Northern Mich~Mash Preserve
~ MACKINAC BRIDGE ~
(and the STRAITS)
The design and compilation of the text and photos on this site are copyrighted 2017.
Most posted items will enlarge by "clicking" on them.
"Clicking" on some color highlighted words may access additional information.
Most posted items will enlarge by "clicking" on them.
"Clicking" on some color highlighted words may access additional information.
Please do not copy the photos on this site, many of which have been submitted by private individuals...
just come back and visit the site often to view the photos.
just come back and visit the site often to view the photos.
~ 1837 ~
For two years Ohio and MIchigan quibbled about their mutual boundary. The question "was settled in 1837, in favor of Ohio, giving them the mouth of the Maumee River, and Michigan receiving the upper peninsula." Only 120 years later the Upper and Lower Peninsula were bridged!
~ 1883 ~
In the 19 January 1883 Emmet County Democrat newspaper, a front page article (from the Cheboygan Democrat) discussed the feasibility of a bridge at the Straits. The idea was promoted very early by Mayor and storekeeper William Saulson of St. Ignace, and the brother-in-law of S. Rosenthal, department store pioneer of Petoskey.
~ 1920 ~
Wikipedia states an interesting plan to span the Straits of Mackinac: "In 1920, the Michigan state highway commissioner advocated construction of a floating tunnel across the Straits. At the invitation of the state legislature, C. E. Fowler of New York City put forth a plan for a long series of causeways and bridges across the straits from Cheboygan, 17 miles (27 km) southeast of Mackinaw City, to St. Ignace, using Bois Blanc, Round, and Mackinac islands as intermediate steps."
~ 1927 and 1929 ~
~ 1936 ~
~ 1937 ~
NEED for Bridge?
NEED for Bridge?
~ 1938 ~
~ 1939 ~
~ 1940 ~
Transcription of Above Hard to Read Article:
The end seemed in sight after eight years of campaigning for the proposed Mackinac Straits Bridge this week when a bill passed the House of Representatives authorizing the construction of the link between the lower and upper peninsulas.
The bill has already been passed by the Senate as a result of campaigning by Senator Prentiss M. Brown. Senator Brown introduced the first bill eight years ago when he was in the House of Representatives.
The bridge, if started today would take seven more years before completion. It will cost $30,000,000, but it is estimated that the cost would be self-liquidating, from tolls taken in. The RFFC would advance the original cost.
According to a report submitted by the Mackinac Straits Bridge Authority, the bridge would run from Fort Michilimackinac to a point four miles south of St. Ignace.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Rudolph Tenerewicz of Hamtramck, and supported from the floor by Rep. Fred Bradley, Republican from Rogers City, and Reps John Ledinski, of Dearborn, and Louis C. Rabaut, of Detroit.
Two of the four votes against the measure were registered by Michigan congressmen, Reps. George Dondero of Royal Oak and Fred Crawford, of Saginaw.
The end seemed in sight after eight years of campaigning for the proposed Mackinac Straits Bridge this week when a bill passed the House of Representatives authorizing the construction of the link between the lower and upper peninsulas.
The bill has already been passed by the Senate as a result of campaigning by Senator Prentiss M. Brown. Senator Brown introduced the first bill eight years ago when he was in the House of Representatives.
The bridge, if started today would take seven more years before completion. It will cost $30,000,000, but it is estimated that the cost would be self-liquidating, from tolls taken in. The RFFC would advance the original cost.
According to a report submitted by the Mackinac Straits Bridge Authority, the bridge would run from Fort Michilimackinac to a point four miles south of St. Ignace.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Rudolph Tenerewicz of Hamtramck, and supported from the floor by Rep. Fred Bradley, Republican from Rogers City, and Reps John Ledinski, of Dearborn, and Louis C. Rabaut, of Detroit.
Two of the four votes against the measure were registered by Michigan congressmen, Reps. George Dondero of Royal Oak and Fred Crawford, of Saginaw.
~ 1947 ~
~ 1948 ~
~ 1950 ~
Another Tunnel Idea...
Another Tunnel Idea...
The Mackinac Bridge was designed by the engineer David B. Steinman...
and completed in 1957.
and completed in 1957.
Photo Above: Click HERE to access the Mackinac Bridge Authority "Historical Construction Album".
