Northern Mich~Mash Preserve
BLISS ~ CROSS VILLAGE ~
GOOD HART ~ MIDDLE VILLAGE
and
TUNNEL OF TREES
(Heritage Route)
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"Clicking" on some color highlighted words may access additional information.
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just come back and visit the site often to view the photos.
just come back and visit the site often to view the photos.
~ Bliss ~
2010 Census for Bliss ~ 620
The NAMING OF BLISS is explained by Raymond Kalbfleisch's article of "Our Pioneer Past" in the 17-23 September 1986 Harbor Light when quoting the written memories of Grant Keiser of Levering, Michigan:
"Several homestead families were wintering in Cross Village.... We followed the old Cheboygan trail till we reached the sign board, in the region of Lark's Lake, and from there through the unbroken forest to the Garber homestead, now the Victor Ericks farm, and from there across country over hill and dale guided by axe marks on trees to the Bliss homestead adjoining my father's claim. Here was a log house, erected the fall before, but the family had gone out near Cross Village to remain during the winter, and they let us live in their house while my father felled the trees and built a log house for us...."
"Spring of that year (1876), saw others of the homesteaders who had spent the winter in Cross Village making homes in the forest... There was Franklyn Keiser, Nelson Bennett, James Kilpatrick, Jake Beanblossom, Mr. Mackelwayne, Mr. Bliss and others. When a name was to be selected for the township it was decided to name it Bliss in honor of Mrs. Rhoda Bliss who was the first woman to come to a homestead there."
The 1 December 1920 Petoskey Evening News reported: "About forty-five years ago as these pioneers were surveying these trails they were obliged one night to camp in a valley in the southwest corner of Bliss township, which afterward was named for one of the surveyors, Mrs. Rhoda Bliss. The valley was located in a tamarack swamp and the surveyors built a lean-to near a fallen tamarack at whose roots was a pool of water which was not delicious, but was all they could get ."
Michigan Place Names by Walter Romig explained the naming of Bliss as follows: Bliss was "named after its township which had been named for Aaron T. Bliss, wealthy lumberman and later governor of Michigan." Is Aaron T. Bliss related to Mrs. Rhoda Bliss as mentioned above? Contact the webmaster.
"Several homestead families were wintering in Cross Village.... We followed the old Cheboygan trail till we reached the sign board, in the region of Lark's Lake, and from there through the unbroken forest to the Garber homestead, now the Victor Ericks farm, and from there across country over hill and dale guided by axe marks on trees to the Bliss homestead adjoining my father's claim. Here was a log house, erected the fall before, but the family had gone out near Cross Village to remain during the winter, and they let us live in their house while my father felled the trees and built a log house for us...."
"Spring of that year (1876), saw others of the homesteaders who had spent the winter in Cross Village making homes in the forest... There was Franklyn Keiser, Nelson Bennett, James Kilpatrick, Jake Beanblossom, Mr. Mackelwayne, Mr. Bliss and others. When a name was to be selected for the township it was decided to name it Bliss in honor of Mrs. Rhoda Bliss who was the first woman to come to a homestead there."
The 1 December 1920 Petoskey Evening News reported: "About forty-five years ago as these pioneers were surveying these trails they were obliged one night to camp in a valley in the southwest corner of Bliss township, which afterward was named for one of the surveyors, Mrs. Rhoda Bliss. The valley was located in a tamarack swamp and the surveyors built a lean-to near a fallen tamarack at whose roots was a pool of water which was not delicious, but was all they could get ."
Michigan Place Names by Walter Romig explained the naming of Bliss as follows: Bliss was "named after its township which had been named for Aaron T. Bliss, wealthy lumberman and later governor of Michigan." Is Aaron T. Bliss related to Mrs. Rhoda Bliss as mentioned above? Contact the webmaster.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This webmaster has concluded, after more research, that Bliss Township was NOT named after Aaron T. Bliss, the governor of Michigan. The following timely death notices written for Rhoda A. (King) Bliss, in 1883, tell THEN of Rhoda having been the inspiration for the naming of her Bliss Township in Emmet County. Obviously, Rhoda's husband Luther who had the last name of Bliss, also was noted as township namesake in his 1885 death notices in the local newspapers. Aaron T. Bliss was not the governor of Michigan until 1901, then until 1905. The information in Walter Romig's book about the name of Bliss on page 66, is incorrect.
Elnora Louise "Fay" Lee (1913–1991), a noted Bliss Historian, wrote A Century of Bliss which stated: "In November 1875 Luther A. Bliss and wife, Rhoda A., arrived at the SW 1/4 of Section 24. Rhoda Bliss was the first white woman to live at a homestead site while the log cabin was being built as they camped there. To honor her for that bravery and winter-time hardship, the new township formed in 1877, was named Bliss."
Luther A. Bliss, born 31 August 1842, was buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Harbor Springs, Michigan.
Also, a military marker for Luther Bliss can be found in the Greenwood Cemetery, Petoskey, Michigan.
Luther had served as a Private in Company K of the 2nd Michigan Infantry.
Later, Luther Bliss reenlisted as a Sergeant of Company D in the 28th Michigan Infantry.
Luther married Eva Brainard September 1884, only to pass away five months later 5 February 1885.
Also, a military marker for Luther Bliss can be found in the Greenwood Cemetery, Petoskey, Michigan.
Luther had served as a Private in Company K of the 2nd Michigan Infantry.
Later, Luther Bliss reenlisted as a Sergeant of Company D in the 28th Michigan Infantry.
Luther married Eva Brainard September 1884, only to pass away five months later 5 February 1885.
