shores of Lake Michigan, is lo- cated the charming vil- lage of Charlevoix. It is reached by steamer from Traverse City or Petoskey or by stage ride of six miles from Boyne Falls. on the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad to Boyne City, at the head of Pine Lake, and thence bj' small steamer through Pine and Round Lakes and Pine River. The location of the village on both banks of Pine River, and on the high bluffs over- looking Lake Michigan is most delightful. Pine River is one of the shortest streams in the world, reaching only from Round Lake to Lake Michigan, a distance of not more than a half mile, but is sufficiently broad and deep to permit the passage of the largest lake vessels into the beautiful inland lakes that lie just back of the village The citizens of the village have always shown a com- mendable pride in the de- velopment of its industries, the care of their homes, the religious and educational cul- ture of their families, and the general attractions of the place The markets and stores are well stocked with the necessaries and luxuries of life. The village is not so small as to cut one off from the comforts of life, or so large as to be cursed with a rowdy element that might prove very annoying to those who desire quiet for rest and recreation. It an area of noi nmrt- uuui .ti acres, lying about may be thought a disadvantage that the place is midway between Lake Michigan and Pine Lake. without direct railroad communication, but this It is connected with the fnrmer by Pine River. inconvenience is compensated for by the fact and with the latter by an artificial channel wide that the town is spared the influx of immoral enough and deep enough to admit the e!sy pas- and otherwise disturbing elements that never fail sage of the largest lake vessels Pine Lake is a to haunt the villages and towns along the line of beautiful sheet of water stretchin-j east and the railroads. ' south to tlie distance of some 20 miles About Round Lake is a small body of water covering five miles out the lake divides into two arms, the 42 CHARLEVOIX. MAIN STEEET, OHA.ELEVOIX. south arm extending as its name implies, south to the distance of some 16 miles. Into the finger end of the south arm flows the Jordan River of which we shall learn more further on. The scenery about these lakes is grand. lu 1865, long before any one ever thought of locat- ing a summer resort in this locality, Prof. Win- chell, then State Geologist, in one of his publish- ed reports said : "From the foot of Pine Lake a scene of surpassine loveliness presents itself. "We land, perhaps, upon the wharf at tbe month of Pine river. Before us is a sandy slope, on the left of which we discover the usual fea- tures of a new settlement. Beyon . is the forest. It is a pleasant October morning, however, and we follow the well-beaten road through the fresh clearings which stretch out for about a mile inland. We emerge from a screen of forest trees and find ourselves standing upon an elevated bluft' overlooking as lovely a sheet of water as the sun ever shone upon. You feel almost a transport of delight in emerging so suddenly from the depths of the habitual forest iuto a prospect so vast, so gentle in its fea- tures, so delicate in its tints, and so glowing in the sun- shine of a fair October morning. Far away to the south- east, for fifteen miles, stretches the placid, smiling surface of the water, its white and pebbly shore chasing the con- tour of the hills in all its meandering sinuosities. The verdant ridges rise on every side from the shining shore line, and hold the lake in their enchanted embrace, while rounded hill-tops bubble up in rapid succession across the retiring landscape, till hill, vale, and sky, green, pur- ple and blue, dissolve together in the blended hues of the distant horizon. Charlevoix Summer JKesort. Between Round and Pine Lakes and south of the main channel which connects them, is located the Charlevoix Summer Resort The grounds of the resort comprise about 75 acres, and rise by three natural and well-defined terraces from Pine Lake. The