85% of the cement used to build the Mackinac Bridge came from Petoskey's Cement Plant.
In 1955 Petoskey Portland Cement Company was sold to Penn Dixie Corporation.
85% of the cement used to build the Mackinac Bridge came from Petoskey's Cement Plant.
In 1955 Petoskey Portland Cement Company was sold to Penn Dixie Corporation.
~ 1952 ~
DRAWING of Proposed Straits Bridge
DRAWING of Proposed Straits Bridge
~ 1953 ~
Used the Bridge in Politics
Used the Bridge in Politics
Article Below: Consideration for the Straits Bridge to be financed privately...
~ 1954 ~
40 Year Bonds
40 Year Bonds
~ 1954 ~
Bridge Designer Steinman Links the Two Peninsulas
Bridge Designer Steinman Links the Two Peninsulas
~ 1954 ~
St. Ignace Bridge Supplies
St. Ignace Bridge Supplies
~ 1954 ~
Mackinaw Bridge Start Point
Mackinaw Bridge Start Point
~ 1954 ~
Ground Breaking Parade
Ground Breaking Parade
~ 1954 ~
Open Water Construction Started on Bridge Towers
~ 1955 ~
January1955
7 April 1955
24 June 1955
Photo Below: Could this be the SAME Mackinac Bridge model as shown in the 1956 photo above? These are Petoskey High School students with recognizable teachers Don Quade and Stanley Garthe standing in the back. If anyone recognizes any of the students please contact the web master by clicking HERE.
7 July 1955
October 1955
~ 1956 ~
January 1956
July 1956
July 1956
July 1956
July 1956
~ Lights Span Straits ~
August 1956
August 1956
~ Looking South ~
August 1956
August 1956
~ Looking North ~
August 1956
August 1956
~ 1957 ~
March 1957
Three Photos Below: 1957 ~ Bridge With No Mid-Section Roadway
Two Photos Below: Bridge appears to have more mid-section, juxtaposed to Fort Michillimackinac.
The cannon showing in the photo below left, is of the incorrect time era... being a Civil War Cannon. Click here on "Cannons" to see additional information about cannons.
The cannon showing in the photo below left, is of the incorrect time era... being a Civil War Cannon. Click here on "Cannons" to see additional information about cannons.
June 1957
July 1957
July 1957
August 1957
Photo Below: Mackinac Bridge Approach from St. Ignace
Article Left: Operation Manager for the Mackinac Bridge Authority Benson Wiggins, Jr. had posted all-night guards at both ends of the bridge for Halloween Night to ward off any pranksters. The Sault Evening News' published obituary for Benson Wiggins, Jr. (29 March 1925 - 16 September 1996) included: "He entered the U.S. Army after graduation in June of 1943. He served with the 36th Infantry Division, was in the Italian and Southern France Campaign, and received two Purple Hearts with Oak Leaf Cluster. He was wounded on Jan. 22, 1944 in Italy and Aug. 25, 1944 in France. He spent many months at Percy Jones Hospital Center in Ft. Custer, Mich., and was discharged as a Disabled American Veteran on July 2, 1945. He worked for the Michigan State Ferry Boat for 11 years as Personnel Director and was transferred to the Mackinac Bridge Authority in 1957 as Personnel and Operations Manager until his retirement in 1980." Benson performed many other community services in St. Ignace, but obviously being associated with the Mackinac Bridge played a huge part in Benson's life, and that of his family.
|
The following seven pictures were scanned from old slides which were intermingled with extended family's slides.
It is not known who the photographer was... the slides were quite dusty as evidenced below, but interesting!
It is not known who the photographer was... the slides were quite dusty as evidenced below, but interesting!
~ Dr. David B. Steinman, designer and chief engineer of the Mackinac Bridge ~
1957
1957
~ The OLD Mackinaw Point Lighthouse has been closed by the Mackinac Bridge ~
1957
TOP
~ 1958 ~
The following 1958 YouTube video titled "The Five Mile Dream"
was made years ago with Lowell Thomas narrating.
The video explains the Building of the Mighty Mac, close to the time that it was being built.
The following 1958 YouTube video titled "The Five Mile Dream"
was made years ago with Lowell Thomas narrating.