The HOMESTEADING OF BLISS is explained by Raymond Kalbfleisch's article of "Our Pioneer Past" in the 24-30 September 1986 Harbor Light :
Early Homesteaders were:
Alva A. Collins (proved in 1879)
Charles Eastman (cancelled his first claim... proved a different claim in 1878)
Daniel A. Fox (cancelled out in 1879)
Jacob Goble (proved)
Samuel J. Hoar (proved)
Alonzo Lawrason (proved)
Curtiss F. Lutz (cancelled)
Edwin D. Matthews
Isaac H. Myers (cancelled)
Edgar Willis (proved in 1880)
Early Homesteaders were:
Alva A. Collins (proved in 1879)
Charles Eastman (cancelled his first claim... proved a different claim in 1878)
Daniel A. Fox (cancelled out in 1879)
Jacob Goble (proved)
Samuel J. Hoar (proved)
Alonzo Lawrason (proved)
Curtiss F. Lutz (cancelled)
Edwin D. Matthews
Isaac H. Myers (cancelled)
Edgar Willis (proved in 1880)
Before 1877, Bliss was a part of Cross Village Township.
The first annual meeting was held at the house of John Leatherman.
Bliss Township was well organized by January of 1878.
The first annual meeting was held at the house of John Leatherman.
Bliss Township was well organized by January of 1878.
Bliss Township NEWS
A 23 December 1911 Petoskey Evening News article told of Mr. William O'Neal interesting life in Emmet County. "While at Bliss, which is a short distance from Cecil Bay, Mr. O'Neal held every township office except clerk, and was commander for fifteen years of the O'Neal tent of the K.O.T.M.M. He has also been president of the Emmet County Fair association, and Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus... Among other feats, he cleared 120 acres of land in Emmet County, and he now owns four thousand acres of land near Bliss. He has decided, however, to sever all connections with the woods and farm life, and is endeavoring to dispose of the four thousand acres." Click HERE to access the entire article as posted on this same web site with Park Hotel information because Mr. O'Neal was the proprietor.
Article Below:
William O'Neal of Bliss Township and Henry Near of Bear Creek were "Timber Cruisers."
William O'Neal of Bliss Township and Henry Near of Bear Creek were "Timber Cruisers."
Elnora Louise "Fay" Lee (1913–1991), the noted Bliss Historian, wrote A Century of Bliss which stated: "The big lumber company was owned by A.B. Klise. He had his mills and camp at Sturgeon from 1898 to 1913. It was the largest village that Bliss Township ever had... The docks built out into the bay were so large that they held enough piled lumber to load three good size freighters. Some ships were steamers, others had sails." AND "Mr. Klise improved over the smaller lumber companies and slayed the narrow gauge railroad..."
Photo Below: "Klise Lumber Co. workmen near Sturgeon Bay, 1912, Engine No. 1 Lima Machine Works, Shay Shop No. 130. Man in center with oil can is Engineer Burton L. Patter of Levering."
Bliss Church
Click HERE to access additional information on this same web site about Bliss Churches.
Bliss Cemetery
1929
1929
Photo Below:
Emmet County Agriculture Extension Office photo albums were submitted to the Little Traverse Historical Society.
Most of the photos, like the photo below, were taken before the Extension's "landscape planting demonstration,
by O.I. Gregg."
Emmet County Agriculture Extension Office photo albums were submitted to the Little Traverse Historical Society.
Most of the photos, like the photo below, were taken before the Extension's "landscape planting demonstration,
by O.I. Gregg."
Obituary Below: Mrs. A.A. Collins, a Bliss pioneer settler passed away in April 1899, with her funeral noted as having been held from East Bliss school house, and her remains are laid to rest in the Bliss Cemetery.
Photo Below: United Brethren Church constructed about 1900
and dedicated 4 May 1903.
As of 1965 the church was renamed Bliss Pioneer Memorial Church.
and dedicated 4 May 1903.
As of 1965 the church was renamed Bliss Pioneer Memorial Church.
Photo Above Right: In 2022 the Bliss General Store still is open, and is located at 1431 East Sturgeon Bay Road,
just four miles east of Cross Village (opened about 1870).
just four miles east of Cross Village (opened about 1870).
Property Description provided by RE/MAX as follows: "A Country Store that has some hardware, plumbing, gasoline, beer and wine and a little bit of everything. Sale includes stock inventory! If you don't see it, just ask. Bliss Store is a very charming and quaint General Store, one of the very few authentic general stores left in Michigan. For generations, people have been stopping in for snacks, gasoline and may other items. It is the epicenter of the community. The store was built in 1902 and has been in operation ever since by the same family and known as one of the oldest stores in Michigan. Bliss General Store has a variety of goods: groceries, beer, wine, deli, some household goods and hardware! This store has survived the test of time. The polo field across the road brings additional business. Above the store is a sweet 3 bedroom 1 bath apartment with a wonderful balcony." This property is no longer for sale as it sold 14 April 2021 for $205,000.00.
During the period when Mr. O'Neal was Township Supervisor in Bliss, data and information for the 1902 edition of the Plat Book of Emmet County, Michigan, was being compiled. Surveyors and map makers came to him for information and guidance about the local region, and they named the lake located in Section 1 and 2, O'Neal Lake after him. ~ Raymond Kalbfleisch in the December 17-23, 1986 Harbor Light.
The 14 September 1959 Petoskey News Review obituary for Mrs. Frances L. O'Neal, 85, of Bliss, stated: "Mrs. O'Neal was born March 2, 1874 in Chicago and moved to Harbor Springs as a young lady. She taught school at Van and was married to Edward J. O'Neal on May 5, 1905. They operated a store and post office at Bliss for many years. He died in 1941."
The 14 September 1959 Petoskey News Review obituary for Mrs. Frances L. O'Neal, 85, of Bliss, stated: "Mrs. O'Neal was born March 2, 1874 in Chicago and moved to Harbor Springs as a young lady. She taught school at Van and was married to Edward J. O'Neal on May 5, 1905. They operated a store and post office at Bliss for many years. He died in 1941."
~ 1966 ~
Mr. and Mrs. Chauncey P. Bliss celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in Bliss.
AND
Mrs. Chancey Bliss in 1957
~ 1968 ~
Norman Bliss, son of C.A. Bliss who built interesting cabins in Bliss, Michigan,
died when his motorcycle struck a tree.
