Northern Mich~Mash Preserve
~WINTER SPORTS PARKS ~
Previously known as: Swan Lake City Park > Petoskey City Park > The Petoskey City Zoo
(Deer Park & Other Animals) > NOW Winter Sports Park (no zoo/animals)...
(29.7 acres)
(Deer Park & Other Animals) > NOW Winter Sports Park (no zoo/animals)...
(29.7 acres)
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.
Photo Below:
The ice sculpture in the header photo just was beginning to be built at the far eastern end of the ice rink.
1935
Little Traverse Historical Museum Photo Archive (1935)
~ 1901 ~
Article Below: The Petoskey Citizens were beginning to look into the possibilities of parks, under the Park Commission named by Petoskey's FIRST President H.O. Rose [1879-81]. H.O. Rose lived on the corner of Division/Arlington and Rose streets; very close to Rose Street which runs into today's Petoskey Winter Sports Park. Possible properties for purchase were being explored.
27 September 1901 ~ The Independent Democrat
11 October 1901 ~ The Independent Democrat
Postcard Below: The writing that almost all was cut off the top of the undated card stated: "Greetings from Petoskey Mich". This is the ONLY postcard I have seen of this scene ever. The hillsides do not look like Petoskey's Winter Sports Park. Originally, the Petoskey ski hill opened on to Beaubien Avenue. A tow rope existed on that side of the hill. IF anyone has more memories, or photos, of any of this please contact the web master by clicking HERE. ~ Karla Buckmaster
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey newspapers (undated, but labeled as noted above).
Petoskey City Park "Driveway"
(Undated)
(Undated)
Little Traverse Historical Society Bob and Lila Ball Collection (Undated)
~ 1904 ~
Elk
Elk Park with fenced-in nine acres area; just the beginning of other intended animals for the city's park.
Three elk were a gift to Petoskey from the school for the deaf and dumb at Flint.
Elk
Elk Park with fenced-in nine acres area; just the beginning of other intended animals for the city's park.
Three elk were a gift to Petoskey from the school for the deaf and dumb at Flint.
18 May 1904 ~ The Independent Democrat
Swan Lake, City Park, Petoskey, Michigan
Postcard Below:
Swan Lake Park was located on the land leading into now Petoskey Winter Sports Park
located between Rose Street and Winter Park Lane.
SWAN Lake, City Park, Petoskey, Michigan ~ Postmarked 17 September 1914 (personal postcard) DO NOT COPY
The writer of the 17 September 1914 postcard below is Emma (Wingate) Caskey, probably visiting in her hometown of Petoskey, Michigan, writing to her husband Albert Caskey in Seattle, Washington. Albert's father Charles William Caskey had an extensive building construction resume in the local Emmet County, Michigan, area before moving to Seattle in about 1912 to build for Seattle timber baron Michael Earles Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort in the foothills of the Olympic Mountains, Olympic National Park. That was Charles Caskey's final major construction project. Locally, in, and surrounding, Emmet County, Caskey built the Imperial Hotel, the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, several Bay View cottages, and the Emmet County Courthouse when it was located in "Little Traverse" later known as Harbor Springs.
SWAN Lake, City Park, Petoskey, Michigan ~ Postmarked 17 September 1914 (personal postcard) DO NOT COPY
Article Below: Little lake in city park was being enlarged with the story that an alligator was to be placed in the lake.
24 May 1905 ~ The Petoskey Record
Four articles below: Nathan M. Montgomery's daughters Gertrude and Mae, the spinster Montgomery sisters, owned and ran an antique store called "Cameo." The store was located at 311 East Lake Street where J.W. Shorter & Mercantile is located in 2026. During their business venture timeframe, the Montgomery Family traveled and alternated seasons between Petoskey and St. Augustine, Florida. Additional information about the Montgomery business may be found on this same website by clicking HERE. It was during a Florida venture in winter of February 1907 that Nathan Montgomery's hunting alligators adventure was reported. By 17 July 1907 the Petoskey Record reported that Nathan "has made a valuable gift to the city park in the shape of FOUR healthy alligators, the largest of which is three feet, and the next in size two and a half feet long. A following 31 July 1907 Petoskey newspaper reported that FiVE alligators already had been installed in their new city park quarters, and were already attracting a great deal of attention; being alligators were not native to the area, and some children had never seen live alligators before. In 1925, however, the last remains of the Petoskey Zoo were removed. Due to the high cost of operation it became a debit rather than an asset to the municipality. The location has been beautified and developed into one of the most complete winter sports havens in the country. The National Amateur Outdoor Speed skating races had been held there for a number of years.
22 February 1907 ~ The Petoskey Independent
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17 July 1907 ~ The Petoskey Record
31 July 1907 ~ The Petoskey Record
"Souvenir of Petoskey Homecoming–A History of the Past and Present" ~ 1938 (Page 30)
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Petoskey Deer Park
The park area did evolve into a city park/zoo setting again in years after the above reported 1925 closing.
1957 Photo/Text Below:
Wing-clipped geese enclosure located near the old bear's den on the north lower road to the park.
Deer would be added in the spring.
The park area did evolve into a city park/zoo setting again in years after the above reported 1925 closing.
1957 Photo/Text Below:
Wing-clipped geese enclosure located near the old bear's den on the north lower road to the park.
Deer would be added in the spring.
23 December 1957
~ Petoskey News Review
5 June 1958 ~ Petoskey News Review
2020 Photo Below:
Remnants of one of the old animal building enclosures still exist in the park area mentioned above,
near Petoskey's Winter Sports Park.
Remnants of one of the old animal building enclosures still exist in the park area mentioned above,
near Petoskey's Winter Sports Park.
13 June 2022
2025 SLIDESHOW BELOW ~ Click PLAY in upper left corner of main photo below...
Remnants of one of the old animal building enclosures still exist in the park area mentioned above,
near Petoskey's Winter Sports Park.
Remnants of one of the old animal building enclosures still exist in the park area mentioned above,
near Petoskey's Winter Sports Park.
Petoskey City Park and Zoo
Photo Below Labeled: "A Summer's early morning scene in Petoskey City Park and Zoo"
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey newspapers (Undated)
1937 Photo/Text Below: Marmota Monax, better known as Joe Groundhog,
became the weather prognosticator for the Petoskey Winter Sports Club.
became the weather prognosticator for the Petoskey Winter Sports Club.
2 February 1937 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
The 2 February 1937 Petoskey Evening News reported:
"The site of the Petoskey Winter Sports Park once resounded to the call of the bull moose, the raucous cry of a peacock, the growl of bears and the chatter of monkeys and birds, for it was the location of the city zoo. Some of the exhibits died and the others were sold. The park was unused for a few years and then it was made into the finest winter sports park in the state."
