Northern Mich~Mash Preserve
~ WATERFRONT ~
(Including Magnus Park [24.2 acres]
AND
Early Steamers/Ships and Ferries
(toward the bottom of this web page)
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.
~ Survey Mark on the Above Breakwater ~
CORPS OF ENGINEERS - U.S. ARMY
$250 FINE OR IMPRISONMENT
BOUNDARY
STATION DESIGNATION
YEAR 2010
AGENCY
OLAURE
NO DISTURBING THIS MARK
SURVEY MARK
$250 FINE OR IMPRISONMENT
BOUNDARY
STATION DESIGNATION
YEAR 2010
AGENCY
OLAURE
NO DISTURBING THIS MARK
SURVEY MARK
Photos Above and Below:
~ Waves Breaking over Newer and Older Lights at the end of the Petoskey Breakwall ~
~ Waves Breaking over Newer and Older Lights at the end of the Petoskey Breakwall ~
~ Northern Nights–Northern Lights ~
Top Photo and Photo Above:
Alex Childress' additional work also may be viewed at Alex Childress Photo.
Alex Childress' additional work also may be viewed at Alex Childress Photo.
~ No Fog Horns, No Lighthouse, Use Guns for Guidance ~
1875
1875
~ Bay Front ~
1874
Petoskey's Shoreline West of Bear Creek (Bear River)
1874
Petoskey's Shoreline West of Bear Creek (Bear River)
Petoskey's Shoreline at the Mouth of the Bear Creek (Bear River)
looking toward H.O. Rose Dock and Lime Kilns
1878
[Trains began running regularly late in the spring of 1874,
and in the early summer Fox & Rose built the FIRST dock.]
1878
1880
Photos/Clipping Above and Below: The tall tower above is described in the clipping below as "Near the skyline you can see the Banghart Tower, built by the Banghart Hotel (now Chippewa-1949) so people could see the view."
Photo Below: Petoskey's Waterfront Featuring a Schooner in the Harbor...
1907 Photo Below: Petoskey from the H.O. Rose Dock
Photo Below Labeled: "On Petoskey Street Looking Toward the Rose Dock"
~ Old Landmark Building Gone ~
1882
1882
~ Cook's Boat Fleet ~
Established in 1877
Established in 1877
~ J.W. Cook's Boat House Location ~
1882
1882
~ Waterfront near the breakwater showing
J.W. (or W.S.) Cook & Sons Banner Boathouse ~
1888
J.W. (or W.S.) Cook & Sons Banner Boathouse ~
1888
~ J.W. Cook Boatbuilder and Renter of Boats on Petoskey's Waterfront ~
(See text below the photo above labeling it as J.W. Cook. Other sources labeled it as W.S. Cook.)
John Cook, born 20 April 1825 (died 14 November 1912), moved to Petoskey from Kalamazoo in 1866.
(See text below the photo above labeling it as J.W. Cook. Other sources labeled it as W.S. Cook.)
John Cook, born 20 April 1825 (died 14 November 1912), moved to Petoskey from Kalamazoo in 1866.
From Cook's 1913 obituary below right: "John Washington Cook came to Petoskey in 1877 and opened a boat building shop on the banks of Bear River, on the present site of the Pere Marquette's station [Little Traverse History Museum in 2022]. At that time the river emptied into the bay at the foot of the present Northern Michigan Transportation Company's dock. Later Mr. Cook built a shop and residence on the site of the gas works, selling the site to the gas company some years ago."
Photo Below: 1870s Steamer Fountain City of the Northern Transportation Company beside the Rose & Fox Dock
~ Waterfront View of Petoskey ~
(See article farther below about Breakwall)
(See article farther below about Breakwall)
1885
Petoskey's Waterfront taken from the H.O. Rose Dock, Looking West; Old Mission Church in the Distance...
Petoskey's Waterfront taken from the H.O. Rose Dock, Looking West; Old Mission Church in the Distance...
1892
1897
~ Early Waterfront in Petoskey, Michigan ~
1900
Postcard Below: "A scene at the dock, Petoskey, Mich."
appears to be the same warehouse building at the end of the dock as in the photo above...
appears to be the same warehouse building at the end of the dock as in the photo above...
~ Old tug "Kaiser Wilhelm" used to build the Petoskey breakwater,
was completely dismantled ~
1900
~ Fishing at the Waterfront ~
~ Waterfront Connable Fish House ~
Click HERE to access addtional information about the Connable Family.
Photo Below Labeled: "The Connable Fish Market in Petoskey destroyed by fire"
Photo Below Labeled: "The Connable Fish Market in Petoskey destroyed by fire"
~ Petoskey Utility Plant near the Waterfront at the Mouth of the Bear River ~
MIDWAY
~ Midway Led to to Waterfront ~
The Midway led to the H.O. Rose Dock.
Photo Below Labeled: "The Petoskey Midway, and steamships at the H. O. Rose Dock"
Below: Dudley McDonald helped build the stone cribs for the Petoskey City Dock, was also the builder of Petoskey's
early cement sidewalks, and brought the FIRST hollow concrete block machine to the area.
early cement sidewalks, and brought the FIRST hollow concrete block machine to the area.
Photo Below AND 1948 Clipping Next Below: Petoskey Boat Works 1894
Photo Below Labeled:
"Train switching from Bay View. The Petoskey Rug Manufacturing Building is in the background."
"Train switching from Bay View. The Petoskey Rug Manufacturing Building is in the background."
Two Photos Above and One Photo Below: The Midway along Petoskey Street from the H.O. Rose Dock
endured a fire about 1905 as noted in the article/text that burned many of the popular shops.
The photo directly above, however, was labled with the date being 1892.
endured a fire about 1905 as noted in the article/text that burned many of the popular shops.
The photo directly above, however, was labled with the date being 1892.
Obituary Below: John Clapper operated a second-hand store on the Midway until 1937.
He died in 1938.
He died in 1938.
Text accompanied this photo below: "Old timers often spoke of the bustling Petoskey 'Midway' of the olden days. This shows the summer activity of days gone by when the approach to the waterfront was full of small shops. A horse-drawn meat wagon may also be seen at the right."
Photo Below: The Cook Bockes Building on the Midway in Petoskey"... The building's sign reads "Furnished Rooms"
MODERN MIDWAY
By 1986 Waterfront plans had materialized for the Midway Promenade.
By 1986 Waterfront plans had materialized for the Midway Promenade.
Photo Below: The building is the same building as shown on the midway in the photo/text in the article above. The photo below was labeled: "The Cook Bockes Building on the Midway in Petoskey." Notice the depot in the background.
|
Photo Below Labeled as: Workwomen at the Feathers Toy Factory on the Waterfront in Petoskey.
Click HERE to contact this web master with any information about this photo.
Click HERE to contact this web master with any information about this photo.
PRE and POST PROMENADE
Three Photos Below: The making of the midway in 1987...
"The Promenade" |
Midway Complete in its Fall Glory
2019
2019
In 1902 when Mrs. Curtis gave the FIRST clock to be mounted in the Emmet County court house tower, the original clock faces were black with white Roman numerals on them, as shown on this undated/unknown newspaper photo.
The 22 November 1974 Petoskey New Review reported: "Carter [Merton] told how the late Mrs. [William] W. L. Curtis purchased the town clock in 1903 [sic] from the Buffalo Exposition. At that time it had a black face and white hands and frame and wasn't lighted. In 1916 she [Mrs. Curtis] got permission from council to have the clock illuminated and paid for the replacing the black four eight foot high faces with light ground glass. The hands of the clock and the frame were then painted black."
Another related happening regarding Petoskey’s Clock Faces having been purchased from the “Pan-American Exposition of 1901” held in Buffalo, New York… was the reason the exposition was dismantled, for the faces to become available. The Exposition turned tragic when on 6 September 1901 , while in a receiving line at the “Temple of Music”, President McKinley was shot twice by an anarchist. Vice President Theodore Roosevelt assumed the presidency.
The 22 November 1974 Petoskey New Review reported: "Carter [Merton] told how the late Mrs. [William] W. L. Curtis purchased the town clock in 1903 [sic] from the Buffalo Exposition. At that time it had a black face and white hands and frame and wasn't lighted. In 1916 she [Mrs. Curtis] got permission from council to have the clock illuminated and paid for the replacing the black four eight foot high faces with light ground glass. The hands of the clock and the frame were then painted black."
Another related happening regarding Petoskey’s Clock Faces having been purchased from the “Pan-American Exposition of 1901” held in Buffalo, New York… was the reason the exposition was dismantled, for the faces to become available. The Exposition turned tragic when on 6 September 1901 , while in a receiving line at the “Temple of Music”, President McKinley was shot twice by an anarchist. Vice President Theodore Roosevelt assumed the presidency.
The history of the City Hall/County Building clock may be accessed on the Charlevoix Emmet History Web Page by clicking HERE. The original 1903 City Hall/County Building clock had black faces, replaced with the white faces in 1916, which has been preserved on the clock/bell tower in the Midway. After removal from the county building, the clock and bell were first installed in the Little Traverse Historical Museum housed in the old waterfront Pere Marquette train depot. From the museum, the clock faces and bell have been preserved on the Midway to be enjoyed by the public.