Bliss Memorial/Decoration Day
1916
1971
1977
Bliss Township Park
Bliss Township Park
1978
Blisswood Artists
Blisswood Artists
Blissfest is held annually and celebrates music, art, and diversity.
Artists from all over the world entertain on 4 or 5 separate stages, and other workshop areas.
2018 is the 38th Annual Blissfest.
Artists from all over the world entertain on 4 or 5 separate stages, and other workshop areas.
2018 is the 38th Annual Blissfest.
The 15 October 2021 Petoskey News Review reported: "Blissfest Opens New Campground." The 2020 Blissfest music festival had to be canceled in 2020 due to COVID–19. The new campground venture will allow the organization to make greater use of its property than the present three-day music festival. While, disc golf is open year around on the property, the organization gained approval for their campground plan 10 years ago. The plan includes 35 rustic campsites, along with three small cabins and two domes. Twenty-five of the campsites are drive-in spots, open to recreational vehicles and tents, with no electrical hookups or direct running water. Another section, Hardwood Have, will have 10 sites that are walk-in only, so only open to tents. The campground plans include a solar shower building and portable restrooms, with occasional on-site activities such as "folkschool" sessions with folk music lessons and other folk arts. Reservations for the 2022 season will be taken in January 2022 in preparation for the season to begin in May 2022.
Elnora Louise "Fay" Lee (1913–1991) wrote A Century of Bliss which may be accessed by clicking HERE.
The Pumpkin Barn
1880 West Sturgeon Bay Trail
3 Miles from the Bliss General Store
Click HERE to access The Pumpkin Barn Facebook Page.
1880 West Sturgeon Bay Trail
3 Miles from the Bliss General Store
Click HERE to access The Pumpkin Barn Facebook Page.
TOP
~ Cross Village ~
Cross Village was FIRST known as Waganakisis, the Ottawa word for "crooked tree".
About 1830 the town of Cross Village was known as Old L'Arbre Croche
(perhaps the OLDEST community in the State)
while Harbor Springs became known as New L'Arbre Croche.
From 1847 Cross Village was referred to as "La Croix" until 1875 when it became present named
Cross Village.
About 1830 the town of Cross Village was known as Old L'Arbre Croche
(perhaps the OLDEST community in the State)
while Harbor Springs became known as New L'Arbre Croche.
From 1847 Cross Village was referred to as "La Croix" until 1875 when it became present named
Cross Village.
Photo/Text Below:
Built about 1872, this Cross Village Landmark was razed in 1942;
having been used as a Post Office and by Stanley Smolak as the structure for the Bluff Hotel.
"Cross Village marks the beginning of its history, by some accounts, from 1691 when French Jesuit missionaries established the first Catholic missionary church, though missionaries and fur traders had been in the area for a few decades prior. This first church was a simple wigwam, typical of the Native American dwellings in the area. It had a large cross set outside it to mark it as a church. The site was chosen because it was already a meeting place for various Native American tribes in the region." [page 14] ~ Jason Michael Sprague author of "Where the Hell is Cross Village?"
Cross Village and the Father Wiekamp's Catholic Convent Grew Together
Photo Above from Hand Book For Travelers Northern Michigan 1898
In Perry F. Powers' 1912 A History of Northern Michigan and Its People on page 315 he wrote: " The town was first named La Croix and in 1875 changed to Cross village, although it has never been incorporated. In 1869 a postoffice was established there, and it is still on the list, but does not add much to Uncle Sam's receipts of the postal service."
Even though the MI Law enacted changed the name of the "township" from La Croix to Cross Village on April 9, 1875... the village was also known thereafter as Cross Village.
Even though the MI Law enacted changed the name of the "township" from La Croix to Cross Village on April 9, 1875... the village was also known thereafter as Cross Village.
~ 1870 – 1880 ~
"During the decade between the 1870 and 1880 census of Cross Village Township several important changes took place which affected the jurisdictional area of the township. Since 1855, the township board had been charged with the responsibility of governing all of the county west of the Cheboygan County line and northward to the Straits of Mackinac. The rapid influx of homesteaders after 1874-75, mostly Civil War veterans, resulted in a spurt of population growth in the outlying areas of Cross Village Township. It is only natural that the new settlers would not be satisfied with the somewhat distant township government located in Cross Village, whom, they felt, was not doing much for them except levying and collecting taxes.
The new settlers wanted their own township government so that they could have a voice and thus control over matters of concern to them in their community.
Consequently, the territorial limits of Cross Village Township were drastically reduced as the following named new townships were formed: Bliss, 1876; Readmond, 1877; Center, 1878; and Carp Lake in 1879. However, Egleston Township, to be organized and named in 1884, and later known as McKinley, was at this time (1880) still a part of Cross Village Township."
~ Published in the August 6-12, 1986 Harbor Light/Trading Times and written by Raymond Kalbfleisch
The new settlers wanted their own township government so that they could have a voice and thus control over matters of concern to them in their community.
Consequently, the territorial limits of Cross Village Township were drastically reduced as the following named new townships were formed: Bliss, 1876; Readmond, 1877; Center, 1878; and Carp Lake in 1879. However, Egleston Township, to be organized and named in 1884, and later known as McKinley, was at this time (1880) still a part of Cross Village Township."
~ Published in the August 6-12, 1986 Harbor Light/Trading Times and written by Raymond Kalbfleisch
~ 1875 ~
Ride the Steamer A.C. Van Raalte to Cross Village for a July 4th Picnic Dinner
~ 1878 ~
Progress and Growth of Cross Village was Beginning...
Mr. Lacroix's hotel came to be known as the "Cross Village House".
~ 1879 ~
Lewis and Mary (Kelsey) Davis built the FIRST hotel in Cross Village
"The American House"
They operated the hotel for the Kelsey & Bovee Lumber Company for about 10 years.
The family then moved to Petoskey and operated the Park House for about eight years.
Mrs. Davis passed away in 1922 in Pellston, Michigan.