"The site of the Petoskey Winter Sports Park once resounded to the call of the bull moose, the raucous cry of a peacock, the growl of bears and the chatter of monkeys and birds, for it was the location of the city zoo. Some of the exhibits died and the others were sold. The park was unused for a few years and then it was made into the finest winter sports park in the state."
Photo Below Labeled: "A summer’s early morning scene in Petoskey’s City Park and Zoo;
the large cage at the left houses the monkeys and eagles and
the smaller buildings are homes for guinea pigs, rabbits, etc."
the large cage at the left houses the monkeys and eagles and
the smaller buildings are homes for guinea pigs, rabbits, etc."
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey newspapers (Undated)
Photo Below Labeled: "Albino Deer in Petoskey Park and Zoo"
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey newspapers (Undated)
Photo Below Labeled: " Mr. Steveson, Zookeeper, with two fawns at the Petoskey City Zoo"
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey newspapers (Undated)
1958
Feeding a deer in the deer park...
Feeding a deer in the deer park...
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey newspapers (1958)
1968
Deer Herd
Deer Herd
4 September 1968 ~ Petoskey News Review
1969
Deer Herd
Deer Herd
25 January 1969 ~ Petoskey News Review
Greenwood Photo Archive collection from Petoskey newspapers (1969)
Click HERE to access additional Petoskey Animal Park information from the Greenwood History Archive website.
~ HISTORY... BEGINNINGS of Petoskey's Famous Play Place Explained ~
(Petoskey's Winter Park)
Women's Suffrage ideals played a large part in the purchase of the park's land.
Article Below:
Years before approval of women’s suffrage, the men of Petoskey were to cast ballots on a proposal to purchase a plot of ground from Captain H.O. Rose (Later Mayor Rose) to be used as a city park. Charles Beahan was a staunch supporter of the project, but conceded to Mrs. Beahan that it was discouraging trying to get folks to realize they must plan for the future, like the need for a city park. Mrs. Beahan said it was a pity some (women) could not vote. So, that afternoon, Mr. Beahan appeared at the Clifton House for the women's Home Benevolent Association’s officers were meeting who supported the park project. The opposing group was vigilant, while the other group just seemed indifferent.
Mr. Beahan presented a petition to the voters of Petoskey while asking the women to sign it as officers of the association. Mr. Beahan drove to Harbor Springs and persuaded a printer to open his shop, run off several hundred handbills, and keep the matter a secret. As the voters approached the polling booths they were handed a handbill bearing the signed petition, asking them to vote for the purchase of the park. Sentiment thus was changed, and the vote supported the project. The site was purchased and additions were made through gifts from public spirited citizens, supporting the zoo for many years, and the hockey dressing room building.
The zoo was discontinued and the park began to decay. THEN, came the winter sports movement and the site was hit upon as a perfect location. The likes of city manager P.T. Mitchell propelled the site into a great city winter carnival base.
P.T. Mitchell, died in 1962, with his obituary also crediting Mitchell's many improvements to the city of Petoskey and especially to the sports park. "In 1927 he was instrumental in organizing the Petoskey Winter Sports Club, developing the Petoskey Winter Sports Park and designing and building the city's skating rinks, inlcuding the hockey rink. He also drew plans and supervised the contruction of the toboggan slide at the park..."
Mr. Beahan presented a petition to the voters of Petoskey while asking the women to sign it as officers of the association. Mr. Beahan drove to Harbor Springs and persuaded a printer to open his shop, run off several hundred handbills, and keep the matter a secret. As the voters approached the polling booths they were handed a handbill bearing the signed petition, asking them to vote for the purchase of the park. Sentiment thus was changed, and the vote supported the project. The site was purchased and additions were made through gifts from public spirited citizens, supporting the zoo for many years, and the hockey dressing room building.
The zoo was discontinued and the park began to decay. THEN, came the winter sports movement and the site was hit upon as a perfect location. The likes of city manager P.T. Mitchell propelled the site into a great city winter carnival base.
P.T. Mitchell, died in 1962, with his obituary also crediting Mitchell's many improvements to the city of Petoskey and especially to the sports park. "In 1927 he was instrumental in organizing the Petoskey Winter Sports Club, developing the Petoskey Winter Sports Park and designing and building the city's skating rinks, inlcuding the hockey rink. He also drew plans and supervised the contruction of the toboggan slide at the park..."
24 March 1962 ~ Petoskey News Review
4 February 1936 ~ Petoskey Evening News
Article Below: In 1951, adding to the History above,
additional land was deeded by the Hodgkiss and Douma families thus enlarging the city's park land.
additional land was deeded by the Hodgkiss and Douma families thus enlarging the city's park land.
18 January 1951 ~ Northern Michigan Review
Article Below: Need expressed for an ice rink in 1908
5 December 1908 ~ Petoskey Evening News
East Side Winter Sports Park ~ PRE-Warming Building
David V. Tinder Collection of Michigan Photography in the William L. Clements Library University of Michigan Library Digital Collections (Undated)
East Side Winter Sports Park ~ POST-Warming Building
Greenwood Postcard Archive Collection (Undated)
East Side Winter Sports Park ~ POST-Warming Building
Two Photos Above: Notice how the large hill to the north of the ice rink (the hill at the bottom edge of these photos) goes down steeply to the edge of the rink, so no ski hill then. In 1960 this hill was removed/lowered when the city allowed the state to use this dune soil as fill soil in creating the US 31 Bypass of Downtown Petoskey; Sunset Boulevard. Click HERE to access photos of that soil removal process for the road construction.
~ 1901 ~
Location of the skating rink was not stated.
Location of the skating rink was not stated.
~ 1923 ~
4 February 1966 ~ Petoskey News Review
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Photo/Text Above AND Two Clippings Below: This location was the vacant corner across from the present (2026) Post Office.
4 January 1923 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
10 January 1923 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
Clipping Below: The rink at the Elk's temple grounds was to be removed and the rink placed in condition for the kiddies again. The youngsters had been having a great sport at the Elks' rink all winter.
16 January 1923 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
Article Right: A big sport program had been planned to include Racing, skiing, snowshoeing, skating, dog races on Mitchell Street, and other forms of entertainment and sport. Schools and stores were to close and the afternoon was to be devoted to one big civic holiday. Handsome rewards were to be awarded to winners of the various events. A parade was planned from Howard to to the City Park. Skating events were held at the city rinks.
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21 February 1923 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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~ 1924 ~
A playground on the corner ot Howard and State Street across from the St. Francis Church was being prepared as an ice rink. Inside the breakwater, on the bay also was reported as the possibility of a fine skating rink.