As pretty as the promenade trees are, especially in the Fall, and as enjoyable as they are to walk under... like Petoskey's own Tunnel of Trees, the Parks and Recreation Director announced in the 3 March 2020 Petoskey News Review that the trees are "beyond trimming." He feels "the foliage has become somewhat unruly with 22 trees along the perimeter. Eight are dead or dying and four have roots that are causing trip hazards beneath the concrete." The work is expected to take place before Memorial Day.
Two Photos Below: New Promenade Trees had been planted...
Photo Below Left:
A Hole Waiting for a Tree... |
Photo Below Right: Midway Playground Waiting for "Players" (Covid~19 Restrictions in Force)
|
Three Photos Below:
2021 ~ After the Pandemic Restrictions were lifted...
2021 ~ After the Pandemic Restrictions were lifted...
Photo Below:
Looking North-East; Petoskey's waterfront by Little Traverse Bay
with Round Lake, Crooked Lake, and Burt Lake in the background...
Looking North-East; Petoskey's waterfront by Little Traverse Bay
with Round Lake, Crooked Lake, and Burt Lake in the background...
TOP
1988
Photos from the construction of the tunnel under US 31 By-Pass as mentioned below
on this Northern Mich~Mash Preserve website on the "Petoskey Parks and Recreation" web page.
on this Northern Mich~Mash Preserve website on the "Petoskey Parks and Recreation" web page.
The original four clock faces were black when donated by Mrs. Curtis in 1902. Later the faces were replaced with white faces. The City/County building clock existed on that old building until the building was razed in 1965. The clock was saved when the clock was turned over to the Little Traverse Historical Society. The bell was installed at the museum in December 1975 and first tolled there at midnight 1 January 1976. The weight of the clock began to cause structural damage and was removed 31 October 1988. The city of Petoskey’s Tax Increment Finance Authority funded refurbishing of the clock… becoming “high-tech” and controlled by a computer program. The colors of the clock faces also could be changed from a pink background to a pale blue. The clock was installed on the waterfront 62 foot tower in May of 1996. The cost of overhauling the clock and assembling the clock tower was about $120,000.00. History and associated clock memories were preserved.
BELOW 21 March 2022: TIME for a clock renewal and upgrades will again be funded from the TIFA Fund and Electric Fund.
BELOW 21 March 2022: TIME for a clock renewal and upgrades will again be funded from the TIFA Fund and Electric Fund.
~ Triptych of Three Seasons ~
2022
2022
Triptych Above: More of Charles Dawley's remarkable videos and photography can be viewed on
Drone Photography from Charles Dawley "Up North Imaging".
Drone Photography from Charles Dawley "Up North Imaging".
~ Handless Clock Requires a Helping Hand ~
The photo above was included in a 22 April 2023 Petoskey News Review article announcing why the clock is handless. Four separate motors operate the four sets of hands which all are in need of routine maintenance, repair, and upgrades. The clock project process began in March 2022 with an approximate total cost of $105,000.00 funded through the city's TIFA budget. The local site work schedule will take place during the week of 8 May 2023.
Photos Below: It did not take long for the insides to be replaced on the waterfront clock, for time to move forward.
Photos Below: It did not take long for the insides to be replaced on the waterfront clock, for time to move forward.
BREAKWATER
~ Petoskey's Breakwater Concept... Colonel Isaac D. Toll, the father of the breakwater enterprise ~
1892
(See photo farther above of the Petoskey Waterfront in 1892... PRE-Breakwall)
~ Petoskey's Breakwater Concept... Colonel Isaac D. Toll, the father of the breakwater enterprise ~
1892
(See photo farther above of the Petoskey Waterfront in 1892... PRE-Breakwall)
BREAKWATER LIGHTHOUSE
~ OLD Lighthouse on the Breakwater ~
~ OLD Lighthouse on the Breakwater ~
1912 Article Below:
Captain Hurkett was "Keeper of Breakwater Light Fourteen Years"
Captain Hurkett was "Keeper of Breakwater Light Fourteen Years"
~ Petoskey Light Put Out of Commission by Fierce Storm ~
1914
1914
~ Petoskey Breakwall ~
About 1915
About 1915
~ Petoskey Breakwater Gets Boatload of Stone ~
1918
1918
~ Petoskey Lighthouse Wrecked and Blown Off ~
1924
1924
2010 Article Below: The Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association approached the Petoskey City Council for the association to raise the money to build a replica of the original pagoda style lighthouse to be built on the cliff in Sunset Park off U.S. 31. This project never materialized.
Clipping Below: The local Northern Michigan Review newspaper published this photo of the Presque Isle Harbor lighthouse saying it had been designed by Jefferson Davis. This statement does not seem true if the Presque Isle Township Museum Society's posting is accurate, as can be read by "Clicking" HERE.
~ Waterfront Views ~
(Undated)
(Undated)
The 1879 article below reports the manufactory of Brackett's Sarsaparilla Beer on the west side of the railroad, near the water tank (see tank in photo above) and between it and the bay, and will be on ground leased from H.O. Rose.
WATERFRONT SEWAGE
~ Outlet for the Septic Pipe "out into the bay" ~
1916 AND 1924
~ Outlet for the Septic Pipe "out into the bay" ~
1916 AND 1924
~ Petoskey's New Sewage Disposal Plant Completed ~
on the Waterfront...
1930
on the Waterfront...
1930
~ Petoskey Wants a Better Dock ~
1905 > 1917
1905 > 1917
~ Dock ~
1888 Photo Below: Petoskey from the H.O. Rose Dock
Photo Below: Petoskey from the H.O. Rose Dock
Photo Below: Petoskey Dock in Winter (1888)
1941
Photo Below: Photo possibly was taken by Earl Lloyd Worden of his wife Iris (Lewis) Worden,
waving while on the Petoskey waterfront with the dock in the background.
waving while on the Petoskey waterfront with the dock in the background.
1942
1949
1949
Photo Below: Steel is Reject Oil Pipe for Petoskey's New Dock
Photo Below: Steel is Reject Oil Pipe for Petoskey's New Dock
PRE- WWII but, published in 1950
Umbrellas on the Dock
Umbrellas on the Dock
Photo Below: John L.A. Galster (center) president of the Petoskey Portland Cement Co., and former Petoskey Mayor, was recognized to cut the new dock ribbon; largest contributor of the dock drive because Petoskey Portland Cement Co., gave all of the dock cement for free.
1951
Public Telephone Booth on the Dock
Public Telephone Booth on the Dock
1953
Spectators Jammed Petoskey's Dock
Spectators Jammed Petoskey's Dock
1955
Photo Below: The City's diesel plant, utility building, and new sewage treatment plant
can be seen on the waterfront.
Photo Below: The City's diesel plant, utility building, and new sewage treatment plant
can be seen on the waterfront.
1963
Experimental Finger Pier
Experimental Finger Pier
~ Underground Marine Gasoline Storage Tanks ~
1969
1969
The 30 June 1938 Northern Michigan Review reported: "The Petoskey Chamber of Commerce, after years of effort, received official sanction to improve the Petoskey waterfront which is expected to be completed by this time. The City Council appropriated $2500 to build a rubble-mound wall along the entire waterfront, provide for a wading pool for children and general landscaping of the property. This amount was supplemented by a WPA grant."
Two Photos Below: The "Bates Field" where the Ed White Little League baseball was played...
Photos Above in 1990 and Below in 1999: The oil storage units on the waterfront were gone by 1999 and the water front clock tower had been added. Later on, much to the disappointment of many community members, the entire Bates Field (in photo below) was moved off the waterfront to a new area up by North Central Michigan College.
Article Below: The Petoskey Rug Company sold in 1953.
Albert T. Washburne had formed the company in 1898 in a church building located downtown.
He later moved his Petoskey Rug Company to the waterfront where the softball diamond
shown in the photos above was located.
Albert T. Washburne had formed the company in 1898 in a church building located downtown.
He later moved his Petoskey Rug Company to the waterfront where the softball diamond
shown in the photos above was located.
~ Old Lime Kiln on the Waterfront ~
The Petoskey Record 4 September 1901 reported that "Captain H.O. Rose returned on the afternoon train from Grand Rapids, where he completed the transfer of his lime quarries and business to the recently organized Michigan Lime company. It was announced today that Morgan Curtis had purchased an allotment preferred stock and will be the local manager of the business of the company. Morgan Curtis is the second son of William L. Curtis, the well-known banker and capitalist of northern Michigan, and is himself a successful business man. Until about one year ago he was the junior member of the lumber firm of Forman & Curtis one of the largest and most successful concerns in this section of the state."
Photo Above written description: "Looking west from the lime kiln. The scows near shore are being loaded with wood purchased by H.O. Rose. On the other side the dock is the McCormick and Connable Fish House. Ralph Connable because a partner of The McCormick Brothers.