~ 1881 ~
Cross Village News
~ 1882 ~
The FIRST Self-Binding Reaper Ever Sold in Emmet County was
Purchased by Father Weikamp of Cross Village
The FIRST Self-Binding Reaper Ever Sold in Emmet County was
Purchased by Father Weikamp of Cross Village
~ 1882 ~
A Trip to Cross Village
Captain John Wagley's family were highly respected in Cross Village. They had the Wagley Hotel and owned several boats. One of their eight children married the first postmaster of Cross Village... Sarah married Amos T. Burnett who was also a merchant.
Ray Kalbfleisch in his "Our Pioneer Past" article in the Harbor LIght July 9-15, 1986 issue had written: The three religious groups [Strang on Beaver Island, King Ben on High Island, and Father Weikamp in Cross Village....] "did not thrive and prosper for long here in the Northland. The practices, customs, and doctrine of each organization varied greatly from one to the other. However, in spite of the striking dissimilarity of their spiritual beliefs, they did have a few traits in common: a tendency toward communal living (except the Mormons), strong leadership and a strict discipline. Undoubtedly, Father Weikamp's convent, through its years of existence (1855-1896) provided a noteworthy religious environment for both Indians and whites of the community. Its life span (41 years) was much greater than that of the other two groups on Beaver and High Island."
"In the center of the main street stands the little PresbyterianChurch. Turning to the west from here, we come to the bluff where a magnificent view is to be had. Before us lies the wide expanse of Lake Michigan; to the north the long reef of Waugoschance may be clearly seen, ending in a beautiful cluster of small islands. Directly west lie the Beavers, the first one counting from Waugoschance Sound is Hog Island; beyond that, Garden Island; and then directly opposite Cross Village the large Beaver Island proper. Lying out from the dock about eight miles, between Cross Village and Beaver Islands, is the little island or shoal called Isle-Aux-Galet with its large lighthouse. This means "flat rock island" and is pronounced by the natives, Skilly-g-a-le'e." ~ Hand Book For Travelers Northern Michigan ~ 1898
~ 1886 ~
~ 1887 ~
Fire at Cross Village takes American House
Some rebuilding from the fire was accomplished, but the building was never finished.
Visual materials - Panoramic view of Cross Village, Mich., ca. 1890s
(Mary Shurtleff Collection at U of M)
~ 1890s ~
~ 1892 ~
Cross Village News
Four Photos Below from Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey newspapers (1895)...
all labeled "Cross Village"
all labeled "Cross Village"
Photo Below: Workers at the Saw Mill at the Bottom of the Bluff in Cross Village
~1896 ~
Cross Village has had a post office since 1896.
Photo Below: Cross Village Post Office in 2018
~ 1907 ~
Rose Morris of Cross Village married in 1907 to James A. Reid who was
the founder of the Reid furniture store in Petoskey.
~ 1908 ~
William Osborn arrived in Cross Village in 1908.
~ 1918 ~
Cross Village Fire
Cross Village Fire
"September 28, 1918 is known as the day of the Great Fire [in Cross Village]. It destroyed nearly the entire town, but one building in particular was spared, the Holy Cross Church, due to a miraculous event. This event demonstrates the importance and influences of interactions with material objects: 'A thrilling feature was the scene at the old Catholic church where the white cross in the church yard defied the flames and loomed chaste and unharmed while all around it went down. When all were about to give up, one of my students (Frank Keller) said, ‘You always taught us to honor and pray to Our Lady of Victory; may I get her picture and hang it outside the school building?’ I (Sister Redempta) answered, ‘You’ll never be able to do that. The wind is too strong.’ He said, ‘I’ll use a spike.’ So I said he could try. As soon as the picture was nailed to the building, the wind changed direction quite suddenly. All these buildings were saved.' Due to perceived divine intervention the Church is not only sacred because of its institutional connections and ritual functions, but because this one act essentially re-sanctified the building and gave it new meaning."
[page 48] ~ Jason Michael Sprague author of "Where the Hell is Cross Village?"
[page 48] ~ Jason Michael Sprague author of "Where the Hell is Cross Village?"
Text below the photo below: "The Atwood Hotel is where the 1918 fire which devoured most of the village had its start. The hotel also housed a hat shop. On the porch is the A.D. Loomis family."
Label for Photo Below stated: "Cross Village–Loomis' Drugstore with its beautiful brick exterior and one of Cross Village's most modern stores at the time of the fire, Sept. 28, 1918."
~ 1918 ~
Cross Village to Rise From Ashes
Cross Village to Rise From Ashes
~ 1946 ~
Four Generations of Foltz Family
Four Generations of Foltz Family
~ 1895 ~
Photo Below: Cross Village old Catholic Church on the Bluff
~ 1948 ~
Priest's Shrine to be Moved
Priest's Shrine to be Moved
Photo Below: 1892 Father Weikamp's Tomb with Father Bernadino on Guard
Video on YouTube features Jane Cardinal telling and showing the shrine/mausoleum for Father Weikamp, one of the most colorful priests of the early era of Cross Village. Father Weikamp came to Cross Village in 1855 and established the convent there. Additional information about the church in Cross Village may be accessed on this Northern Mich~Mash Preserve webpage "Churches".
"Father John Bernard Weikamp was the parish priest in Cross Village from 1858 to 1889 and had a significant impact on the village. He established a convent for sisters and brothers, an orphanage, raised livestock and crops, ran a sawmill, grist mill, blacksmith shop, and carpenter shop. This shows the connections between economic prosperity and religious prosperity. He is the only individual in Cross Village to have his own tomb or crypt.
Weikamp was an interesting character to say the least. According to legend, upon Weikamp’s arrival he dug himself a grave on church grounds and prayed and meditated in it for hours each day. Soon after his arrival he also constructed his own coffin, which he kept at the foot of his bed. He used a number of material objects in his religious life, many associated with death. Weikamp was apparently into mysticism, the occult, and obsessed with his own death.