The video explains the Building of the Mighty Mac, close to the time that it was being built.
~ June 1958 ~
Mackinac Bridge DEDICATION
AND
The Green Ribbon that Spanned the five miles of the new Mackinac Bridge...
Mackinac Bridge DEDICATION
AND
The Green Ribbon that Spanned the five miles of the new Mackinac Bridge...
The 7 September 2023 Petoskey News Review reported: After the bridge opened to traffic on 1 November 1957, Richard Snyder of Clare, Michigan, on 6 September 2009 drove the 150 millionth vehicle across the bridge. Just 13 years later, on 15 June 2022, the Dalman Family of Tawas City, Michigan, drove the 200 millionth vehicle across the bridge. Fifty million vehicles crossing the bridge in just 13 years–when it took 52 years for 150 million to cross–is another indicator of increasing bridge usage. Click HERE to access public "live camera feeds" to monitor activity at the bridge.
In April 2002 Kim Nowack became the FIRST woman to be named the chief engineer,
for the Mackinac Bridge Authority.
She spoke at the Carnegie Building in Petoskey, Michigan, on 8 August 2017.
The next day she emailed the photo below of a Tenth Anniversary Souvenir of the bridge dedication,
which included a piece of the ribbon
that had been used in the original 28 June 1958 dedication of the Mackinac Bridge, like the ribbon above.
for the Mackinac Bridge Authority.
She spoke at the Carnegie Building in Petoskey, Michigan, on 8 August 2017.
The next day she emailed the photo below of a Tenth Anniversary Souvenir of the bridge dedication,
which included a piece of the ribbon
that had been used in the original 28 June 1958 dedication of the Mackinac Bridge, like the ribbon above.
~ 1959 ~
Contact this webmaster IF you know where this "Big Mack" mural painting presently resides.
Article Below: Boat Buyer Needed After Mackinac Bridge Was Built
HMS Britannia Under the Mackinac Bridge... on the way to Chicago, transporting Queen Elizabeth II.
Photo Below: Industrial promotional leaders ~
Edwin George, T. Chalmers Curtis and
Prentiss M. Brown, former U.S. Senator and chairman of the Mackinac Bridge Authority.
Article Below: Straits ferry service put out of business by the completion of the Mackinac Bridge...
~ 1960 ~
CHANGE in St. Ignace After The Bridge
CHANGE in St. Ignace After The Bridge
~ 1960s ~
Gas Service Stations gave away drinking glasses as premiums,
with local area names and decorations,
such as this glass of the Mackinac Bridge.
Gas Service Stations gave away drinking glasses as premiums,
with local area names and decorations,
such as this glass of the Mackinac Bridge.
~ 1960 ~
Cheboygan Man 3 Millionth to Cross Big Mack
Cheboygan Man 3 Millionth to Cross Big Mack
~ 1965 ~
Holding Up The Bridge
Holding Up The Bridge
~ 1968 ~
~ 1971 ~
~ 1974 ~
~ 1976 ~
~ 1977 ~
Wall of 27,500 People Make Trek
Wall of 27,500 People Make Trek
~ 1981~
The World's Greatest Event
"The total miles walked by participants would circle the earth, at the equator, several times.
In addition to the general walk, special athletic walk races are held. A really pleasant, gala day's outing."
The World's Greatest Event
"The total miles walked by participants would circle the earth, at the equator, several times.
In addition to the general walk, special athletic walk races are held. A really pleasant, gala day's outing."
~ 1982 ~
Paraplegics Escorted Across Mackinac Bridge
in Foggy Accident
Paraplegics Escorted Across Mackinac Bridge
in Foggy Accident
~ 1984 ~
Ironworkers to Celebrate Proud History
Ironworkers to Celebrate Proud History
FIRST Mackinac Bridge Fatality
~ 1992 ~
Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Walk with the President of the United States
1992
~ 1997 ~
AND
"The Mackinac Bridge spans the Straits of Mackinac and connects the Upper and lower Peninsulas of Michigan.
It is a suspension bridge with center span of 3,800 feet, second longest in the world,
with two 1,800 foot side suspension spans and two 474 foot unloaded backstay spans."
It is a suspension bridge with center span of 3,800 feet, second longest in the world,
with two 1,800 foot side suspension spans and two 474 foot unloaded backstay spans."