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Photo Below: On the shore of Lake Michigan, Little Traverse Bay beach, north of H.O. Rose Lime Kiln...
Preston Feather & Sons was located at 405 East Lake Street, Petoskey, because during WWII, the government had seized (imminent domain) their building on Sheridan Street, to be used as a process plant for milkweed pods. The milkweed floss was needed for stuffing in military flotation vests because kapok was no longer accessible. Click HERE for additional information about Petoskey being the Milkweed Capital of the Country.
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~ Waterfront Losing Water? ~
1959
~ State Claims Title To Submerged Land ~
1959
~ Worksheet for Gathering Waterfront Ideas ~
1962
1962
~ Dredging at the Waterfront... city buildings in background ~
1953 AND 1963
1953 AND 1963
In the 1953 photos below, notice how Petoskey Street extended directly on to the waterfront.
That roadway was eliminated with the early 1960s Sunset Boulevard by-pass.
That roadway was eliminated with the early 1960s Sunset Boulevard by-pass.
~ Raising Funds for a new Charles J. Gray Waterfront Center ~
1956 > 1961
1956 > 1961
~ Work Progressing on Charles J. Gray Memorial Center on Waterfront ~
1963
1963
~ Waterfront Ideas ~
1963
1963
~ Lime Kiln Pool ~
1968
Photo Below: The lime kilns were used for swimming until that activity seemed to cease after Marion Maves Jr. drowned while swimming in the lime kiln in the 1960s. Perhaps that drowning spurred Councilman Gibson to suggest creating a SAFE swimming area in the kiln. The suggested project never happened.
1895 Postcard Below from the Ball Collection: Arlington Spring accessed on the bay's shore by steps from the bluff above... quite possibly located at the location where the Arlington Hotel had been located, below Arlington Avenue.
Two Photos Above and photo/text below show the bluff area that in 2022 holds Sunset Park, with US 31 having been moved to the east in 2019, so the highway is no longer quite so close to the edge of the bluff, but still runs parallel.
~ Marina Improvements ~
1968
~ Slips for 90 Boats Will be Built ~
1969
~ Waterfront Work ~
1969
1969
~ Waterfront Work ~
1974
1974
~ Breakwater 1960s > 1970s > 1980s > ~
Two 1970s Photos Below: Looking south at Petoskey from the breakwater. Photo Left Below: White building in background center of photo eventually became Petoskey Manufacturing, leaving behind environmental concerns still being addressed for the people living in the attractive new Petoskey Pointe Condominiums. Building closer to the front also is a building of condominiums in 2022. Photo Right Below: The big towers are the storage towers for Wells Fuel, right there on the water's front... now removed.
Five Photos Below: Petoskey's Breakwater...
More of Charles Dawley's remarkable videos and photography can be viewed on
Drone Photography from 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".
Photo Above: Pancake Ice Around the Breakwater
TOP
Lime Kiln
The Rose Lime Kiln originated on the waterfront in the late 1800s with the beginnings of Petoskey,
and its major entrepreneur H.O. Rose.
Additional information about the H.O. Rose lime kiln is located farther above on this same page.
and its major entrepreneur H.O. Rose.
Additional information about the H.O. Rose lime kiln is located farther above on this same page.
1945
1946
Lime Kiln was used for Exhibitions
1946
Article Below: The letter refers to the scenic lime kiln pond
shown in the three 2007 photos directly above.
shown in the three 2007 photos directly above.
~ Bridge Over the Winter Sports Park Creek on the Waterfront ~
Dedicated in Memory of Albert Schaller
(News-Review Publisher)
October 1990
Dedicated in Memory of Albert Schaller
(News-Review Publisher)
October 1990
This Sunset Park originally was located on the other side of Petoskey, off now named Eppler Road which originally had been called Washout Road... thus Washout Park. From there, Washout Park was moved to this Sunset Park location, but was first known as Pioneer Park. The name Pioneer Park was changed to Sunset Park. For additional information about this relocation and name changing on this same web site, click HERE.
~ Waterfront Steps from Sunset Park ~
2008
2008
Two Photos Below: 29 November 2017
Tulip Garden Area in front of Waterfront Steps with plaque for Susan M. Dilworth 1986
Tulip Garden Area in front of Waterfront Steps with plaque for Susan M. Dilworth 1986
~ Waterfront Steps from Sunset Park ~
2019
2019
Petoskey city council officials revealed in their 21 January 2019 meeting that they plan to have to replace the wood steps on the stair tower (in photo above) with new grated steel steps in 2019 to coincide with road work which the state will be making adjacent to the Sunset Park on US 31. Park Director Klingelsmith has expressed that wood boards continually have to be replaced, plus the wood is often slippery when wet. It is hoped the stairs will be complete in August 2019. Additionally a portion of the Little Traverse Wheelway will be repaved and widened during the Summer of 2019.
Discussion at the 18 March 2019 city meeting told that the wood stair tower that links Bayfront Park to Sunset Park is approximately 30 years old and in need of replacement. The project falls within the TIFA District so TIFA funds will pay for the project (TIFA = Tax Increment Financing Authority)... thus, ultimately taxpayers' money.
Discussion at the 18 March 2019 city meeting told that the wood stair tower that links Bayfront Park to Sunset Park is approximately 30 years old and in need of replacement. The project falls within the TIFA District so TIFA funds will pay for the project (TIFA = Tax Increment Financing Authority)... thus, ultimately taxpayers' money.
~ FIRST Step Work Just Beginning ~
19 July 2019
19 July 2019
Adjacent to the new steps... the waterfall with "pink touch"... what is that?
13 October 2019
This stairway project began in July 2019... STILL going on in October????
This stairway project began in July 2019... STILL going on in October????
The City Council minutes for 16 December 2019 stated that the City Manager Robert Straeble reported: "the Bayfront stair tower project has been largely completed with concrete work to be finished no later than April 2020."
2 April 2020 Photos Below: Stairway still not done, but the Coronavirus-19 could be a good excuse.
2 April 2020 Photos Below: Stairway still not done, but the Coronavirus-19 could be a good excuse.
Two 18 May 2020 Photos Below:
The stair tower appears to be completed while the new grass seed is ribboned off.
The stair tower appears to be completed while the new grass seed is ribboned off.
Stair Tower Expense
7 December 2020
7 December 2020
Photo Below: The Stair Tower was barely completed when graffiti already was showing on the stairs (see enlarged circle area below)... Photos farther below show the enjoyable views near the new stairs of Little Traverse Bay and Sunset Park.
Petoskey Waterfront from 1892... PRE Breakwall
* In 1895 a contract was made
for the construction of a breakwater in Petoskey.*
for the construction of a breakwater in Petoskey.*
~ Break Wall Extension ~
1907
1907
~ Break Wall Reconstruction Needed ~
1924
1924
~ Breakwater Bridge for Fishermen ~
1946
~ Breakwater Repair ~
1949
1949
~ Break Wall is BROKEN ~
(Is that why it is called a BREAK wall?)
2006
~ Broken Break Wall Reconstruction/Repair ~
2009
~ 2009 Slideshow Below ~
(Click on Play in Upper Left Corner of Main Photo)
(Click on Play in Upper Left Corner of Main Photo)
Photo Above from 2 August 2009
Posted only by Permission from Drone Photographer Charles Dawley, Up North Imaging
Drone Photography from Charles Dawley "Up North Imaging"
Posted only by Permission from Drone Photographer Charles Dawley, Up North Imaging
Drone Photography from Charles Dawley "Up North Imaging"
~ Petoskey From the Break Wall ~
2009
2009
~ Fortifying the Breakwall ~
2010
2010
Two Photos Above from 18 May 2010:
Posted only by Permission from Drone Photographer Charles Dawley, Up North Imaging
Drone Photography from Charles Dawley "Up North Imaging"
Posted only by Permission from Drone Photographer Charles Dawley, Up North Imaging
Drone Photography from Charles Dawley "Up North Imaging"
2011
~ The CHIEF View ~
2011
2011
~ Vacancy... NO Vacancy ~
2010, 2011, 2012 & 2019
2010, 2011, 2012 & 2019
Photo Above: More of Charles Dawley's remarkable videos and photography can be viewed on
Drone Photography from Charles Dawley "Up North Imaging".
Drone Photography from Charles Dawley "Up North Imaging".
~ Waterfront Landslide ~
25 June 2012
(Slideshow Below)
25 June 2012
(Slideshow Below)
Photo Below: 29 November 2017 ~ Five Years After the Waterfront Landslide... repaired
Photos Below 2012 ~ Downtown Petoskey from the Breakwall
~ Dredging Silt ~
11 October 2013
11 October 2013
Click PLAY in upper left corner of main photo to view 11 October 2013 slideshows below.
~ Waterfront Winter Wasteland ~
26 February 2014
26 February 2014
~ Autumn Waterfront ~
21 September 2017
21 September 2017
Photo Above: Alex Childress' additional work also may be viewed at Alex Childress Photo.
Photo Below: Baseball Park on the Waterfront
Photo Below: Baseball Park on the Waterfront
~ Two DEFINITE Sides to the Break Wall ~
6 July 2018
Dark colored water from the silt washing down through the outlet of the Bear River.