Father Weikamp used to be buried on the original parish grounds but was moved in 1948 when the Church expanded. When the Catholic Church took over the land where Weikamp’s crypt now resides it was an Indian cemetery with Indians buried two or three deep. The Indian bodies were removed and reburied in the Catholic cemetery. Weikamp is now the only one actually buried in the cemetery. The crypt is only opened once a year in August. All that is left in the tiny coffin (Weikamp was not quite 5 ft tall and weighed more than 210 pounds) is a hip bone." [pages 48-49] ~ Jason Michael Sprague author of "Where the Hell is Cross Village?"
Weikamp was an interesting character to say the least. According to legend, upon Weikamp’s arrival he dug himself a grave on church grounds and prayed and meditated in it for hours each day. Soon after his arrival he also constructed his own coffin, which he kept at the foot of his bed. He used a number of material objects in his religious life, many associated with death. Weikamp was apparently into mysticism, the occult, and obsessed with his own death.
Father Weikamp used to be buried on the original parish grounds but was moved in 1948 when the Church expanded. When the Catholic Church took over the land where Weikamp’s crypt now resides it was an Indian cemetery with Indians buried two or three deep. The Indian bodies were removed and reburied in the Catholic cemetery. Weikamp is now the only one actually buried in the cemetery. The crypt is only opened once a year in August. All that is left in the tiny coffin (Weikamp was not quite 5 ft tall and weighed more than 210 pounds) is a hip bone." [pages 48-49] ~ Jason Michael Sprague author of "Where the Hell is Cross Village?"
"Even though Father Weikamp died in 1889 and his organization was discontinued in 1896,
his school went on for a half century."
View additional information about Cross Village Schools on the "Schools" web page.
his school went on for a half century."
View additional information about Cross Village Schools on the "Schools" web page.
~ 1948 ~
John B. Kruskie of Cross Village stayed in an iron lung in Petoskey's hospital,
where he died of viral pneumonia in 1948, at the age of 37.
John's wife Florence, on her own, continued to farm and raised their sons.
Florence remembered those years in the article below.
John B. Kruskie of Cross Village stayed in an iron lung in Petoskey's hospital,
where he died of viral pneumonia in 1948, at the age of 37.
John's wife Florence, on her own, continued to farm and raised their sons.
Florence remembered those years in the article below.
A dog team owned and driven by Joe Schibior of Cross Village was used in the search for George Kruskie who had become stranded on an ice flow. ~ "11 August 2005, Reflections" supplement to the Petoskey News Review
Photo Below: Aerial View of Cross Village (Undated)
~ 1950 ~
Cross Village Dock Being Built
Cross Village Dock Being Built
The 16 February 1950 Photo/Text from above had stated, "The breakwater will be repaired this summer by army engineers to make it a port of refuge." Obviously, from the Photo/Text Below, that repair never happened.
~ 1954 ~
~ 1956 ~
~1959 ~
Article Below: Mrs. Dale (Bea) Lamkin of Good Hart explained a detailed history of the area, "beginning with the Mushcodesh Indians who are thought to be its FIRST residents. This tribe was driven out by the Ottawas, who were never trusted by the English. Good Hart got its name when the area was originally called Waganawkasa by the Indians, which translated means Land of the Crooked Tree. Later when Chief Blackbird's brother Kawmenotesa was left in charge of the mission which had been established by the Jesuits, the village now known as Good Hart was given his name which in English means 'good heart'. However, it was listed in Government files in Washington as Good Hart."
Article Below Left and Obituary Below Right:
Dale Lamkin told more Good Hart History...
and about Sarah Francis who was born, lived and died in the Good Hart area.
Dale Lamkin told more Good Hart History...
and about Sarah Francis who was born, lived and died in the Good Hart area.
"Intimations have been found in the Jesuit Relations of a mission during these years on the lower mainland, and the influence of such a mission was found by those who came for religious work in this field at a later date, but records regarding these missions are indefinite. A great cross stands on the bluff at Cross Village at the present time; tradition asserts this cross was erected there many years ago to replace its duplicate which tradition maintains was planted in that spot by Father Marquette while working among the people of the long villages of L’Arbre Croche, which encircled the entire point now known as Cross Village Point."
~ When Michigan Was Young by Ethel Rowan Fasquelle (1867-1987) of Petoskey, Michigan, published in 1950 when Fasquelle was 83 years old ~ Page 70
~ When Michigan Was Young by Ethel Rowan Fasquelle (1867-1987) of Petoskey, Michigan, published in 1950 when Fasquelle was 83 years old ~ Page 70
"The cross is a marker and an object through which an identity is constructed and oriented. It is the symbol of the town itself. The community derives its name from it and uses its image in nearly every published work on the village as well as postcards and t-shirts. It demonstrates how a Catholic symbol that once had a more specific sacred meaning can be appropriated as a sacred image for the larger community. It was placed there in the late 1600s by French Jesuit missionaries to be a visible sign to passing travelers that this was sacred ground. This is not the original cross, but still expresses the same meaning through the material symbol. The current cross is a thirty foot replica of the one believed to have been planted by Jesuit missionaries over three hundred years ago.
The problem of authenticity arises when residents try to tell others about its meaning and history. The cross is still commonly referred to as “Marquette’s Cross,” named after Father Jacques Marquette, a French Jesuit missionary in the region during the 1670s. Many believe that he was the one who planted the original cross. However, it appears doubtful that Marquette was ever in the area or was even alive when it was believed the cross was first planted. Yet, most residents do not see a disparity between the factual history and the remembered history. The cross is a reminder of the history of the village but the details surrounding it are of little importance and do not appear to have much impact on its intended meaning.
The cross itself is set apart by being located in an open grass lot overlooking the bluff above Lake Michigan. There is no sign, pathway, gate, or arch; just a simple garden, some stones, and a small unreadable plaque on the cross. The cross serves as its own marker, needing no other signs to hint at its significance. The open green space surrounding it and its size are what set it off as distinct, special, and sacred. Before the erection of the cross there existed a crooked tree that acted as a marker and signifier for the area. The cross became a replacement for that tree as the main symbol for the area and a newly established power.