1 January 1924 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
18 January 1924 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
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28 January 1924 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
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~ 1925 ~
City Manager Mitchell directed a long curving hill near the former elk park for a safe and thrilling sliding hill; banked and iced to provide amusement of coasting. The duck pond was flooded for a skating rink. The coasting hill was provided to eliminate coasting on Michigan and other streets; and to ask the city father to discontinue the approval of street coasting otherwise than in the park.
17 December 1925 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
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~ 1926 ~
"A Day of Winter Sports" 
6 February 1926 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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~ 1927 ~
FIRST attempt at a two day program of activities
included huge bobsleds as seen in the four photos below.
FIRST attempt at a two day program of activities
included huge bobsleds as seen in the four photos below.
2 February 1937 ~ Petoskey Evening News
Photo Below: Blocking Cross-Street Traffic
1966 Petoskey News Review Text included with this photo : "Bob Sleds provided great sport on Petoskey streets in the 1920's and early 1930's when many folks laid up their cars or didn't use them much. Mitchell Street was one of he favorite runs. The sport was finally stopped after seversl bad accidents-- and with the advent of ewinterized autos,"
1966 Petoskey News Review Text included with this photo : "Bob Sleds provided great sport on Petoskey streets in the 1920's and early 1930's when many folks laid up their cars or didn't use them much. Mitchell Street was one of he favorite runs. The sport was finally stopped after seversl bad accidents-- and with the advent of ewinterized autos,"
Little Traverse Historical Museum Photo Archive (Undated)
Two 1928 Photos Below: Top Photo...Mitchell Street, Petoskey
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection (February 1928)
Photo Below was labeled on the back: "American Legion Bobs. Completed Feb. 1928. 24 feet long-weight about 650 pounds, carried 22 people ~ The plank was made by Michigan Maple Block Company." Not everyone was identified but names included were: "A.M. West, Charles F. Henika, Charles Bailey, Kneal Krantz, Dr. Palmenter, Harold Guillaume, Henry Bohem, Dr. Charles J. Gray, Charles Dilts, Fred Schmidt, Wood Martin."
Greenwood Archive from the Howard and Lila Ball postcard collection (February 1928)
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Two 1893 Articles Below and Right: Much prior to the Bobsledding in the 1928 photos above, in 1893, accidents were occurring while sledding on the wonderful hilly streets of Petoskey. The sledding accidents called for enforcement of the ordinance relative to "Coasting".
22 February 1893 ~ The Petoskey Record
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22 February 1893 ~ The Petoskey Record
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Photo Below: Men riding a bobsled behind a towing car...
Little Traverse Historical Museum Photo Archive (Undated)
19 February 1927 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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21 February 1927 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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21 February 1927 ~ Petoskey Evening News
23 February 1927 ~ Petoskey Evening News
Article Below:
1927 >1928
In December of 1927 plans were being made for a two-day winter festival on 14 and 15 of February 1928 with the slogan "Petoskey, Michigan's Winter Playground".
Governor Fred W. Green would be present.
1927 >1928
In December of 1927 plans were being made for a two-day winter festival on 14 and 15 of February 1928 with the slogan "Petoskey, Michigan's Winter Playground".
Governor Fred W. Green would be present.
14 December 1927 ~ Petoskey Evening News
~ 1928 ~
Article Below: Policing Mitchell street for the sliding periods...
6 February 1928 ~ Petoskey Evening News
Coasting (Bobsleds) continued to draw large numbers in the following carnivals as noted in the 1930 article below.
Even Charlevoix and Harbor Springs joined with several pairs of bobs.
Cars were ready to haul the load back up Mitchell Street hill again, and throughout the evening.
Even Charlevoix and Harbor Springs joined with several pairs of bobs.
Cars were ready to haul the load back up Mitchell Street hill again, and throughout the evening.
12 February 1930 ~ Petoskey Evening News
~ 1928 ~
Article Below:
Plans had been made in late 1927 for the upcoming
1928 FIRST Annual Winter Sports Carnival.
FIRST Snow Queen ~ Elsie Bohm
Weather conditions were of extreme concern, in the planning...
Plans had been made in late 1927 for the upcoming
1928 FIRST Annual Winter Sports Carnival.
FIRST Snow Queen ~ Elsie Bohm
Weather conditions were of extreme concern, in the planning...
30 December 1927 ~ Petoskey Evening News
6 February 1928 ~ Petoskey Evening News
7 February 1928 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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13 February 1928 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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~ 1928 ~
FIRST Birthday of Petoskey's Winter Sports
FIRST Birthday of Petoskey's Winter Sports
The "FIRST Birthday of Winter Sports in Petoskey" was held February 14 and 15 in 1928...
As reported in the 14 February 1928 issue of The Petoskey Evening News
Elsie Bohm, who later became Mrs. Joseph Scoggin, was Petoskey's FIRST "Snow Queen".
Governor Green crowned the queen, and congratulated the city on its "Winter Carnival".
Elsie Gertrude Bohm Scoggin passed away 17 February 1997 in Fort Worth, Texas,
preceded in death by husband Joseph Scoggin who established the new Petoskey Penney Store in 1926.
Elsie and Joseph married 21 January 1929, shortly after she was Petoskey's queen.
14 February 1928 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
13 February 1928 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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12 February 1930 ~ Petoskey Evening News
4 February 1932 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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Miss Elsie Bohm was elected in a spirited contest, votes being given on purchases made in local stores.
13 February 1928 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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15 February 1928 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
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Below: The 1930 photo/text (blurry and not clear) below showed the FIRST Snow Queen Float for 1928.
2 February 1930 The Petoskey Evening News
During Mayor Emery Nyman's tenure as Petoskey mayor [1943 and 1950>1955] he oversaw improvements to the winter sports warming shanties. He headed the committee which put on the FIRST Winter Sports Ball in 1928 and chaired two early winter sports parades...
9 January 1975 ~ Petoskey News Review
*Red asterisk below in Petoskey's "The Palace Theatre" advertisement points out the showing of
"Petoskey's Winter Carnival taken by Paramount PIcture Corporation of Detroit" for two nights.
"Petoskey's Winter Carnival taken by Paramount PIcture Corporation of Detroit" for two nights.
20 February 1928 ~ Petoskey Evening News
2 February 1966 ~ Petoskey News Review
~ 1929 ~
Second Winter Sports Queen ~ Ruth Tripp
Second Winter Sports Queen ~ Ruth Tripp
9 January 1975 ~ Petoskey News Review
Photo/Text Below: 1930 Flashback to the 1929 Queen ~ Ruth Tripp
2 February 1930 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
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4 February 1932 ~ Petoskey Evening News (1929 Queen)
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Little Traverse Historical Museum Photo Archive (1929)
1929 Photo Below:
Women held hockey sticks to form a tunnel for Winter Queen Ruth Tripp to be crowned... the summer suburban train station was in the back left and the Cushman Hotel's huge pillars at the right.