Aqua colored water is that of fresh water of Little Traverse Bay.
6 July 2018
Dark colored water from the silt washing down through the outlet of the Bear River.
Aqua colored water is that of fresh water of Little Traverse Bay.
Photo Above: The left side of the break wall water color is the result of silt that has washed down through the Bear River from Walloon Lake. The right side of the break wall water color is the result of the fresh water washing in through Little Traverse Bay from Michigan Great Lake.
Photo Above: Alex Childress' additional work also may be viewed at Alex Childress Photo.
~ Waterfront Enjoyment ~
19 August 2019
(Looking straight up Petoskey Street in Petoskey, Michigan)
19 August 2019
(Looking straight up Petoskey Street in Petoskey, Michigan)
Photo Below: Posted on this Northern Mich~Mash Preserve web site only by permission from
remarkable photographer and videographer Charles Dawley of Up North Imaging.
remarkable photographer and videographer Charles Dawley of Up North Imaging.
Photo Above: The November 2020 wind storm damaged the baseball field. It should be no surprise when noting how close that part of the field is to the water... Mother Nature always is in control.
~ Waterfront Erosion ~
2019
2019
The 10 September 2019 Petoskey News Review reported that the Bayfront Shoreline Erosion has occurred "adjacent to the Lime Kiln Pond, just northeast of Bayfront Drive's far eastern turnaround loop." A contract for $53,000 for erosion control in that area has been signed with Dunkel Excavating. A 9 foot drop for about 15 to 20 feet has been created from natural damage from the elements.
Two Photos Below: Rip Rap had been placed to address the erosion...
Compare the 2012 Photo Below to the two 2019 Photos Above :
Shows the exact same location eight years ago when the water was record low levels.
Shows the exact same location eight years ago when the water was record low levels.
The 6 November 2019 Petoskey News Review reported that the city will hire waterfront erosion engineers to focus on four specific areas of concern: Magnus Park; Solanus Mission Beach; Bayfront Park; and Bayfront East. Assessment will be the first step to address the very serious erosion that has continued to occur. Near the Bayfront East area adjacent to Lime Kiln Pond, the erosion has grown dangerously close to a sewer line, so that an immediate temporary above ground sewer line has been put in place.
~ Waterfront Erosion ~
2020
2020
The 11 January 2020 Petoskey News Review reported that Petoskey's city parks and recreation director Kendall Klingelsmith said: "Six years ago we were at record lows"... and "in the fall, the city council identified four areas stretching from Kilwin's headquarters to Magnus Park (Magnus Park, Solanus MIssion Beach, Bayfront Park and Bayfront East)" and have been under contract with an engineering firm to conduct a series of shoreline assessments. Compare these words to the 2012 photos below.
In 2020 the city has entwined Resort Township and Emmet County entities into helping to fund an $81,000.00 STUDY of the waterfront between Magnus Park and East Park which includes the eroding wheelway; having been built in that area with over a hundred years of known "slope failure." "Click" HERE to access more information about this situation of committing taxpayer dollars to the same irremediable projects over and over.
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~ Crucifix ~
A crucifix memorial under 21 feet of water in Little Traverse Bay may be viewed through clear water.
Often a winter event is planned for the viewing from the ice, and it draws a large crowd just off the natural shoreline.
An abundant amount of information and photos about the Little Traverse Bay Crucifix
are accessible on this same Northern Mich~Mash Preserve website on the
"Little Traverse Bay Crucifix" web page.
Often a winter event is planned for the viewing from the ice, and it draws a large crowd just off the natural shoreline.
An abundant amount of information and photos about the Little Traverse Bay Crucifix
are accessible on this same Northern Mich~Mash Preserve website on the
"Little Traverse Bay Crucifix" web page.
~ Magnus Park ~
(Called Magnus STATE Park early on)
West End of West Lake Street, Petoskey, Michigan
(Called Magnus STATE Park early on)
West End of West Lake Street, Petoskey, Michigan
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Joseph A. Magnus, of Cincinnati and Oden, Michigan, purchased the park property for $2500 from the state of Michigan and donated the property to Petoskey for the Magnus Park... thus his namesake. Joseph A. Magnus also helped to make the OLD Petoskey stadium on Standish Avenue possible through his connection to the local cement company, by donating the cement for the stadium's construction. The Magnus name is also on the building downtown on the corner of East Mitchell and Howard streets, the building once having housed the J.C. Penney store until 2020.
Article Above and 1929 Sanborn Map section: City Attorney Halstead recommended to the city council that the roadway needed to be extended from West Lake Street to Magnus State Park. In 1929 the map shows that the only direct access to Magnus State Park was from reaching Lowrie Street or Charlevoix Avenue on to Wildwood Lane; neither of which exists any longer. In fact, in 2021, the only road access to Magnus Park is on West Lake Street.
The 30 June 1938 Northern Michigan Review reported: "The [Petoskey] Chamber of Commerce and the City Council asked for the establishment of a state park in 1921 to take care of the incoming campers. The desired property, except for a section known as the Seavy property, was secured west of the city. Joseph Magnus of Cincinnati and Oden purchased an additional 21 acres from R.C. Ames in 1927 and increased the Magnus State Park to its present size. The state has complete jurisdiction and the operation of the park due to the presentation of the land to the state for park purposes. It now possesses all modern conveniences for either tent or trailer facilities."
Article Below: Water not yet turned on so neighbors furnished the necessary supply.
1927
1927
Magnus STATE Park is Real Busy Place
1934
Interesting Magnus Park Camper
1946
1946
Magnus State Park Season Statistics and Plans
1948 and 1949
~ Plans for City of Petoskey to Accept Magnus State Park as a City Park ~
1949
1949
Magnus State Park NEW Shower, Laundry and Toilet Building
1949
1949
Petoskey Summer Resident at Magnus Park for 21 Years
1950
Making Magnus Park a Beach Area
1951
1951
Magnus Beach... Fun for All!
1951
1951
Magnus Beach Disappeared
1952
1952
Magnus Park Cottage to be Torn Down
1953
1953
C&O Railroad contract required a four feet hight woven wire fence by Magnus Park adjoining the railroad property.
1953
1953
1954
PRE-1959
Article Below:
Mr. and Mrs. Alton Chandler managed Magnus Park for many years.
Article Below:
Mr. and Mrs. Alton Chandler managed Magnus Park for many years.
Five Photos Below: Petoskey Magnus State Park Low Water Levels
1958
1958
Four Photos Below: Labeled "Petoskey Magnus Park Construction"
1965
1965
Magnus Park Usage
1969
1969
Photo Below: Posted on this Northern Mich~Mash Preserve web site only by permission from
remarkable photographer and videographer Charles Dawley of Up North Imaging.
The photo shows the little park entry building all the way to the other end near the sewage plant.
The Wheelway runs near the shore, but at the present (2020) is closed due to
major slope failure farther along.
remarkable photographer and videographer Charles Dawley of Up North Imaging.
The photo shows the little park entry building all the way to the other end near the sewage plant.
The Wheelway runs near the shore, but at the present (2020) is closed due to
major slope failure farther along.
A report compiled by Taylor Worsham of Sault Ste Marie News in the 11 June 2021 Petoskey News Review described Magnus Park Campground: "Magnus Park Campground provides 76-sites for tents, towable recreational vehicles, and motor homes. The campground rests at the end of West Lake Street along the shores of Little Traverse Bay. The park provides camping facilities as well as day-use amenities along the shores of Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay. The park has 1,000 feet of shoreline and is equipped with access roads, utilities, a wooded area and scenic views of Little Traverse Bay. Free wireless internet is available throughout the campground"
Petoskey Gets New Rules For Discharge of Sewage into Little Traverse Bay
1969
1969
Petoskey's New Sewage Treatment Plant and Magnus Park
1971
Three Photos Below from the Emmet County GIS Maps:
The screen captures of the Petoskey Sewage Plant for 2008 > 2012 > 2017,
each show the visible two pipes leading out into the bay for about one-half mile.
"The answer to pollution is dilution."
The screen captures of the Petoskey Sewage Plant for 2008 > 2012 > 2017,
each show the visible two pipes leading out into the bay for about one-half mile.
"The answer to pollution is dilution."
The 18 December 2020 "Master Plan Review Draft" stated on Page 30:
"The [wastewater treatment] plant has a 2.5 million gallon daily capacity with treated wastewater discharged into Lake Michigan, and treated, stabilized bio-solids are land applied on area farm fields as fertilizer rather than taken to a landfill—a reuse of waste that improves the community’s sustainability."
"The [wastewater treatment] plant has a 2.5 million gallon daily capacity with treated wastewater discharged into Lake Michigan, and treated, stabilized bio-solids are land applied on area farm fields as fertilizer rather than taken to a landfill—a reuse of waste that improves the community’s sustainability."
Photo Below: Posted on this Northern Mich~Mash Preserve web site only by permission from
remarkable photographer and videographer Charles Dawley of Up North Imaging.