Oddly enough, the cross is not in the center of town or by the Catholic Church, even though it is clearly important and the central image of the town. It is actually across the street from the Presbyterian Church, which wasn’t erected until 1925. Although it is the central image it is physically located on the periphery.
Right now the land where the cross is located is privately owned. The concern is that they may sell it because the land is prime real estate. It is right on the bluff overlooking the lake. The proposal is for the township to purchase the land so that it can be maintained and protected. This would raise taxes slightly." [page 41] ~ Jason Michael Sprague author of "Where the Hell is Cross Village?" - 2010
The problem of authenticity arises when residents try to tell others about its meaning and history. The cross is still commonly referred to as “Marquette’s Cross,” named after Father Jacques Marquette, a French Jesuit missionary in the region during the 1670s. Many believe that he was the one who planted the original cross. However, it appears doubtful that Marquette was ever in the area or was even alive when it was believed the cross was first planted. Yet, most residents do not see a disparity between the factual history and the remembered history. The cross is a reminder of the history of the village but the details surrounding it are of little importance and do not appear to have much impact on its intended meaning.
The cross itself is set apart by being located in an open grass lot overlooking the bluff above Lake Michigan. There is no sign, pathway, gate, or arch; just a simple garden, some stones, and a small unreadable plaque on the cross. The cross serves as its own marker, needing no other signs to hint at its significance. The open green space surrounding it and its size are what set it off as distinct, special, and sacred. Before the erection of the cross there existed a crooked tree that acted as a marker and signifier for the area. The cross became a replacement for that tree as the main symbol for the area and a newly established power.
Oddly enough, the cross is not in the center of town or by the Catholic Church, even though it is clearly important and the central image of the town. It is actually across the street from the Presbyterian Church, which wasn’t erected until 1925. Although it is the central image it is physically located on the periphery.
Right now the land where the cross is located is privately owned. The concern is that they may sell it because the land is prime real estate. It is right on the bluff overlooking the lake. The proposal is for the township to purchase the land so that it can be maintained and protected. This would raise taxes slightly." [page 41] ~ Jason Michael Sprague author of "Where the Hell is Cross Village?" - 2010
1965
1968
~ Longtime Cross Village Resident H.G. "Mac" McMullen was Master Woodcarver ~
1979
1979
1984
~ Cross Village Activist, Pioneer Kin Ruth Osoinach Died at 89 ~
~ Cross Village Activist, Pioneer Kin Ruth Osoinach Died at 89 ~
Ruth Osoinach was the granddaughter of Petoskey’s FIRST Dr. William Little and his wife Ann Little Kirkland, a Petoskey post mistress. Osoinach had an activist life involved in various activities listed in her obituary below.
~ Cross Village General Store ~
Suzanne L. (Koch) Howard, age 81 (17 June 1939–14 September 2020) worked as a nurse's aide at the Emmet County Medical Care Facility for many years. Then she became owner of the Cross Village General Store. The store is still family owned in 2020 and being run by Suzanne's daughter Jan Hill.
~ 1942 ~
~ 1949 ~
THREE Items Below: Undated and Unnamed newspaper (perhaps Free Press) clippings...
~ 1957 ~
~ 1968 ~
~ 1979 ~
~ 1992 ~
~ 1994 ~
~ 2010 ~
Click on "Play" in upper left corner to view the 21 May 2010 slideshow below
of the Legs Inn, named for the stove legs that trim the roof line.
of the Legs Inn, named for the stove legs that trim the roof line.
Cross Village, and The Legs Inn are featured on several YouTube videos.
Two videos which are especially interesting are:
Under the Radar Michigan #311 - Cross Village Legs Inn/Tunnel of Trees
and
Legs Inn - Cross Village, MI
Two videos which are especially interesting are:
Under the Radar Michigan #311 - Cross Village Legs Inn/Tunnel of Trees
and
Legs Inn - Cross Village, MI
Maurice Eby has created a website book titled The Great Lumbering Era of Emmet County, Michigan which includes a great deal of information about Cross Village and the lumber era.
A Comparative study of Religion by Jason Michael Sprague
is presented with "the interplay of Native American history, religious studies, and local history."
is presented with "the interplay of Native American history, religious studies, and local history."
Gene Paul Reck (12 September 1937 - 23 September 2020) was an active member of Cross Village.
With his wife, Joann Condino, Gene operated Three Pines Studio and Gallery.
He served Cross Village as the Township Supervisor and as a First Responder.
With his wife, Joann Condino, Gene operated Three Pines Studio and Gallery.
He served Cross Village as the Township Supervisor and as a First Responder.
The "Welcome to Cross Village" web site may be accessed by clicking HERE.
TOP
~ Good Hart ~
In an undated Petoskey News Review article, Mrs. Bea Lamkin explained how Good Hart got its name,"The area originally was called Waganawkasa by the Indians, which translated, means Land of the Crooked Tree. Later when Chief Blackbird's brother, Kawmenotesa was left in charge of the mission which had been established by the Jesuits, the village now known as Good Hart was given his name which in English means 'good heart.' It was listed, however, in Government files in Washington as Good Hart. Dale Lamkin is the son of Lowell Lamkin who was one of the early white settlers in the region. His wife, Be a Lamkin, became interested in the history of the area and has a collection of Indian artifacts."
Good Hart General Store (Undated Postcard Below)
Photo Below:
Bull pen and feeding chute construction, Robert Kniesley farm, Good Hart
1939
Bull pen and feeding chute construction, Robert Kniesley farm, Good Hart
1939
Obituary Below: John Davis came to Good Hart at two years old in 1885.
He was a blacksmith, lumberman, and later a farmer in Good Hart.
1970
When Evil Came to Good Hart
1968
Author Mardi Link chronicles in her book When Evil Came to Good Hart, the horrific murders of all six members of the Robison Family in Good Hart, Michigan. The tragedy has never been officially taken off the legal books so it continues to fascinate people.