Women held hockey sticks to form a tunnel for Winter Queen Ruth Tripp to be crowned... the summer suburban train station was in the back left and the Cushman Hotel's huge pillars at the right.
Little Traverse Historical Museum Photo Archive (1929)
9 January 1975 ~ Petoskey News Review
Below: Mayor standing with: Esther Christopher, Mayor W. G. McCune, Ruth Tripp, Dorothy Van Every, Jane Edwards, C. Curtis, Edith Anderson
Little Traverse Historical Museum Photo Archive (1929)
Little Traverse Historical Museum Photo Archive (1929)
29 January 1966 ~ Petoskey News Review
Photo Postcard Below by Foley's Photo Art Shop, Petoskey, Michigan. Card hand labeled: "John Hammer, Pete Mitchell, Herb Johnson Feb. 13, 1929" The photo was taken in front of the rustic pagoda in Pennsylvania Park, with the men illustrating Winter Carnival activities of snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and hunting, while standing in front of Stanley Kellogg's Lincoln float, sponsored by Petoskey Portland Cement. Research of local 1929 newspapers reveals that Kellogg's Lincoln float definitely was in the February 1929 Winter Carnival parade, and not in the 1928 carnival parade as years later newspapers incorrectly printed.
"John Hammer, Pete Mitchell, Herb Johnson Feb. 13, 1929" Greenwood Archive from the Howard & Lila Ball Postcard Collection
13 February 1929 ~ Petoskey Evening News
Photo Postcard Below by "Foly's Photo Art Shop, Petoskey, Mich. Handwritten on the back: "Fur Trappers Cabin in Parade 12 February 1929 Petoskey Mich Winter Carnival. This was taken only about a block from where Aunt Ada Hyatt lives on Lake Street." The house is on a platform on runners to be pulled in the parade. Interesting to note the entrance then to Magnus Park was on Charlevoix Avenue; across from the then Kellogg Studio.
3 March 1966 ~ Petoskey News Review
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Article Left and Photo Below: Description of Stanley Kellogg's Lincoln sculpture in front of his fireplace was an ice sculpture on a float for one of the features of Petoskey's Second winter carnival in 1929 [NOT 1928]. Same photo (below left) was used in the newspaper in 1975, leaving out any specific date. The float was displayed in Pennsylvania Park for about three weeks after the parade. The float took FIRST place honors.
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9 January 1975 ~ Petoskey News Review
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Little Traverse Historical Museum Photo Archive (1929)
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David V. Tinder Collection of Michigan Photography in the William L. Clements Library University of Michigan Library Digital Collections (1929)
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection ~ 12 February 1929
14 February 1929 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
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8 November 1929 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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~1930 ~
Third Annual Winter Sports Carnival
Petoskey celebrated Abraham Lincoln's birthday in the Winter Carnival.
Third Annual Winter Sports Carnival
Petoskey celebrated Abraham Lincoln's birthday in the Winter Carnival.
12 February 1930 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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12 February 1930 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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1930 Third Annual Winter Sports Queen ~ Snow Queen ~ Alta Fay
30 January 1930 ~ The Petoskey News Review
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31 January 1930 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
Alta Fay represented Petoskey in the contest for queen of the
Traverse City Cherry Festival during the following summer. |
Little Traverse Historical Museum (1930)
12 February 1930 ~ Petoskey Evening News
Article Below: Many Winter Sports Business Windows were ready to be judged in the window display contest. J.C. Penney window represented a skating rink with many lights, dolls as figures on the pond and others on the banks. Fochtman Department store displayed an attractive winter farm scene with cattle, goats, and horses nosing in the drifts searching for grass, with snow-blocked roads up the hills and valleys, and a fish shanty on a lake below… with winter sport equipment shown in both windows. The Beese & Porter window had winter sport equipment and costumes. Rosenthals & Sons displayed colorful sport costumes and equipment to gaze upon. Mac’s Beauty shop showed a large picture of the queen, Miss Alta Fay, while the Petoskey News window had a picture of Miss Fay and also a large photo of the new skating rink and field house, both by photographer Foley. Reusch Jewelry reproduced the new Petoskey field house showing off to the left the hills with the proposed new toboggan slide and the ski slide, with figures representing the skaters, ski and toboggan fans. Speck’s Music shop had a window of snow-covered hills, a skating pond and sport outfits. The K.&K. Ten window pictured youngsters enjoying the winter on hills. The Bremmeyr-Bain store showed a wonderful ski scene with a ski slide on a snowy hill, and an attractive log field house was at the bottom of the hill. The Petoskey Gas Company’s entire window showed the Petoskey skating rink with its fine field house and ice. The Barber Drug store also showed the Winter Sport trend with children enjoying the out of doors doings.
8 February 1930 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
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8 March 1930 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
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2 February 1930 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
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2 February 1930 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
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2 February 1930 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
10 February 1930 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
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4 February 1932 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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Alta Fay also represented Petoskey in the contest for
queen of the Traverse City Cherry Festival during the summer of 1932.
queen of the Traverse City Cherry Festival during the summer of 1932.
2 February 1930 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
Visitors AND the entire community, residents and businesses, were involved in the "remarkble growth" of Winter Sports for Petoskey. All were involved like in the Window Displays reported above, as well as participation in the mammath sized winter carnival parade was reported from the 12 February 1930 Petoskey Evening News. The Winter Parade was considered the best. Surpassing in size and elaborateness either of the two former winter parades, the two mile parade staged as one of the main events of the carnival brought loud applause and praise from the thousands who lined the streets of the business district as the parade passed. Martial music from the American Legion drum and bugle corps, the high school band and a twelve piece clown band provided the music. Following the queen’s float, and the parade, Miss Alta Fay was crowned queen of the festivities by Charles A. Adams, superintendent of the Grand Rapids-Petoskey division of the Pennsylvania Lines on behalf of Governor Fred Green of Michigan. The Queen’s float, the artistic work of city employees, made a beautiful scene with the queen in her costume of all white, on her high throne surrounded by her attendants. Built entirely to appear as if modeled from snow, the float presented a most realistic appearance.
First prize in the commercial float division went to the Petoskey Portland Cement company with two figures of full-blooded Northern Michigan Indians in full costume. These were sculptured in snow by Stanley Kellogg. Second place went to Fochtman Department store with its giant figured Old King Winter, fully 10 feet tall, and his court of winter sports fans. Honorable mention went to Hoffman Nurseries with its float of bulbs and young trees. Lockwood Hospital and Petoskey Hospital presented floats picturing health as gained through being out of doors in winter. Petoskey Laundry featured its fishing on the ice scene.