Petoskey Sewage Treatment plant's web site may be accessed by "clicking" HERE.
remarkable photographer and videographer Charles Dawley of Up North Imaging.
Petoskey Sewage Treatment plant's web site may be accessed by "clicking" HERE.
The City of Petoskey's Water/Wastewater web page explains what happens to the "treated wastewater" as:
"Treated wastewater from the City's reclamation plant is discharged into Lake Michigan,
and treated stabilized biosolids are land applied on area farm fields as fertilizer."
"Treated wastewater from the City's reclamation plant is discharged into Lake Michigan,
and treated stabilized biosolids are land applied on area farm fields as fertilizer."
What to do with all of the excess Winter snow?
Under the Bridge OR on the Waterfront?
Under the Bridge OR on the Waterfront?
2014
Two Photos Below: In the winter, the City of Petoskey uses the waterfront area of Magnus Park
for placement of the snow that is removed from the streets of Petoskey; including street salt?
2017
Two Photos Below: Work was in process on the trail leading down from the bluff above which connects
to the McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital. The over 100 million dollar hospital renovation had begun.
This path access from Magnus Park leading to Charlevoix Avenue is included in a 2022 report by Beckett & Rader
for the city, Resort Township, and Emmet County use this path, which is conceded to not be ADA compliant
for Wheelway Trail use.
Two Photos Below: Work was in process on the trail leading down from the bluff above which connects
to the McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital. The over 100 million dollar hospital renovation had begun.
This path access from Magnus Park leading to Charlevoix Avenue is included in a 2022 report by Beckett & Rader
for the city, Resort Township, and Emmet County use this path, which is conceded to not be ADA compliant
for Wheelway Trail use.
2019
The City Council minutes for 16 December 2019 stated that the City Manager Robert Straeble reported: that staff has sent out letters to affected property owners along the Little Traverse Wheelway regarding the erosion and slope failure issues and that the trail between Magnus Park and Arrowhead Shores will be closed for the season for safety concerns.
UPDATE: In early 2020 this area of the wheelway completely washed out. Click HERE for additional information about the erosion.
UPDATE: In early 2020 this area of the wheelway completely washed out. Click HERE for additional information about the erosion.
Two Photos Below: The Bike Path heading north from the Waterfall Park also was closed
with big tractor work going on just ahead; not certain what was being done...
~ Petoskey Municipal Playground ~
(Included Tennis Courts)
(Included Tennis Courts)
Postcard Photo Below: At one time the Petoskey Municipal Playground
which included tennis courts was located on Lewis Street,
next to Arlington Park, with a view of the bay.
which included tennis courts was located on Lewis Street,
next to Arlington Park, with a view of the bay.
Photo Below: Just behind the tennis courts were the railroad tracks from Petoskey heading north to Bay View. Above and beside the tracks was the main road Arlington Avenue going in front of Marie Rowe's home [owned by others in 2021]. That same home was the FIRST Petoskey hospital of the Dr.s George and John Reycraft. Beside the Rowe home was/is Grand Avenue leading up on to the bluff, now with many homes and another road leading back into the Petoskey Winter Sports Park.
In 2018 the Petoskey City tennis courts are shared with and housed on the property of Petoskey Public Schools.
The courts were renovated in 2017, with an article written about the renovation:
"Tennis Courts Dedicated After Renovation Project"
The courts were renovated in 2017, with an article written about the renovation:
"Tennis Courts Dedicated After Renovation Project"
~ Petoskey Gas Company ~
1905
(on the waterfront)
1905
(on the waterfront)
Coal was written on the side of the building... near the break wall on the waterfront.
The Wells Fuel Co. was founded in 1917 at the foot of Watchel Avenue, Petoskey, Michigan,
location on the waterfront.
location on the waterfront.
Photo Below: The Wells Fuel Company tanks can be seen in the background
of the Petoskey Historical Museum (previously the railroad depot).
of the Petoskey Historical Museum (previously the railroad depot).
Photo/Text Below: 1978 and the City was still harboring natural gas on the waterfront.
Photo Below: ~ Area of waterfront with the toxic waste near the break wall ~
Possibly in the 1930s; definitely before 1939...
(No New Hospital nor Relocation of US 131 and US31 completed in 1939 show in the photo below)
Possibly in the 1930s; definitely before 1939...
(No New Hospital nor Relocation of US 131 and US31 completed in 1939 show in the photo below)
The 2014 "Third Five-Year Review Report for PMC (Petoskey Manufacturing Company) Groundwater Superfund Site Emmet County Michigan" included the photos below and stated:
"The land between the former PMC facility and Little Traverse Bay was once occupied by a large industrial rail yard, with associated oil, coal and propane storage facilities, and a rail turntable. A manufactured gas plant was also located to the northeast of PMC, and is currently known as the Petrolane site in the MDEQ cleanup program."
PMC was located at 200 West Lake Street, Petoskey, Michigan.
"The land between the former PMC facility and Little Traverse Bay was once occupied by a large industrial rail yard, with associated oil, coal and propane storage facilities, and a rail turntable. A manufactured gas plant was also located to the northeast of PMC, and is currently known as the Petrolane site in the MDEQ cleanup program."
PMC was located at 200 West Lake Street, Petoskey, Michigan.
Photo Below: PMC (Petoskey Manufacturing Company)
The Petoskey News Review 2 July 2022 issue reported: "EPA set to seek public comment on cleanup plan Former Petoskey Manufacturing Co. location is superfund site". The plot at 200 West Lake Street had been developed into attractive Water Street Condominiums. Residents of the condos have been made aware by the EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) of renewed site contamination... VAPORS coming from the soil. "The trichloroethylene can have chronic effects on the liver and kidneys, though no health issues related to the Lake Street site have been reported to the EPA thus far... Currently, each unit in the complex has a vapor intrusion mitigation system, which sucks up the vapors from beneath the building and vents them into the air above the building. But the EPA has a more in-depth proposal for long-term improvement." Hmmmm... all sorts of FUTURE monitoring, testing, installing sign and fencing, and investigating, ALL are part of the future plan... that should give someone a continuing secure job paid by the taxpayers.
UPDATE: 5 November 2022 Petoskey News Review Notice [see below] tells as surmised above... the "EPA ISSUES CLEANUP DECISION PMC GROUNDWATER SITE, PETOSKEY, MICHIGAN". AND... "The estimated cost of the cleanup is $5.5 million."
One has to wonder HOW/WHY government officials allowed condos to be built on this known contaminated site in the beginning.
Here are a couple of clickable web site links connected to the notice below:
Superfund Site for PMC Groundwater Cleanup Activities click HERE.
Fourth Five-Years Review of PMC Groundwater Superfund Site Emmet County, Michigan click HERE.
UPDATE: 5 November 2022 Petoskey News Review Notice [see below] tells as surmised above... the "EPA ISSUES CLEANUP DECISION PMC GROUNDWATER SITE, PETOSKEY, MICHIGAN". AND... "The estimated cost of the cleanup is $5.5 million."
One has to wonder HOW/WHY government officials allowed condos to be built on this known contaminated site in the beginning.
Here are a couple of clickable web site links connected to the notice below:
Superfund Site for PMC Groundwater Cleanup Activities click HERE.
Fourth Five-Years Review of PMC Groundwater Superfund Site Emmet County, Michigan click HERE.
~ Petrolane Gas Storage Moved Off Waterfront ~
1984
1984
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~ Petoskey WATERFRONT Ships, Boats, and Ferries ~
(Sharing the Bay)
(Sharing the Bay)
Photo Below: Petoskey waterfront featuring a schooner in Little Traverse Bay harbor
Photo Below: The Midway and H.O. Rose Dock on Little Traverse Bay
1880
1880
Photo Below: The Midway and H.O. Rose Dock on Little Traverse Bay
Photo Below: The H.O. Rose Dock on Little Traverse Bay,
looking back at the Midway and the City of Petoskey... with the Banghart Tower very visible.
looking back at the Midway and the City of Petoskey... with the Banghart Tower very visible.
Two Photos Below: The Midway and H.O. Rose Dock on Little Traverse Bay
Photo Below: Petoskey's dock and break wall are visible in the background...
Petoskey Boat Company building was razed in 1948 as noted in photos/text farther above...
Petoskey Boat Company building was razed in 1948 as noted in photos/text farther above...
Photo Below: The steamships "Petoskey" on the left, "Gracie Barker" on the right, and "Cyclone" in the distance...
1887
Article Below 1916: The article was written about the time of the loss of the steamers Champlain and Vernon... telling the likes of Petoskey's surroundings at that time.
Schooner Ada Medora on Little Traverse Bay...
1895
Steam Ferry Adrienne
Steam Ferry Adrienne
Unknown Boats in Little Traverse Bay with the Arlington Hotel on the Bluff
Steel–hulled boat the "Aha"
Built by Ephraim Shay
Built by Ephraim Shay
Access additional information about the "Aha" and its creator Ephriam Shay on this same web site on the
"People" web page by clicking HERE.
"People" web page by clicking HERE.