Rick Wiles, a local Northern Michigan historian summarized a panel-forum held on 22 July 2018 to remember the Robinson Tragedy... noting the public's immense interest 50 years later... as follows:
Our Loss of Innocence Began 50 Years Ago
Northern Michigan’s “Tip of the Mitt” suffered a significant “loss of innocence” fifty years ago this summer. On June 25, 1968, in the later afternoon -early evening, a person with a demented mind took the lives of six innocent family members while they were summer vacationing in their Lake Michigan shoreline cottage. The six murders were not discovered until July 22, 1968, some twenty-seven days later. The entombed bodies in their cottage were, by that point, unidentifiable due to the summer July heat, and the heat from the cottage’s gas floor furnace.
The Richard C. Robison family members were remembered on Monday, June 25, 2018 at a panel-forum held in the Petoskey’s Little Traverse Civic Theater. A standing-room crowd of over three hundred was present to listen and to ask questions of the six panel members. Seated on stage, from left to right, was Michigan State Police retired detective Lloyd Stearns. Mr. Stearns was the lead investigator on the case and author of a sixty-page “Synopsis of the Robison Murders” written in May of 1970. Next to Detective Stearns was Ronald Covault, former Oakland County Assistant Prosecutor under L. Brooks Patterson and also, author of the May, 2009, ten page statement titled “The Murder of Richard and Shirley Robison and Their Children.” Seated to the right of Mr. Covault was Wayne Richard “Dick” Smith, Emmet County’s former prosecutor and one of the few remaining persons today to be at the crime scene on July 22, 1968, after the bodies had been discovered. Mr. Smith was also the author of the May 2009 statement “Final Statement: The Robison Murders.” Traverse City’s noted author Mardi Link, the author of When Evil Came to Good Hart (2nd edition-2018) sat next to Mr. Smith. The two other participants in this panel-forum were Stuart Fenton, current Emmet County Assistant Prosecutor and myself, Richard Wiles, the author of the Petoskey Public Library’s May 2009 white paper “Summerset: The Robison Family Murder Tragedy.”
Rick Wiles, a local Northern Michigan historian summarized a panel-forum held on 22 July 2018 to remember the Robinson Tragedy... noting the public's immense interest 50 years later... as follows:
Our Loss of Innocence Began 50 Years Ago
Northern Michigan’s “Tip of the Mitt” suffered a significant “loss of innocence” fifty years ago this summer. On June 25, 1968, in the later afternoon -early evening, a person with a demented mind took the lives of six innocent family members while they were summer vacationing in their Lake Michigan shoreline cottage. The six murders were not discovered until July 22, 1968, some twenty-seven days later. The entombed bodies in their cottage were, by that point, unidentifiable due to the summer July heat, and the heat from the cottage’s gas floor furnace.
The Richard C. Robison family members were remembered on Monday, June 25, 2018 at a panel-forum held in the Petoskey’s Little Traverse Civic Theater. A standing-room crowd of over three hundred was present to listen and to ask questions of the six panel members. Seated on stage, from left to right, was Michigan State Police retired detective Lloyd Stearns. Mr. Stearns was the lead investigator on the case and author of a sixty-page “Synopsis of the Robison Murders” written in May of 1970. Next to Detective Stearns was Ronald Covault, former Oakland County Assistant Prosecutor under L. Brooks Patterson and also, author of the May, 2009, ten page statement titled “The Murder of Richard and Shirley Robison and Their Children.” Seated to the right of Mr. Covault was Wayne Richard “Dick” Smith, Emmet County’s former prosecutor and one of the few remaining persons today to be at the crime scene on July 22, 1968, after the bodies had been discovered. Mr. Smith was also the author of the May 2009 statement “Final Statement: The Robison Murders.” Traverse City’s noted author Mardi Link, the author of When Evil Came to Good Hart (2nd edition-2018) sat next to Mr. Smith. The two other participants in this panel-forum were Stuart Fenton, current Emmet County Assistant Prosecutor and myself, Richard Wiles, the author of the Petoskey Public Library’s May 2009 white paper “Summerset: The Robison Family Murder Tragedy.”
Each panel guest spoke to the large crowd about each panel member's experience with the case and how they were able to come to the unanimous consensus that there had been only one perpetrator of the brutal crime, the thirty-year old business employee of Mr. Robison, Joseph Raymond Scolaro III. Considerable time was spent going over the facts of the crime and dispelling the various rural legends, bits of gossip, and misconceptions concerning the now fifty-year-old crime. It was pointed out over and over by the panel’s participants that only Joseph Scolaro had owned the two known firearm weapons and rare ammunition. Only Joe Scolaro had a twelve-hour-plus opportunity on June 25, 1968, and only Joe Scolaro had the motive of embezzlement. The case, in fact, was so obvious back in August of 1968 that Ronald Covault said it “was like an elephant in the room.”
Every lead, every suspect, every theory, every alibi was checked and double checked by the Michigan State Police lead detectives Lloyd Stearns and John Flis. When that was done, on December 17, 1969, the case evidence book against Joseph Scolaro was presented to the Emmet County Prosecutor Donald Noggle, the successor to Wayne Richard Smith. Noggle chose not to prosecute Scolaro citing the rule of “prosecutorial discretion.” That long-standing practice in Michigan law cites that each prosecutor has the right to decide whether to charge or not charge someone with a crime. It is totally up to their discretion. Noggle wanted fingerprints and the weapons, and did not want to use the enormous amount of circumstantial evidence gathered in the case.
All of this was made moot on Thursday, March 8, 1973, almost four and a half years later, when Joseph Scolaro took his own life after learning Oakland County’s Prosecutor, L. Brooks Patterson was about to issue an arrest warrant against him for the Robison murders. By that time, the world was beginning to know such criminals as Ted Bundy, John Norman Collins, and John Wayne Gacy. While they were serial killers, Joseph Scolaro was instead, a mass murderer. However, all of them wore a “mask of sanity” and seemed to be normal to those who knew them. In Scolaro’s case, he went from being a white-collar criminal to a red-collar killer when Mr. Robison threatened to expose his crime of stealing on the day of the murders, Tuesday, June 25, 1968. The day northern Michigan began a loss of innocence.