two lower terraces are sufficiently wide for cottage lots, with a broad walk in front, while the upper terrace stretches far away in a level plat- teau, from which glimpses of Lake Michigan are obtained . More than half of the tract is cleared land, other parts being thinly wooded, and the por- tion farthest from the water being covered with heavy timber, while in the rear of the whole the dense woods extend to a great distance. A handsome hotel has been erected on an eligible site from which a charming view of the bright blue waters reaching away to the south- east is obtained. A goodly num- ber of beautiful cottages also stand upon the terraces overlooking the lake. A music hall ,30x.50 feet, a bowling alley 80 feet long, side- walks, fences, &c., &c., have been built this season An f 800 piano has been placed in the Music Hall. The company owning this resort was organized on the 21st day of May, 1878, under the statute laws of Michigan. ^ BOARD OF DIRECTORS. President, P. Ranney. Vice President. D. B. Merrill. Secretary, G. E. Bardeen, of Kala- mazoo. Treasurer, E. Wnodbnry. Directors.— H. W Pitr", S A Gib- son, H. F. Weimrr, I D. Bixby, O. M. Allen. COMMITTEE.S. Entertainment and Beliaicnis Meetings -I.D. Bixby, Prof. Brooks, E. Olney, Lt. U., G. E. Bardeen, Mrs. Van Vleck, Mrs. Haddock. Transportation. Excursions find Printing —V. Ran- ney, J. T. R. McKay, S. A. Gibson, J. E. Howarrl. D. A. Waterman. Sanitary Precaution.— O. M. Allen, H F.W< inier, G'O. Smiley, G. W. Gay, E Woodbury. Hotel. Boats, and Laundry.— I.D . Bixby. G. E. Bar- deen, D. B. Merrill. Finance. — P. Ranney, O. M. Allen, I D. Bixby. Lots, Grounds and But!akota, on the Northern I'acilic Railroad, and not less than seven hundred miles nearer to the markets of the seaboard. This fact alone assuring a Handsome Protit in the one item of Transportation. All correspondence relating to the land department should be addressed to W. O. STRONG, Land Commissioner, 39 IVewbcrry &. ITIcniillaii Biiildiug^, Detroit, ITIicli. LAND BOARD : Fbanois Palms. John s. Newbebry, Fbed'k E, Dbiggs. Qi o W^ m m CAN BE mm WITHOUT THE USE OF KNIFE, CAU- STICS, OR LOSS OF BLOOD. Abundant city referencesof cures furnished at oflSce. Delays are Dangerous. Call or write at once. Consultation Free. r>R, DeCOTJ, 254 WOODWARD AVENUE, • • DETROIT, MICH. T«i H'hoin it M«f Conr.Hrii. I am personally acquainted with Dr. Deijou, have seen and talked with those whom he has cured and am fully satisfied that he is in every way an honorable man and that his method of treatment is a decided success. J. A. V4N FLKKT. Kditor Lever. SOMETHING NEW. pme4 $10. g Every Family its own Physician ELLIS' Avoidable Causes of Disease is one of the best works on Hygiene and Laws of health ever published. Price $2 . ELLIS' Family Guide and Information for everybody, (244 pages) discusses Life, Death, Disease, Heredity, Mar- riage, Malaria, Stimulants, Tobacco, Quackery. &c., *gent, Grand Eapids, Mich. Detroit, La 016 090 623 6 # THE DIRECT AND POPULAR BOUTE Between the EAST and SOUTH To the Celebrated Fishing and Hunting Grounds and the Pleasure Kesorts of PULLMAN-8 PAJ.ACE SLEEPING CARS ' Run on Night Express trains between I)etroit Fetos.key and Mackinaw without change. For Comjort, Safety and Speed this Line is Unsurpassed J.B. MULLIKEN, W A. CARPENTER, Gen'l Manager. Gen 1 Pas^ Agent. iJ^^General Offices Detroit, Mich. Tlie Paper on which this Book is printetl was manufac- tured for us by the Kalamazoo Paper Co., Kalamazoo, Iflich. TRAVERSE BAY HOTEL, XORTHPORT, MICH. WillidTn H. Franklin, (Proprietor. Fine PI .ce for Boating and Fishing This is one of the mo^t pleasant i)lace8 in Noithcrn Jlichigan in which to board during the Suinmcr inoi.ths. This House has the advantage of a lake hrce/.c by any direction of the wind Is 4.i miles west of f'et<>sk(^y; 28 miles north of Travi-rse lity ; 3 lU miles north of v hicago, and within easy reach of the Grand Kapids and Indiana R.dlroad by St'rs "T. S. Taston" and "City of (Jrand Eapids.'' Is also reached Irom Chicago. Detruit and Butl'aio by the Western Transportation Line.