Bay Pride Ferry on Little Traverse Bay
(No longer is service)
(No longer is service)
Steamer SS. ST. Buffington
Two Photos Below: in Harbor Springs Harbor
Two Photos Below: in Harbor Springs Harbor
Cheiqueta Yacht Moored in Petoskey
Steamer Columbia
(Little Traverse Bay Ferry Line)
Postcard Below: Ferry Steamer Columbia Plying Between Harbor Springs and Petoskey, Mich.
Stopping at all lakeside ports in between... around Little Traverse Bay.
Stopping at all lakeside ports in between... around Little Traverse Bay.
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Photo Below: Little Traverse Bay Ferry Company in Harbor Springs featuring a little boy sitting on a lapstrake boat...
Steamer America
The last ferry boat to offer daily passenger service between Petoskey and Harbor Springs was the
Steamer "America".
It was operated by the Roe Family of Harbor Springs.
Steamer "America".
It was operated by the Roe Family of Harbor Springs.
From the articles above, the Steamer America which plied the waters around the tip of northern Michigan, was not only a pleasure excursion steamer, but also a little "work horse." The Steamer America drove the pilings for many docks including those of Bay View, delivered a boat-load of cattle to Beaver Island, and also was the transporter of the organ for Petoskey's Presbyterian Church in 1917.
1927 - 1958
Steamer Carl D. Bradley
(The Bradley sunk off Beaver Island in early November 1958)
Steamer Carl D. Bradley
(The Bradley sunk off Beaver Island in early November 1958)
The Presque Isle County Historical Museum has a tremendous amount of photos and text
about the Steamer Carl D. Bradley which can be accessed by clicking HERE.
about the Steamer Carl D. Bradley which can be accessed by clicking HERE.
Carmona
Champlain originally built in 1870 suffered a deadly fire in 1887 and was also called "City of Charlevoix".
In 1904 it was renamed "Kansas" and burned again in 1924 at Manistee, Michigan.
Access additional information about the Champlain on this same web site on the Charlevoix web page by clicking
HERE.
In 1904 it was renamed "Kansas" and burned again in 1924 at Manistee, Michigan.
Access additional information about the Champlain on this same web site on the Charlevoix web page by clicking
HERE.
Cummings > City of Boyne
Fountain City and Idaho
Prior to 1884 the big steamers "Fountain City" and "Idaho" (photo above) landed weekly in Petoskey. The Fountain City's commander Captain Gibson's daughter was a teacher in the Petoskey public schools. Gibson's "first mate" Alexander Gillies was in love with the captain's daughter. The two were married in 1882. The story which ends sadly, is continued in the article below.
Steamer Thomas Friant
(Built 1884 ~ Burned 1908)
(Built 1884 ~ Burned 1908)
Collage Below: Thomas Friant and Harbor Point
Photo Below: The "Thomas Friant" heading for the Bay View Dock in 1899...
Gazelle
Steamer Gracie Barker ~ Captain Chrysler
Captain Walter E. Chrysler, started business with an old sailing schooner. Walter and his son successively had "The General George W. Wool," "The M.M. Wright," "The North Star," "The Walter E. Chrysler," "The Gracie Barker," "The Adrain" and "The Hazel," which was "The Gracie Barker," rebuilt after a fire. Ferry boats were the best mode of transportation between communities around Little Traverse Bay, and as many as 5,000 passengers a day were carried by the Chrysler boats.
While operating the ferry line, Captain Chrysler built the Harbor Springs and Wequetonsing docks. Following the sale of the ferry line in 1903 Captain Chrysler and Miss Elizabeth Alberta Oakley were married 11 November 1903.
Captain Chrysler was also a mayor of Harbor Springs.
While operating the ferry line, Captain Chrysler built the Harbor Springs and Wequetonsing docks. Following the sale of the ferry line in 1903 Captain Chrysler and Miss Elizabeth Alberta Oakley were married 11 November 1903.
Captain Chrysler was also a mayor of Harbor Springs.
Obituary Below: Mrs. Elizabeth (Oakley) Chrysler was the daughter of Petoskey's FIRST Public School Teacher... Mrs. Rachel Oakley. Additional information about Rachel Oakley may be accessed by clicking HERE. Elizabeth moved back to Petoskey from Alaska mission work two years before her husband, so Elizabeth could care for his ailing mother.
Additional information about Elizabeth Alberta Oakley Chrysler many be accessed on the Greenwood Cemetery History page about her, by clicking HERE. After returning to Petoskey, Capt. and Mrs. Chrysler began operation of a bowling alley and shooting gallery near the corner of Lake and Petoskey streets. He built the building that housed the Temple Theater and the Temple Cafe.
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About 1881 Photo Below: "Steamer Gracie Barker was one of the earliest ferry boats between Petoskey and Harbor Springs. The schooners in the background carried freight (mostly lumber) from the Little Traverse Bay to the other ports on the Great Lakes. Much of the lumber to rebuild Chicago after its 1871 fire came from Northern Michigan."
Photo Below: The Steamship "Gracie Barker" at the H.O. Rose Dock in Petoskey in 1887
Article Below: One of several serious fires in 1910 in the Petoskey area was
the burning of the steamer Gracie Barker of the Chrysler Ferry line.
the burning of the steamer Gracie Barker of the Chrysler Ferry line.
Harbor Point Dock
Steamship and Passengers at the Dock...
Steamship and Passengers at the Dock...
Hazel
Henry Cowles
Steamship Illinois
...in Petoskey and Harbor Springs, Mich. Ports
...in Petoskey and Harbor Springs, Mich. Ports
Photo Below: Steamship "Illinois" at the H.O. Rose Dock in Petoskey, Michigan
Photo Below: The Steamship "Illinois" and the Steamship "Manitou"
in the Petoskey Harbor on the H.O. Rose Dock at the end of the Midway...
in the Petoskey Harbor on the H.O. Rose Dock at the end of the Midway...
Irene
Kamanistaque > Westoil > John L.A. Galster > J.B. John (and Lifeboat)
Petoskey Portland Cement Boat (Petoskey Transportation Company's ship) >
Sea Castle (named after President of Penn-Dixie Jerome Castle) >Dundee II
Petoskey Portland Cement Boat (Petoskey Transportation Company's ship) >
Sea Castle (named after President of Penn-Dixie Jerome Castle) >Dundee II
In a 2 May 1995 Petoskey News Review article Mr. Duvernay, a fireman and oiler for the JB John, was quoted: "'Every time I see Little Traverse Bay, I see the JB. Johns,'... Back then, you could say 'the Johns' or 'J.B.' and everyone knew what you were talking about. Not now." The article went on: "The J.B. John was built in England in 1909. It was purchased by the Petoskey Transportation Co. in 1922. She spent a year hauling coal, grain, pulp and steel before beginning her years of taking cement to Detroit, Chicago and Milwaukee."
1932 Article Below:
J.B. John Boat, recognized by most area old-timers as the transport boat for the cement plant, had a storied past.
The J.B. John Boat fought submarines in the War.
Additional information about the J.B. John while in use by the cement plant may be accessed
on this same Northern Mich~Mash Preserve web site by clicking HERE.
J.B. John Boat, recognized by most area old-timers as the transport boat for the cement plant, had a storied past.
The J.B. John Boat fought submarines in the War.
Additional information about the J.B. John while in use by the cement plant may be accessed
on this same Northern Mich~Mash Preserve web site by clicking HERE.
Photo Below: Freight ships at the dock of Petoskey's Portland Cement...
Like Jim Doherty in his tales of the J.B. John above, another Petoskey man tells the following about his father's crew mate days on the boat.
"My father sailed as crew on her In late 30’s early 40’s, prior to US entry into WWII. Best story: Dad tossed the 3rd mate off the aft rail (probably 1939 or ‘40) midstream in the middle of Lake Michigan, hours after Mate’s refusal to heed my father’s cries when my father’s hand had become caught in the rope winch during casting off from port. Captain had to turn boat about to fish mate out. Captain’s inquiry called the dispute “a draw”. injury to Dad’s right middle Finger (split down the middle) was a testament to the story all of his days, as well as formative evidence involving his acquittal."
The same Petoskey son told of his own more sweet memory of the ship.
"When a teen I was given the task during the middle of the night (1958 - 1960) of taking fresh linen to the ship and retrieving the soiled service whenever the John’s successor 'The Galster' would dock for midnight loading of cement. I always enjoyed the duty as Cookie always fed me in the Galley at 4:00 AM (my first taste of coffee) When I returned home, my parents wrote me an excuse for missing morning classes (when school was in session) so I could sleep in."
"My father sailed as crew on her In late 30’s early 40’s, prior to US entry into WWII. Best story: Dad tossed the 3rd mate off the aft rail (probably 1939 or ‘40) midstream in the middle of Lake Michigan, hours after Mate’s refusal to heed my father’s cries when my father’s hand had become caught in the rope winch during casting off from port. Captain had to turn boat about to fish mate out. Captain’s inquiry called the dispute “a draw”. injury to Dad’s right middle Finger (split down the middle) was a testament to the story all of his days, as well as formative evidence involving his acquittal."