~ 2008 ~
~ Cars and Ducks in a Row ~
2010
~ Mackinac Bridge with little St. Helena Island in the background ~
Posted Below only by Permission from Drone Photographer Charles Dawley, Up North Imaging
Drone Photography from Charles Dawley "Up North Imaging"
Posted Below only by Permission from Drone Photographer Charles Dawley, Up North Imaging
Drone Photography from Charles Dawley "Up North Imaging"
2011
~ Cheboygan County View of Mackinac Bridge ~
~ Cheboygan County View of Mackinac Bridge ~
~ Mackinac Bridge ~
Observed from the Grounds of Fort Michilimackinac
(An 18th century French, later British, fort and trading post at the Straits of Mackinac under the bridge)
7 August 2010
View the Slideshow Below.
Observed from the Grounds of Fort Michilimackinac
(An 18th century French, later British, fort and trading post at the Straits of Mackinac under the bridge)
7 August 2010
View the Slideshow Below.
~ Closing of the Mackinac Bridge ~
February 2018
February 2018
Periodically, the Mackinac Bridge is closed due to high winds, falling ice, or various other safety issues. Such was the case as reported in the 25 February 2018 Petoskey News review:
"A Mackinac Bridge Authority employee said today's closure began at 8:22 a.m. Ice falling from bridge towers and cables was a factor in the closing, he said, as were high winds. Wind gusts of up to 67 mph were observed at the bridge today.
As of 11:48 a.m., the bridge reopened to vehicle to cars, SUVs, vans and empty pickup trucks, the employee said. The Michigan Department of Transportation announced shortly after 5 p.m. that other types of motor vehicles would be allowed to cross."
Two Petoskey residents had planned to leave on a trip to the Upper Peninsula's Curtis, Michigan, on Saturday, 24 February, 2018 at 8AM. Before leaving home, they learned the bridge was closed due to high winds. So they drank coffee and visited until the bridge was opened at 10AM. They made it to Curtis for an afternoon of uneventful fishing. The next morning, the cabin had no electricity, nor did the village of Curtis. They heard the bridge was opened about noon so headed south. When they reached the bridge approach, they learned that they would not be allowed to cross because they were in a pickup with a cap (a wind catcher). So, they went to a restaurant to eat, and to wait some more for the bridge to open. They heard stories of St. Ignace and Mackinaw City motels charging "scalping prices" the night before... as much as $300 to $500 per room (hearsay) of people who were denied bridge crossing. About 5 PM all types of vehicles were allowed to cross. By then, waiting traffic was backed up for miles as witnessed in the photos below.
"A Mackinac Bridge Authority employee said today's closure began at 8:22 a.m. Ice falling from bridge towers and cables was a factor in the closing, he said, as were high winds. Wind gusts of up to 67 mph were observed at the bridge today.
As of 11:48 a.m., the bridge reopened to vehicle to cars, SUVs, vans and empty pickup trucks, the employee said. The Michigan Department of Transportation announced shortly after 5 p.m. that other types of motor vehicles would be allowed to cross."
Two Petoskey residents had planned to leave on a trip to the Upper Peninsula's Curtis, Michigan, on Saturday, 24 February, 2018 at 8AM. Before leaving home, they learned the bridge was closed due to high winds. So they drank coffee and visited until the bridge was opened at 10AM. They made it to Curtis for an afternoon of uneventful fishing. The next morning, the cabin had no electricity, nor did the village of Curtis. They heard the bridge was opened about noon so headed south. When they reached the bridge approach, they learned that they would not be allowed to cross because they were in a pickup with a cap (a wind catcher). So, they went to a restaurant to eat, and to wait some more for the bridge to open. They heard stories of St. Ignace and Mackinaw City motels charging "scalping prices" the night before... as much as $300 to $500 per room (hearsay) of people who were denied bridge crossing. About 5 PM all types of vehicles were allowed to cross. By then, waiting traffic was backed up for miles as witnessed in the photos below.
UPDATE: The 1 April 2022 Petoskey News Review had a front page article about "When the Mackinac Bridge Closes... stating "Twice last week the Mackinac Bridge was closed to traffic due to falling snow and ice." Kim Nowack, Mackinac Bridge Authority director explained, "We station staff on the bridge with binoculars and we use our cameras to watch for falling ice and once this happens, we close. The rise in temp and whether there is sun determine the closure duration. If the temps rise quickly, the ice will drop quickly."