In the comic division first place went to Amos and Andy entered by Bathke Brothers’ grocery. Second place went to Mr. and Mrs. Dude Wells with their old-time horse and cutter scene. Honorable mention went to Petoskey Business and Professional Women’s Club with the original winter sport of a man and woman in the push sled.
In the fraternal section first honors were captured by the Kiwanis club, which was represented by a bust of Lincoln, with shoulders draped, the work of Stanley Kellogg. Second went to the Resort Grange with a colored globe with Petoskey marked as "America’s Winter Playground".
Chief Greenleaf and his Indians won first honors in the Indian section. Greenleaf’s float had an elaborate Indian camp scene with four real Indians and a child in native costume. Fred Houts as a fox hunter won first place as the best costumed man. Marjorie Furnier was first as the best costume woman representing Aunt Jemima.
The Lake Drug entry depicted a snow-covered well with the old oaken bucket covered with ice and snow. The Resort Kitchen Club float was a red, white, and green color scheme and carrying a large heart inscribed “Petoskey, Heart of the Winter Sports.” The Fletcher school, located east of Kegomic, float carried an organ and an orchestra in comic costumes, and children in winter sports outfits. The Murray school at Bay Shore had a unique smaller float drawn by a pony and carrying school children in winter costume.
Northern Auto’s car was loaded with winter sport fans and equipment and followed on foot by the fancy and speed skaters who were in town from Detroit. The State Bank entry was a mammoth toboggan slide with a group enjoying the sport, fashioned from real snow. Bremmeyr-Bain’s float showed a woods scene with the wood choppers in action.
Dessert & Brown Lumber company’s clever entry was a miniature house set snow covered and very detailed, complete even to the smoke which issued from the red brick chimney of the little house. J.C. Penney had a great snow ball surrounded by girls in winter costumes and carrying snow shoes, skis and other sport equipment.
Lewis Sweet in person, the man who was lost on the ice for more than a week last winter, rode in front of his fish shanty on a float.
Petoskey Dry Cleaning company had a hunter on snowshoes and accompanied by his dogs. Petoskey Grocer company’s float was a beautiful snow scene with Eskimos in front of their igloo. The Freeman Dairy float represented a snow fort with the children ready for a snow battle. A float with a load of five huge logs was entered by George McManus and the Michigan Maple Block Company.
A giant telephone, surrounded by girls in winter sport costumes was the entry of Michigan Bell Telephone company.
The Crago Economy Market entry represented “the first meat market.” It pictured a party of hunters and their kill of deer. The Petoskey News Printing company represented a different kind of winter sport… two old men, with long hair and whiskers were playing cribbage with a great board and enlarged cards. The Treadwell Auto Sales entered an old-time coach with four passengers and driver, and big white team representing the days of long ago before automobiles were invented.
Something new in a winter parade was shown by the McCabe Hardware, with an entire great white snow snake. This entry replaced the old "Little Traverse Bay sea serpent" of olden days. The annual birthday cake, a beautifully decorated float, was the entry of the Petoskey Gas company. The cake bore three pink candles and drew much praise from the crowd.
Ending the parade was a real exhibition of snow fighting equipment. Heading this division came a decorated float with a woods scene including a deer and other wild animals and driven by Miss Ruth Tripp, the 1929 Winter Queen. Following were the Emmet County Road Commission equipment including the rotary plow, and six truck plows. The Petoskey city plow and the new snow loader ended this division and the parade.
First prize in the commercial float division went to the Petoskey Portland Cement company with two figures of full-blooded Northern Michigan Indians in full costume. These were sculptured in snow by Stanley Kellogg. Second place went to Fochtman Department store with its giant figured Old King Winter, fully 10 feet tall, and his court of winter sports fans. Honorable mention went to Hoffman Nurseries with its float of bulbs and young trees. Lockwood Hospital and Petoskey Hospital presented floats picturing health as gained through being out of doors in winter. Petoskey Laundry featured its fishing on the ice scene.
In the comic division first place went to Amos and Andy entered by Bathke Brothers’ grocery. Second place went to Mr. and Mrs. Dude Wells with their old-time horse and cutter scene. Honorable mention went to Petoskey Business and Professional Women’s Club with the original winter sport of a man and woman in the push sled.
In the fraternal section first honors were captured by the Kiwanis club, which was represented by a bust of Lincoln, with shoulders draped, the work of Stanley Kellogg. Second went to the Resort Grange with a colored globe with Petoskey marked as "America’s Winter Playground".
Chief Greenleaf and his Indians won first honors in the Indian section. Greenleaf’s float had an elaborate Indian camp scene with four real Indians and a child in native costume. Fred Houts as a fox hunter won first place as the best costumed man. Marjorie Furnier was first as the best costume woman representing Aunt Jemima.
The Lake Drug entry depicted a snow-covered well with the old oaken bucket covered with ice and snow. The Resort Kitchen Club float was a red, white, and green color scheme and carrying a large heart inscribed “Petoskey, Heart of the Winter Sports.” The Fletcher school, located east of Kegomic, float carried an organ and an orchestra in comic costumes, and children in winter sports outfits. The Murray school at Bay Shore had a unique smaller float drawn by a pony and carrying school children in winter costume.
Northern Auto’s car was loaded with winter sport fans and equipment and followed on foot by the fancy and speed skaters who were in town from Detroit. The State Bank entry was a mammoth toboggan slide with a group enjoying the sport, fashioned from real snow. Bremmeyr-Bain’s float showed a woods scene with the wood choppers in action.
Dessert & Brown Lumber company’s clever entry was a miniature house set snow covered and very detailed, complete even to the smoke which issued from the red brick chimney of the little house. J.C. Penney had a great snow ball surrounded by girls in winter costumes and carrying snow shoes, skis and other sport equipment.
Lewis Sweet in person, the man who was lost on the ice for more than a week last winter, rode in front of his fish shanty on a float.
Petoskey Dry Cleaning company had a hunter on snowshoes and accompanied by his dogs. Petoskey Grocer company’s float was a beautiful snow scene with Eskimos in front of their igloo. The Freeman Dairy float represented a snow fort with the children ready for a snow battle. A float with a load of five huge logs was entered by George McManus and the Michigan Maple Block Company.
A giant telephone, surrounded by girls in winter sport costumes was the entry of Michigan Bell Telephone company.
The Crago Economy Market entry represented “the first meat market.” It pictured a party of hunters and their kill of deer. The Petoskey News Printing company represented a different kind of winter sport… two old men, with long hair and whiskers were playing cribbage with a great board and enlarged cards. The Treadwell Auto Sales entered an old-time coach with four passengers and driver, and big white team representing the days of long ago before automobiles were invented.
Something new in a winter parade was shown by the McCabe Hardware, with an entire great white snow snake. This entry replaced the old "Little Traverse Bay sea serpent" of olden days. The annual birthday cake, a beautifully decorated float, was the entry of the Petoskey Gas company. The cake bore three pink candles and drew much praise from the crowd.