The same Petoskey son told of his own more sweet memory of the ship.
"When a teen I was given the task during the middle of the night (1958 - 1960) of taking fresh linen to the ship and retrieving the soiled service whenever the John’s successor 'The Galster' would dock for midnight loading of cement. I always enjoyed the duty as Cookie always fed me in the Galley at 4:00 AM (my first taste of coffee) When I returned home, my parents wrote me an excuse for missing morning classes (when school was in session) so I could sleep in."
J.B. John Lifeboat
Photo Above: A lifeboat aboard the J.B. John...
Photo Below: Notice the little boat perched on the far right finger pier. During a November 2020 storm, the historical cement company J.B. John lifeboat (see boat picture also in article below) was washed off the pier. By 11 December 2020 the Petoskey News Review reported that the lifeboat was still missing... not yet found.
It was announced in the 3 April 2021 Petoskey News Review: "The missing boat was recovered in the bay shortly after it went missing."
It was announced in the 3 April 2021 Petoskey News Review: "The missing boat was recovered in the bay shortly after it went missing."
Photo Below: Alex Childress' additional work also may be viewed at Alex Childress Photo.
22 May 2020 Photo Above: J.B. John boat resting on Petoskey Dock
More of Charles Dawley's remarkable videos and photography can be viewed on
Drone Photography from 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".
The 18 November 2020 Petoskey News Review reported the recent wind storm had been one of the worst for Petoskey to endure regarding shoreline erosion issues, and pier damage.
"One particular point of interest this time around is apparent cement fracturing on Petoskey’s Pier A, the longest pier in the city’s marina. Speaking to city council members late Monday, city manager Rob Strabel said, in addition to cracking, it appeared a segment of the cement has also dropped a few inches. But it’s hard to know how concerning that damage is until the city can have someone take a closer inspection. At the moment, it’s unclear how deep the split is, or how structurally unsound the pier is." AND “The historical boat that’s on the end of A Pier is gone,” he said."
"One particular point of interest this time around is apparent cement fracturing on Petoskey’s Pier A, the longest pier in the city’s marina. Speaking to city council members late Monday, city manager Rob Strabel said, in addition to cracking, it appeared a segment of the cement has also dropped a few inches. But it’s hard to know how concerning that damage is until the city can have someone take a closer inspection. At the moment, it’s unclear how deep the split is, or how structurally unsound the pier is." AND “The historical boat that’s on the end of A Pier is gone,” he said."
The 11 December 2020 Petoskey News Review reported that the City of Petoskey is seeking answers after the marina damage. No substantial repair work is expected until next year (2021) because repair work was not noted in the 2020 budget. The crack mentioned in the above November article will be examined using underwater cameras to check the structure and better assess the damage. The historical cement company lifeboat is still missing. The city is contemplating options for a long-term design for the waterfront.
The 20 May 2021 Petoskey News Review posted an article by Steve Foley headlined: “Bringing Her Back” meaning the J.B. John Lifeboat was being brought back. Lon Calloway of Indian River who had restored the lifeboat in 1997 is working on the restoration again. In 1997 he restored the lifeboat when it was first donated to the Little Traverse Historical Society by Robert Wendorf, son f former J.B. John chief engineer Ervin Wendorf.
In 2021 the lifeboat again needed restoration after being retrieved after the November 2020 storm which had washed it off the pier, only to be found out two weeks sitting in the bottom of a slip of A Pier. After a diving crew hoisted the boat from its resting place, Lon Calloway has worked to restore the J.B. John Lifeboat.
Calloway plans to update the boats’s historical plaque, with the lifeboat no longer sitting on its precarious perch on the pier, but rather resting onshore somewhere between the playground and the clock tower where it can be safely preserved.
The article stated, that the J.B. John had been built in Scotland in 1909, but that is NOT true. Several of the historical articles above tell that the J.B. John had been built in England.
In 2021 the lifeboat again needed restoration after being retrieved after the November 2020 storm which had washed it off the pier, only to be found out two weeks sitting in the bottom of a slip of A Pier. After a diving crew hoisted the boat from its resting place, Lon Calloway has worked to restore the J.B. John Lifeboat.
Calloway plans to update the boats’s historical plaque, with the lifeboat no longer sitting on its precarious perch on the pier, but rather resting onshore somewhere between the playground and the clock tower where it can be safely preserved.
The article stated, that the J.B. John had been built in Scotland in 1909, but that is NOT true. Several of the historical articles above tell that the J.B. John had been built in England.
The 3 June 2021 Petoskey News Review posted an article by Steve Foley headlined: "Brought back to life... J.B. John lifeboat re-dedicated with special ceremony." Mayor John Murphy, restorer Lon Calloway and his family and friends, enjoyed a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new on-shore resting point near Pier A. for the J.B. John.
Click PLAY in the upper left corner of the main photo below to access the slideshow of
the J.B. John on its new resting place on the Bay Front with the Petoskey Pier in the background...
The Lawrence
Pleasure Boat Lola...
Off the Petoskey Shore with the Arlington and H.O. Rose Lime Kilns in the background...
Off the Petoskey Shore with the Arlington and H.O. Rose Lime Kilns in the background...
Excursion Boat The Lady Washington
Little Traverse Bay Ferry
Established 2020
Click HERE to access the Little Traverse Bay Ferry web site.
Established 2020
Click HERE to access the Little Traverse Bay Ferry web site.
Little Traverse Bay Ferry connects Petoskey, Harbor Springs, and Bay Harbor, with passenger ferry services
from May to September on Little Traverse Bay.
from May to September on Little Traverse Bay.
In the summer of 2023 the Harbor Princess joined the Little Traverse Bay Ferry steamers...
On the 2023 web site for Harbor Princess Cruise, Cruising Little Traverse Bay, the history of the ferry was given as follows: "The first ferry actually built for the Charlevoix to Beaver Island run was the Emerald Isle in 1955 (65’ long, carried 9 cars & 125 passengers). She was built by the Cristie Shipbuilding Co. for the Beaver Island Boat Company. She most recently operated as a tour boat in Detroit (the Diamond Jack). Now back to Northern Michigan, she proudly sails as the Harbor Princess."
In 2023 the captain of the Little Traverse Bay Ferry for the previous three years was John Pelikan who began working with the company in its second year.
On the 2023 web site for Harbor Princess Cruise, Cruising Little Traverse Bay, the history of the ferry was given as follows: "The first ferry actually built for the Charlevoix to Beaver Island run was the Emerald Isle in 1955 (65’ long, carried 9 cars & 125 passengers). She was built by the Cristie Shipbuilding Co. for the Beaver Island Boat Company. She most recently operated as a tour boat in Detroit (the Diamond Jack). Now back to Northern Michigan, she proudly sails as the Harbor Princess."
In 2023 the captain of the Little Traverse Bay Ferry for the previous three years was John Pelikan who began working with the company in its second year.
Cutter Mackinaw
Steamer Mackinaw City
Manitou
The Little Traverse Historical Museum display tells that the Manitou landed in Harbor Springs, Michigan, three times each week, along with other interesting Manitou information.
During the 1959 dedication of the Little Traverse Bay Historic Marker at the park on US-31 near Eppler Road, overlooking the bay, Michigan Historic Commission member Prentiss M. Brown made a statement (see clipping below). "The old Manitou had been owned by Nathan Leopold and his family and was used to haul fish. He spoke of the later trouble of Nathan's grandson of the same name who just recently released from prison for his part, along with his friend Loeb, in the Bobbie Franks murder of the 1920's." The Loeb Family had a strong connection to Sears in Chicago. The Hemingway Family rode the Manitou many times from Chicago to reach Harbor Springs, and then to travel on to their Windemere Cottage on Walloon Lake.
Photo Below: The Steamship Manitou harbored behind the Little Traverse Ferry Line.
Photo Below: A man on the tip of Harbor Point was photographing the ship Manitou.
~ Hemingway Family Traveled on the MANITOU ~
(Photos Below)
(Photos Below)
Three Photos Below: In the early years around 1899-1900s when the Hemingway Family traveled from their Oak Park, Illinois, home, to their Windemere Cottage on Walloon Lake, they traveled first by ship (Manitou) to Harbor Springs. Next they traveled by train to "The Foot" of Walloon Lake where they rode a Walloon Lake steamer to Bacon's Landing, very near their cottage. In the photos below they held their first born of six children, Marcelline at 7 ½ months old while on the deck of the Manitou.
During March 1924 the steamer Manitou of the Michigan Transit company fleet, was being remodeled. The work was handled at Manistee where the automobile deck was being enlarged to give space for twenty automobiles. The cargo space below the main deck was being enlarged by removing many of the built-in staterooms in the lowe part of the ship. That space originally was intended for freight cargo, but had not been utilized, and finally taken up by small rooms. A freight elevator was installed to handle the freight.