Access more information, photos, and videos regarding the "Blue Ice"
near the Mackinac Bridge and in the Straits of Mackinac
on this website on the Elements of Nature page toward the bottom.
near the Mackinac Bridge and in the Straits of Mackinac
on this website on the Elements of Nature page toward the bottom.
Photo Below: Alex Childress' additional work also may be viewed at Alex Childress Photo.
The impressive Mighty Mac viewed from a Mackinac Island ferry...
The impressive Mighty Mac viewed from a Mackinac Island ferry...
Photo Below: Once the bridge is crossed from Mackinaw City to St. Ignace, during certain winters with safe ice... another BRIDGE may be accessible to Mackinac Island... an ICE BRIDGE! The ice bridge is created by the placement of Christmas trees marking the route for snow mobilers to follow. The "marking trees" are visible just beyond the lighthouse in the photo below.
Photo Above: Alex Childress' additional work also may be viewed at Alex Childress Photo.
Photo Below: The Mackinac Bridge was draped and in the process of being painted,
with traffic only one way in each direction.
On 28 June 2020 a pilot, recklessly, flew a small plane under the bridge while hundreds of vehicles were on the bridge. Authorities are searching for the identity of the pilot. This is not the FIRST time this extremely dangerous act has been committed, but it definitely should be the LAST!
~ The Mackinac Bridge Walk ~
The Mackinac Bridge Walk has been an annual event since 1958,
with the exception of 2020 during the COVID–19 pandemic.
Previous years brought UPWARDS of 30,000 people to Mackinaw City and across the bridge.
The Mackinac Bridge Walk has been an annual event since 1958,
with the exception of 2020 during the COVID–19 pandemic.
Previous years brought UPWARDS of 30,000 people to Mackinaw City and across the bridge.
Photo Below: Mackinac Bridge in Winter
More of Charles Dawley's remarkable videos and photography can be viewed on
Drone Photography from Charles Dawley "Up North Imaging".
Posted only by Permission from Drone Photographer Charles Dawley, Up North Imaging...
More of Charles Dawley's remarkable videos and photography can be viewed on
Drone Photography from Charles Dawley "Up North Imaging".
Posted only by Permission from Drone Photographer Charles Dawley, Up North Imaging...
~ 23 February 2021 ~
Blue Ice
Blue Ice
Two Photos Below: People congregate on the shore's edge to view "BLUE ICE near the Mackinac Bridge.
Several on-line videos about "Blue Ice" are available for viewing.
More of Charles Dawley's remarkable videos and photography can be viewed on
Drone Photography from Charles Dawley "Up North Imaging".
23 February 2021 ~ Posted only by Permission from Drone Photographer Charles Dawley, Up North Imaging...
Several on-line videos about "Blue Ice" are available for viewing.
More of Charles Dawley's remarkable videos and photography can be viewed on
Drone Photography from Charles Dawley "Up North Imaging".
23 February 2021 ~ Posted only by Permission from Drone Photographer Charles Dawley, Up North Imaging...
~ 26 May 2021~
~ 2021 ~
Michilimackinac State Park
Established in 1909; Michigan's SECOND State Park
offers stunning views of the Mackinac Bridge and the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
... in Mackinaw City, Michigan
Michilimackinac State Park
Established in 1909; Michigan's SECOND State Park
offers stunning views of the Mackinac Bridge and the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
... in Mackinaw City, Michigan
The Petoskey News Review 21 July 2022 issue it was announced that "Small pieces of the original bridge grating, created as part of an ongoing project to replace those as needed, are now on sale again at the Mackinac Bridge Administration office in St. Ignace. Grating pieces cost $20 years, and customers are limited to three pieces each. Pieces are roughly 5 inches by 11 inches and 5 inches by 8 incense; they may exhibit rusting and traces of lead paint. Are pieces are sold 'as-is.' Purchasers must sign a liability disclaminers/hold harmless agreement. No online sales or reservations are available and sales are limited to stock on hand. Large pieces of used grating are available for auction at www.GovDeals.com as they become available."