Ending the parade was a real exhibition of snow fighting equipment. Heading this division came a decorated float with a woods scene including a deer and other wild animals and driven by Miss Ruth Tripp, the 1929 Winter Queen. Following were the Emmet County Road Commission equipment including the rotary plow, and six truck plows. The Petoskey city plow and the new snow loader ended this division and the parade.
2 February 1930 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
Article Above and Photo Below: While the photo below was not dated, the description in above article seems to describe the PHS gymnasium, with crepe paper and other winter scenery.
Little Traverse Historical Museum Photo Archive (Undated)
12 February 1930 ~ Petoskey Evening News
Petoskey Turns Winter to Gold
Article Below Right: P.T. Mitchell described a new toboggan slide soon to be erected by the Petoskey Winter Club; more than a quarter of mile long, and a drop of 100 feet [Completed by 1932]. Also new hockey rink was completed.
12 December 1930 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
31 October 1932 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
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23 October 1930 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
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~ 1931 ~
Naomi Hooker Elected as Fourth Petoskey Winter Queen
Naomi Hooker ~ 1930 Petoskey High School Yearbook
29January 1931 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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4 February 1931 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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29 January 1931 ~ The Emmet County Graphic
Photo/Text Below: This nice photo has an incorrect date of 1936; Naomi Hooker was the Petoskey Queen from 1931.
4 February 1966 ~ Petoskey News Review
1931 Winter Carnival in Photo/Text images below from 9 February 1931 in The Petoskey Evening News...
9 February 1931 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
9 February 1931 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
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9 February 1931 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
9 February 1931 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
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9 February 1931 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
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9 February 1931 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
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9 February 1931 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
9 February 1931 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
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9 February 1931 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
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9 February 1931 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
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9 February 1931 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
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9 February 1931 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
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9 February 1931 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
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9 February 1931 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
9 February 1931 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
9 February 1931 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
9 February 1931 ~ Petoskey Evening News
12 February 1931 ~ Petoskey Evening News
13 February 1931 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
~ 1932 ~
Jane Edwards ~ Queen
Jane Edwards ~ Queen
4 February 1932 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection (14 March 1932)
Photo Above:
The red asterisk denotes the new toboggan run as illustrated in the 1932 newspaper below.
The red asterisk denotes the new toboggan run as illustrated in the 1932 newspaper below.
28 January 1932 ~ The Emmet County Graphic
26 January 1932 T Petoskey Evening News
4 February 1932 ~ Petoskey High School News
4 February 1932 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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4 February 1932 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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Photo/Text Below: The year of 1933 is incorrect. Jane Edwards was Winter Queen in 1932.
2 February 1966 ~ Petoskey News Review
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Article Below and Photo Right: Mable Johansen was the Petoskey Figure Skating Club president in 1932. She won first prize for her Mardi Gras costume during the 1932 celebration.
26 February 1932 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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Little Traverse Historical Museum Photo Archive (1932)
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~ 1933 ~
Queen Mable White
Queen Mable White
26 January 1933 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
2 February 1933 ~ The Emmet County Graphic
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2 February 1933 ~ The Emmet County Graphic
The 1933 coronation took place on one of Stanley Kellogg's ice throne 50 feet long and 25 feet wide. Ice polar bears were constructed on either side of the throne as shown in photos below.
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Photo Below: Stan Kellogg created this ice throne for the 1933 Winter Carnival.
More photos of the same sculptured throne are viewable on this same web page.
More photos of the same sculptured throne are viewable on this same web page.
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection ~ 1933
Stanley Kellogg's Old King Winter ice sculpture throne was about 50 feet long, and about 25 feet in depth. The Snow King and his Northern followers looked down through beautiful lighting on the scene while the great white Polar Bears guarded each side of the throne.
Little Traverse Historical Museum Photo Archive (1933)
8 February 1933 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
Undated Photo Below: Ray Lewis created the Petoskey Winter Park Sign...
for more information on this same website about Ray Lewis' creative sign business, click HERE.
This sign was located at the east end of Lake Street
where the foot path heads down to the Winter Sports Park.
for more information on this same website about Ray Lewis' creative sign business, click HERE.
This sign was located at the east end of Lake Street
where the foot path heads down to the Winter Sports Park.
Photo Below Labeled: "Stanley Kellogg with His Queen's Throne of Ice and an ice skater in Petoskey"
Little Traverse Historical Society Photo Collection (Undated)
Photo Below: 1933 Ice Throne beside ice rink... no ski hill yet
(Trail leading down from the east end of Lake Street)
(Trail leading down from the east end of Lake Street)
From a photo album belonging to the Geoff Guillaume Family
1933 Ice Throne Sculpture by Stanley Kellogg ~ Submitted by Geoff Guillaume from the collection of his grandfather Harold Guillaume
1933 Ice Throne Sculpture by Stanley Kellogg ~ Submitted by Geoff Guillaume from the collection of his grandfather Harold Guillaume
1933 Ice Throne Sculpture by Stanley Kellogg ~ Submitted by Geoff Guillaume from the collection of his grandfather Harold Guillaume
Collection of the Kellogg Family
4 February 1932 ~ Petoskey Evening News
21 August 1933 ~ Petoskey Evening News
9 January 1975 ~ Petoskey News Review
Collection of the Kellogg Family
Collection of the Kellogg Family
Below: This sculpure at the Bay Harbor Ice Festival was a symbolic historical replica of "King Winter," an ice display which Stanley Kellogg created for Petoskey's 1933 Winter Carnival. Traverse City based "Ice Impressions", created the replica 1933 ice throne.
Petoskey News Review (30 January 2006)
2 December 1933 ~ Petoskey Evening News
~ 1934 ~
Eunice Schaller ~ Queen
FIRST year of a Coronation of a Winter King ~ William A. Martin
The Petoskey Figure Skating Club was begun in 1934.
Eunice Schaller ~ Queen
FIRST year of a Coronation of a Winter King ~ William A. Martin
The Petoskey Figure Skating Club was begun in 1934.
2 January 1934 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
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3 January 1934 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
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Photo/Text Below: This same 1934 illustration was in the 1932 Newspaper,
used to create excitement for the Winter Sports Park and its Carnival.
used to create excitement for the Winter Sports Park and its Carnival.
1 February 1934 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
Below: Patrick H. O'Brien, Michigan Attorney General would crown the 1934 Winter Sports Queen.