Photo Below: Manitou coming into Charlevoix
The Mascot Ferry
1938
1938
MIssouri Steamship
Petoskey Dock
About 1919
Petoskey Dock
About 1919
The Michigan Transportation Company had three steamships: Kansas, Missouri, and Manitou; each with different missions on the Lake Michigan [Read article above].
The new Michigan Transit company announced the completion of a deal of about $850,000.00 to purchase steamers Manitou and Missouri with dock properties at Petoskey, Ludington, Manistee, Portage Point, Traverse City, Frankfort and various northern points. Owing to WWI [1918] the Northern Michigan line was compelled to discontinue operation. The government had commandeered the Missouri. Recent to 2 June 1919, the government had released the Missouri after being used as a training ship, and the ship had arrived in Petoskey as a palatial steamer on Lake Michigan for summer resort runs and excursions. The Missouri was to operate between Chicago, Petoskey, and other Northern summer resorts. |
The author Ernest Hemingway's family often traveled on the Manitou during his younger early 1900 years, from their home in Oak Park, Illinois, to their Windemere Cottage on Walloon Lake. John Hargrove, an Ernest Hemingway scholar discovered, also: "In the Oct 28, 1919, letter Ernest Hemingway wrote to his father, Ernest mentions arriving in Petoskey on the Missouri amid foul weather." Hargrove also found: "During the fall schedule that Hemingway took, the Missouri departed Chicago on Fridays at 7pm, and would arrive in Petoskey on Saturdays at 11pm. Hemingway did not arrive until midnight because of bad weather on the lake, which slowed travel. He reported that the boat got underway at 4pm on the 25th, which would indicate that he was departing not from Chicago, but one of the ports here in Michigan (possibly Frankfort or Portage Point in Manistee)... Hemingway may have taken the Missouri from Chicago to a port of call in Michigan for the night, then off to Petoskey, or if he may already have been in Michigan and caught the boat at a port."
Photo Right: Most likely, Ernest Hemingway's mother captured Ernest as they rode in 1916 on the Missouri. 1916 was the year that Ernest met Bill and Kate Smith in Horton Bay (around July). Bill Smith became Ernest's Best Man when Ernest married Hadley Richardson on 21 September 1921 in Horton Bay, Michigan. Click HERE for additional information on this same web site about the Hemmingway/Richardson wedding. |
Nellie Booth
Rides on the Bay
Rides on the Bay
North American
In Harbor Springs, Mich. Port
In Harbor Springs, Mich. Port
Steamer Northland
In Harbor Springs, Michigan, Port
In Harbor Springs, Michigan, Port
Photo Below: The North Land on Little Traverse Bay...
North Shore
Northern Michigan Line Boat
Additional information about the loss of the Champlain can be found on this web site on the Charlevoix web page by clicking HERE.
|
Steamship State of Ohio
Old Puritan
Out of Operation 1893
Out of Operation 1893
1889
Steamboat J.W. Parmelee
On the Ferry Route
Steamboat J.W. Parmelee
On the Ferry Route
1941
City of Petoskey
Michigan State Ferry
Michigan State Ferry
Photo Below: The City of Petoskey car ferry at the Straits of Mackinac ended its service in 1957 when the NEW Mackinac Bridge was completed. See more information about the Mackinac Bridge on this same web site by clicking HERE.
Photo Below: The Little Traverse Historical Museum display tells that the City of Petoskey ferry started life in 1901 as the railroad ferry for Pere Marquette, and in 1961 the ferry was sold for scrap.
Steamer Petoskey
Auto Ferry "Put-in-Bay"
Built in Manitowac in 1940
Built in Manitowac in 1940
Queen of the Lakes
Seymour's Line
Steamer Skater
(Built in 1890 and operated between Petoskey and Harbor Springs)
(Built in 1890 and operated between Petoskey and Harbor Springs)
Photo Below: This little Skater named boat seems like perhaps a lifeboat sized boat
from the larger Skater named boat above.
The Petoskey Harbor's old lighthouse is in the background.
from the larger Skater named boat above.
The Petoskey Harbor's old lighthouse is in the background.
The same little "Skater" boat shown in the photo above is also
the middle boat in the photo below which shows a crowd was gathered on the H.O. Rose dock
on the Petoskey Waterfront.
the middle boat in the photo below which shows a crowd was gathered on the H.O. Rose dock
on the Petoskey Waterfront.
Photo Below: Ferry Skater on Little Traverse Bay
Silver Spray and Search Light
Little Traverse Bay Ferry Steamers
(Undated)
Little Traverse Bay Ferry Steamers
(Undated)
Solid Comfort
Photo Below: "The 'Solid Comfort' ferry at the Petoskey waterfront, July 4, 1892.
The Pere Marquette Railroad Depot in the background (The Little Traverse Historical Museum in 2023).
The Pere Marquette Railroad Depot in the background (The Little Traverse Historical Museum in 2023).
S.S. South American
in Harbor Springs, Michigan
in Harbor Springs, Michigan
Hamill's Topinabee on Crooked River (NOT on Little Traverse Bay)
(Access additional information about the Topinabee on the Inland Waterway by clicking HERE.
Topinabee was built in 1899 and in operation until at least 1911
when it was RE-Christened "Pe-To-Se-Ga".
In 1920 it was taken to Erie, Pennsylvania, and later destroyed in 1926.
(Access additional information about the Topinabee on the Inland Waterway by clicking HERE.
Topinabee was built in 1899 and in operation until at least 1911
when it was RE-Christened "Pe-To-Se-Ga".
In 1920 it was taken to Erie, Pennsylvania, and later destroyed in 1926.
Tourist II on Crooked River (NOT on Little Traverse Bay)
(Access additional information about the Topinabee by clicking HERE.
(Access additional information about the Topinabee by clicking HERE.
Boat in Little Traverse Bay
(Undated)
(Undated)
Steamer Van Raalto
Owned by C.W. Caskey
Owned by C.W. Caskey
Steamer Romeo
on Crooked River
on Crooked River
Steamer Vernon
See additional information about the burned steamer Champlain
on the Charlevoix web page on this same web site, by clicking HERE.
See additional information about the burned steamer Champlain
on the Charlevoix web page on this same web site, by clicking HERE.
2 November 1887 Article Above Right: Since the Champlain had burned, the Steamer Vernon has been doing overloaded duty. While no one from the Petoskey area was lost with the Vernon sinking in a heavy sea off Two Rivers Point near Manitowoc, Wisconsin, L. Bauerle of Petoskey had about $100 worth of goods on board, and Connable & Son lost about $350 in fish shipped from their Northport house.
Western States
Old time "Side Wheeler" Steamer Docked at Harbor Springs as weekly visitors in 1941
Old time "Side Wheeler" Steamer Docked at Harbor Springs as weekly visitors in 1941
U.S. Mail Steamer at Petoskey Dock
After the Regatta in Harbor Springs ~ 1891
Regatta on Little Traverse Bay
Sailboats in the Harbor and the New Arlington Hotel from the H.O. Rose Dock in Petoskey
Chief Wawatum Railroad Ferry
Mackinaw City, Michigan
Mackinaw City, Michigan
Steamboat Landing in Bay View, Michigan
Petoskey's Former Marine Center and Waterfront Gaining Popularity
1946
1946
Freighters Shelter in Little Traverse Bay from Storms!
The Griffon ~ Lost in the Great Lakes
In the three centuries since the disappearance of the Griffon, in 1679, numerous reports of the vessel being discovered in various locations in Lake Michigan and Lake Huron have surfaced. The Petoskey Evening News 1934 article below described one such sighting by a Chippewa Indian. "MIke Ossogwin led a party over the ice to a point near Birch Island Reef at the western entrance of the Les Cheneaux islands. Resting on the bottom on the lake they saw a 70 foot hulk–the first view of the Griffon since La Salle watched it sail into Lake Michigan 254 years ago."
Click HERE to access the 11 May 2022 Detroit Free Press article titled,
"Doubter abound as Charlevoix couple think they found great Lakes' oldest shipwreck".
English spelling –"The Griffin" – French spelling "Le Griffon"
"Doubter abound as Charlevoix couple think they found great Lakes' oldest shipwreck".
English spelling –"The Griffin" – French spelling "Le Griffon"
On 25 June 2020 UpNorthLive 7&4 reported "Little Traverse Bay ferry runs for the first time in 80 years." The ferry named "Jacobs Run" will run daily from 9AM to 11PM between Harbor Springs, Petoskey, and Bay Harbor. Tickets to ride the ferry cost about $10.00 each.
Two Photos Below taken morning of 3 April 2024...
John R. Baker sheltering in Little Traverse Bay with a wide view, and a closer view...
John R. Baker sheltering in Little Traverse Bay with a wide view, and a closer view...
High winds, snow, and rain on 2 April 2024 brought the John R. Barker, a bulk carrier, into Little Traverse Bay for refuge. The carrier is 1004 feet long and can carry 63,300 tons with an engine horsepower of 16,000. Originally launched in the Great Lakes in 1976 after being built in Lorain, Ohio, it is one of only 13 freighters of its size on the Great Lakes. The 1000 - foot freighters rely on the Soo Locks for access to Lake Superior.