This news article featured Jack R. Thompson, with an archived photo of him, working with the bridge crew wiring the mesh to the catwalk ropes between piers 17 and 18 on the bridge in 1956. At 93 years old, Thompson, who lives in a home in Alpena, Michigan, was grateful to be gifted with a piece of that original grating. "That crew had strung the 42,000 miles and 11,840 tons of cables that suspend the bridge." Thompson last crossed the bridge in 1960, while the bridge recently saw its 200 millionth crossing.
This news article featured Jack R. Thompson, with an archived photo of him, working with the bridge crew wiring the mesh to the catwalk ropes between piers 17 and 18 on the bridge in 1956. At 93 years old, Thompson, who lives in a home in Alpena, Michigan, was grateful to be gifted with a piece of that original grating. "That crew had strung the 42,000 miles and 11,840 tons of cables that suspend the bridge." Thompson last crossed the bridge in 1960, while the bridge recently saw its 200 millionth crossing.
19 November 2022 Petoskey News Review reported: Only rarely does the Mackinac Bridge close... this time replacement of the bridge's backup power system will cause a traffic closure between 2:30-3 AM on 29 November 2022 AND 30 November 2022. The proposed electrical work will cause an outage of the bridge's tolling system. These dates/times are anticipated as the lowest traffic volumes for this time of year. Bridge director Kim Nowack stated, "We don't want to inconvenience anyone, ut this is ital work to ensure we can keep all of our operations online during any future power outages."
The Associated Press reported 24 May 2023 "Inspectors clear Mackinac Bridge as safe after it was hit by crane".
The crane incident happened 7 May 2023 that the bridge had been struck by a crane on a barge that passed under the bridge. The barge operator was unaware until later finding great damage on the crane.
Paint was knocked off the bridge, with some of the structural steel having suffered damage.
Repair damages are sought from the transport company.
The crane incident happened 7 May 2023 that the bridge had been struck by a crane on a barge that passed under the bridge. The barge operator was unaware until later finding great damage on the crane.
Paint was knocked off the bridge, with some of the structural steel having suffered damage.
Repair damages are sought from the transport company.
The Petoskey News Review reported,
"Mackinac Bridge Joint replacement work begins 6 September 2023".
"This project includes replacing 11 relief joints and three sliding-plate expansion joints, which are connections in the bridge deck that allow for expansion and contraction due to temperature changes, as well as movement from traffic. Nearly $5 M will replace joints on the north viaduct span, an elevated part of the bridge located over the north causeway, immediately north of the truss spans of the bridge.'
"Mackinac Bridge Joint replacement work begins 6 September 2023".
"This project includes replacing 11 relief joints and three sliding-plate expansion joints, which are connections in the bridge deck that allow for expansion and contraction due to temperature changes, as well as movement from traffic. Nearly $5 M will replace joints on the north viaduct span, an elevated part of the bridge located over the north causeway, immediately north of the truss spans of the bridge.'
6 September 2023 reported: With about 35,000 people "Mackinac Bridge Walk sees Largest turnout since 2016' with 45,000. The annual Labor Day Bridge Walk has been an event since 1958. It is the only time the bridge is open to foot traffic. In 1998, the walk was featured on the front page of local "The Graphic" as shown below.
The 7 September 2023 Petoskey News Review reported: "Kim Nowack, bridge director of the MBA, reported in an August 16 press release that 492,976 vehicles crossed the Mackinac Bridge during June 2023 compare to 448,055 in June 2022.... and, 'This is just a regular summer day at the bridge now,' said a toll worker at midday on a Friday in August when southbound traffic was waiting an average of 30 minutes to cross the bridge."
Access a stunning video titled "Building the Mighty Mac" by clicking HERE.
~ Workers/Connections to Mackinac Bridge Construction ~
Cone/Aldwyn C. (Construction)
Lucas/Benjamin "Ben" (Iron worker)
Pat Rickley (Mackinac Bridge Toll Attendant retired 2023 after 30 Years)
Thompson/Jack R. (Construction)
Cone/Aldwyn C. (Construction)
Lucas/Benjamin "Ben" (Iron worker)
Pat Rickley (Mackinac Bridge Toll Attendant retired 2023 after 30 Years)
Thompson/Jack R. (Construction)