Article Below Right:
Candidates who ran for King: Thomas L. Bryant, Edmund Dean, Alexander Worden, Joseph P. Murphy, Emroy Wyman, Albert Gruler, Henry LIndig, William A. Martin, E.J. O'Brien, Glenn Bain
Article Below Right:
Candidates who ran for King: Thomas L. Bryant, Edmund Dean, Alexander Worden, Joseph P. Murphy, Emroy Wyman, Albert Gruler, Henry LIndig, William A. Martin, E.J. O'Brien, Glenn Bain
13 January 1934 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
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19 January 1934 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
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24 January 1934 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
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Greenwood Archive of Bob and Lila Ball Postcard Collection (1934)
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Little Traverse Historical Museum Photo Archive (1934)
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Two Articles Below: Queen Schaller had a busy schedule, but the Snow Queen became Snow Bount in Kalkaska.
26 January 1934 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
27 January 1934 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
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29 January 1934 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
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Article Below: William Martin, veteran railway agent, was crowned Petoskey's FIRST Old King Winter by Queen Eunice Schaller. The crown bearer was Robert Greenwell, dressed as a typical American Tramp. The Village Policeman, Merton Carter, was the official guard. The King's court was Thomas Bryant, E.J. O'Brien, Edmund Dean and Alexander Worden. The coronation was followed by the Petoskey's figure skaters exhibition, and by the Olympia Skating Club of Detroit.
5 February 1934 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
~ 1935 ~
Eleanor Buell ~ Queen
(Attendants: Jean Gruler, Barbara Adams, Marian Sehr, Georgianna Braun)
SECOND year of a Coronation of a Winter King Henry Lindig ~ King
Eleanor Buell ~ Queen
(Attendants: Jean Gruler, Barbara Adams, Marian Sehr, Georgianna Braun)
SECOND year of a Coronation of a Winter King Henry Lindig ~ King
1935 Photos Below: The tip of the ending of the toboggan slide shows on the very far right in the top photo (red asterisk), to the right of the hockey rink; still no ski hill available.
24 January 1935 ~ Northern Michigan Shopping Guide
7 February 1935 ~ Northern Michigan Shopping Guide
Little Traverse Historical Museum Photo Archive (1935)
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey newspapers (1935)
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey newspapers (1935) Photo by Foley.
Possibly the same, or a very similar, photo as above... and, below
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey newspapers (Undated)
The 1935 Queen's Throne below was built on the east end of the ice rink in the photos above... left red asterisk...
Also shown in the Header Photo for this Northern Mich~Mash Preserve website.
Also shown in the Header Photo for this Northern Mich~Mash Preserve website.
David V. Tinder Collection of Michigan Photography in the William L. Clements Library University of Michigan Library Digital Collections (1935) created by Foley
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey newspapers
9 February 1935 ~ Petoskey Evening News
9 February 1935 ~ Petoskey Evening News
Allan McCune Album at Little Traverse Historical Society Photo Collection (1935] Labeled: Winter Queen Eleanor Buell in February, 1935 at the Winter Sports Park
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9 February 1935 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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Below: Mary Ernst, Katherine Gibson, and Evelyn Crawford posing in front of the winter throne in ice skating gear...
Little Traverse Historical Museum Photo Archive (1935)
Photo Below Left: Katherine Gibson and Photo Below Right: Katherine with Jeanne Dombroski
Little Traverse Historical Museum Photo Archive from the album of Allan McCune
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Little Traverse Historical Museum Photo Archive (1935)
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1935 Throne Photos: Stanley Kellogg sold the idea of this 1935 ice sculpture to the Petoskey Chamber of Commerce. After the stock market crash of 1929, WPA projects were in place. Thus, 30 to 40 men; some city residents, and some hired through the WPA money helped Stanley construct the throne. The throne stretched 126 feet, using 700 tons of ice. Four levels rose to the main stage on which the throne was situated with 80 feet measured from the front step to the queen's throne. The throne sculpture was built of slush ice and veneered with clear lake ice cut from Little Traverse Bay. In a 10 inch space between the slush ice and the lake ice were colored lights, which revealed a glow of color when switched on. The 1935 Snow Queen, Eleanor Buell, was the model for the large ice statue carved at the front of the throne.
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9 February 1935 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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Northern Michigan Shopping Guide
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Little Traverse Historical Museum Photo Archive (1935)
4 February 1937 ~ Northern Michigan Review
1946 Article Below: John Foley's Petoskey Photo Art Shop was sold to a Lansing couple. The article noted that: "Perhaps his [Foley's] most famous photograph was a night shot of the huge throne built by Stanley Kellogg for the Winter Carnival in 1937 [actually 1935]. The picture was taken at night, and showed the entire throne in detail. The photograph was used for a postcard, and was sent all over the United States by local residents and winter sports visitors." Foley's MANY photo/postcards still are enjoyed in 2026.
9 May 1946 ~ Northern Michigan Review
Little Traverse Historical Society Postcard Collection
Above Postcard and Pailthorp Description Below: Foley's photo/postcard of Kellogg's ice throne masterpiece, and the writing of Petoskey art teacher Frances Pailthorp, were found in Ms. Pailthorp's album at the Little Traverse Historical Museum. She described the throne as "greatest piece of ice sculpturing in the world", along with its measurements; adding that the sculpture had "Pictures in many foreign papers." Stanley Kellogg had been one of Ms. Pailthorp's art students.
Ms. Pailthorp's writings under the above postcard found in Ms. Pailthorp's album at the Little Traverse Historical Museum.
1935 Ice Throne in the 4 February 1937 ~ Northern Michigan Review
Below: The vintage satin pillow case below highlights on its top two corners,
along with several Petoskey attractions; two Petoskey Winter Sports Park features...
"Tobogganing at City Park" and the 1935 "Queen's Throne of Ice Winter Carnival."
along with several Petoskey attractions; two Petoskey Winter Sports Park features...
"Tobogganing at City Park" and the 1935 "Queen's Throne of Ice Winter Carnival."
POST 1935 Vintage Petoskey Satin Pillow Case...
Bozo the Skating Mule was played by John Deschermeier and Clifford Crick.
John Van Zon was the ringmaster and Mable Johansen was the figure skater.
John Van Zon was the ringmaster and Mable Johansen was the figure skater.