Postscript: On Thursday July 12, 2018, a second 50 Year Remembrance forum was held at the Harbor Springs High School Performing Arts Center (over 350 people attended).
Every lead, every suspect, every theory, every alibi was checked and double checked by the Michigan State Police lead detectives Lloyd Stearns and John Flis. When that was done, on December 17, 1969, the case evidence book against Joseph Scolaro was presented to the Emmet County Prosecutor Donald Noggle, the successor to Wayne Richard Smith. Noggle chose not to prosecute Scolaro citing the rule of “prosecutorial discretion.” That long-standing practice in Michigan law cites that each prosecutor has the right to decide whether to charge or not charge someone with a crime. It is totally up to their discretion. Noggle wanted fingerprints and the weapons, and did not want to use the enormous amount of circumstantial evidence gathered in the case.
All of this was made moot on Thursday, March 8, 1973, almost four and a half years later, when Joseph Scolaro took his own life after learning Oakland County’s Prosecutor, L. Brooks Patterson was about to issue an arrest warrant against him for the Robison murders. By that time, the world was beginning to know such criminals as Ted Bundy, John Norman Collins, and John Wayne Gacy. While they were serial killers, Joseph Scolaro was instead, a mass murderer. However, all of them wore a “mask of sanity” and seemed to be normal to those who knew them. In Scolaro’s case, he went from being a white-collar criminal to a red-collar killer when Mr. Robison threatened to expose his crime of stealing on the day of the murders, Tuesday, June 25, 1968. The day northern Michigan began a loss of innocence.
Postscript: On Thursday July 12, 2018, a second 50 Year Remembrance forum was held at the Harbor Springs High School Performing Arts Center (over 350 people attended).
Murder Mystery New Tip
1987
1987
The Petoskey District Library's Michigan Room houses the "Summerset" sign from the Robison's Good Hart cottage.
Murder Mystery Still Unsolved
1993
1993
The article below, illustrating the intrigue of the murder case, was published just below the article above telling about
William Grant's interest in planning to write a book about the nearby Robison Murders.
Grant passed away in 1998 with Mardi Link reporting on page 155 epilogue of her book
When Evil Comes to Good Hart,
"Grant's files have been donated by his wife to the Harbor Springs Historical Society,
temporarily stored in a local bank while the society completes its new building."
William Grant's interest in planning to write a book about the nearby Robison Murders.
Grant passed away in 1998 with Mardi Link reporting on page 155 epilogue of her book
When Evil Comes to Good Hart,
"Grant's files have been donated by his wife to the Harbor Springs Historical Society,
temporarily stored in a local bank while the society completes its new building."
Below: William Grant's obituary stated, "He was currently researching and writing a book about the Robison murders" thus making it known that he must never have completed a book on the murder topic.
The Bliss Family in Good Hart were in the construction business so built many homes in the Good Hart area and along the Lake Michigan shore near Harbor Springs. They established a summer resort on Lakeshore Drive known as Blisswood... Krude Kraft Lodge.
Talbot Heights > Glen Dales
Article Left: In 1900 Mr. A. Bliss purchased a tract of land on the shore "this side of Cross Village where he is preparing to establish a resort to be known as 'Talbot Heights' named after a N.Y. man who is a large stock holder."
The correspondent who wrote for the local newspaper the ongoing articles titled "Gully and Talbot Heights" announced in the 21 August 1908 issue: "The resort region and picnic grounds that are so widely known as Talbot Heights, will hereafter be known by the name of Glen Dales. Your correspondent has been informed that the principal reason for the change of name is that the new name is more appropriate for the land lieing north of the natural bridge."
The 20 April 2023 Petoskey News Review announced the 112 acres of land of the Lamkin family for 150 years will be connected to the Elmer Johnston and Goodhart Farms Nature Preserves. The Little Traverse Conservancy is in the final phase of fundraising for the $1.3 million cost to which Woody Gardner has donated $1 million, thus the preserve is to be named Woody’s Woods. The home and farm which still exist on the Lamkin Farm property are not a part of the conservancy’s purchase which includes both open fields and forest. With the scenic views, and closeness to the Tunnel of Trees, the property is the perfect example of the conservancy’s mission “to balance development with conservation”.
~ Middle Village ~
Some records show "Middletown".
Some records show "Middletown".
Middle Village's name comes from its location half way between Cross Village and L'Arbre Croche.
Reverend Frederic Baraga founded Middle Village in 1832 as an Indian mission.
Reverend Frederic Baraga founded Middle Village in 1832 as an Indian mission.
Quoted from Where Michigan Began A Guide to Emmet County, Published 1941: "He [Father Charlevoix in 1721] might have added that the war-like Ottawa, still the friend of the French, were then in residence all along the bulging shoulder of Emmet County. One of their villages, located at the foot of the bluff halfway between Fort Michilimackinac and the mouth of Little Traverse Bay, was marked by a crooked hemlock that stood so prominently on the heights above that it became a landmark referred to by the French voyageurs as L'Arbre Croche. This village later became know as Middle Village and, when a postoffice was established it was given the name Good Hart. A second village, further to the north, having been made the center of missionary work by the Jesuits after they left St. Ignace in 1706, was marked by a huge cross made of cedar posts, which was renewed whenever necessary by the devout Ottawa. This was called LaCroix by the French and is now known as Cross Village. A third village was located just inside the point of Little Traverse Bay and was known as Little Traverse, until it receive the name of Harbor Springs."
To access the 21 September 2019 Northern Express article titled:
Uncovering–and Restoring–Middle Village History
Click HERE...
Uncovering–and Restoring–Middle Village History
Click HERE...
~ Tunnel of Trees ~
(Heritage Route)
(Heritage Route)