Little Traverse Historical Museum Photo Archive (1935
21 February 1935 ~ Northern Michigan Shopping Guide
~ 1936 ~
Petoskey's Queen Gertrude Rigg ~ Hostess Queen
Harbor Springs' Queen Shirley Squier ~ Michigan's Winter Queen
THIRD year of a Coronation of a Winter King ~ Ned Kehoe
(Edmund Dean, Emery Nyman, Thomas Bryant, Alexander Worden ~ Councillors)
Petoskey's Queen Gertrude Rigg ~ Hostess Queen
Harbor Springs' Queen Shirley Squier ~ Michigan's Winter Queen
THIRD year of a Coronation of a Winter King ~ Ned Kehoe
(Edmund Dean, Emery Nyman, Thomas Bryant, Alexander Worden ~ Councillors)
Photo Below Left: Unidentified
Photo Below Right: Mabel Johansen
Photo Below Right: Mabel Johansen
Greenwood Photo Archive Postcard Collection of Howard & Lila Ball
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Little Traverse Historical Museum Photo Archive (Undated)
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Photo Below Left: Petoskey's Winter Sports Club was organized in September 1927, and in 1936 a two day program was planned with P.T. Mitchell, city manager, as temporary chairman. More information on this same website about Petoskey's Mitchell Dam having been named after this P.T. Mitchell may be accessed by clicking HERE. According to the photo/text below right, Mitchell designed the throne for the coronation of Michigan's Winter Queen... having direced the building of the structure. So far, any photos of the throne have not been located. Please click HERE to access the webmaster with any throne photos.
P.T. Mitchell ~ Little Traverse Historical Society Photo Collection
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7 February 1936 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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Submitted by Geoff Guillaume from the collection of his grandfather Harold Guillaume
Article Below Left: In 1936 the Petoskey Queen was selected from ten local young ladies. The one chosen as queen (Gertrude Rigg) then represented Petoskey in the race for the title of Michigan's Winter Queen, competing against multiple queens from the surrounding area. This separate competition was a new Petoskey sponsored event. Previously, in 1935, when Eleanor Buell was being crowned by Commissioner Van Wagoner he stated, “And now, in the name of the Great commonwealth of the State of Michigan and by virtue of the owner invested in me, I crown thee, Miss Eleanor Buell, Michigan’s Winter Queen. May your reign be long, happy and prosperous.”... preceeded by no separate Petoskey Queen contest, the title of Michigan's Winter Queen was assumed from the Petoskey Queen contest. In 1936 the ceremony saw Petoskey's Mayor B.H. Van Leuven crown Petoskey's Queen Gertrude Rigg, followed by Governor Fitzgerald's browing of Harbor Springs' Queen Shirley Squier as Michigan Winter Queen for 1936. At that point Gertrude Rigg's became known as a "Hostess Queen". Then, somehow it was printed in the 6 February 1936 newspaper that "Edward H. Fenlon, Representative in the Michigan legislature from the Emmet-Mackinac District, placed the crown on the head of Miss Shirley Squier, Michigan Winter Queen at the grand carnival ball in the PHS gymnasium."
Article Below Right: Gertrude Rigg was chosen as Petoskey's Winter Queen to represent Petoskey in the upcoming Miss Michigan Winter Queen contest. Govenor Frank D. Fitzgerald would crown the state queen on a huge ice-throne on the hillside above Winter Park rink.
Article Below Right: Gertrude Rigg was chosen as Petoskey's Winter Queen to represent Petoskey in the upcoming Miss Michigan Winter Queen contest. Govenor Frank D. Fitzgerald would crown the state queen on a huge ice-throne on the hillside above Winter Park rink.
14 January 1936 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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15 January 1936 ~ Cheboygan Daily Tribune
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Photo Below: Standing Gertrude Rigg, Shirley Squier, and the rest unknown;
photo label read: "Kneeling Chapman Feather Arlene Feather. Standing Gertrude Rigg Pat Parks"
photo label read: "Kneeling Chapman Feather Arlene Feather. Standing Gertrude Rigg Pat Parks"
Little Traverse Historical Museum Photo Archive (Undated)
17 January 1936 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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Photo Below: Queen Gertrude Rigg
and fellow skater Mable Johansen 
Little Traverse Historical Museum Photo Archive (1936)
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Little Traverse Historical Museum Photo Archive (Undated)
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Little Traverse Historical Museum Photo Archive (Undated)
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7 February 1936 ~ Petoskey Evening News
22 January 1936 ~ Petoskey Evening News
Little Traverse Historical Museum Photo Archive (1936)
Photos/Text Below: Gertrude Rigg as Petoskey Winter Queen with the other candiates for MICHIGAN Winter Queen...
21 January 1936 ~ Petoskey Evening News AND 22 January 1936 ~ Cheboygan Daily Tribune
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22 January 1936 ~ Cheboygan Daily Tribune article accompanied photos left...
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7 February 1936 ~ Cheboygan Daily Tribune
The 8 February 1936 Cheboygan Daily Tribune reported, "The state's chief executive tramped the surrounding hills of the winter park and then attended the coronation of the 1936 winter queen, Miss Shirley Squier, Harbor Springs. Miss Eleanor Buell, last year’s queen relinquished her crown and scepter to the new ruler. Then tiny figure skaters dressed as wooden soldiers drew the queen across the ice on a specially designed float and landed her safely at the foot of the throne steps, where costume figure skaters served as her escort."
Postcard Below: Governor Fitzgerald and Michigan Queen Shirley Squier of Harbor Springs at Petoskey in 1936
David V. Tinder Collection of Michigan Photography in the William L. Clements Library University of Michigan Library Digital Collections (1936) created by Foley
4 February 1937 ~ Northern Michigan Review
Photo Below: Other references in the newspaper stated some connection between the Winter Park and Country Club Hills. If anyone has any more information or photos regarding this connection, please contact the web master by clicking HERE.
5 February 1936 ~ Northern Michigan Review
6 February 1936 ~ Petoskey Evening News
Skiing and Ski Jumping
14 February 1936 ~ Petoskey Evening News
15 February 1936 ~ Petoskey Evening News
Below: Junior Ski Jumping Exhibition to be presented on the "jump in back of the Winter Sports Park...
so, off Beaubien Avenue
so, off Beaubien Avenue
15 February 1936 ~ Petoskey Evening News
17 February 1936 ~ Petoskey Evening News
Below: Arthur Coveyou, director of the contests, reported that interest among the skiers was growing that year (1936). "We'll soon need a bigger ski jump if we are to continue to develop this sport. The boys have already outgrown the present jump and are looking for longer distances."
17 February 1936 ~ Petoskey Evening News
Three "Emmet County Property Search" maps below were captured November 2023. Each map clearly shows, highlighted in light green in the lower right corners, the location of today's Petoskey Winter Sports Park. Map #2 points to the 002 parcel still owned by the City of Petoskey. This was the location of the "Ski Hill which included a ski jump and 'Suicide Hill'" for sledding, and eventually sported a rope tow. Map #3 points to the Beaubien [misspelled on the map] Avenue access to have reached the back of the Winter Sports Park hill.
#1 Emmet County Property Search Map
#2 Emmet County Property Search Map
#3 Emmet County Property Search Map
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Article Below: William H. Adams died in 1936 and had been known for his ability as a fancy figure skater at the local area rinks, using old-fashioned skates. 
14 November 1936 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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Article Below: Bruce Sheckler, was one of the FIRST figure skaters in Petoskey. 
2 January 1936 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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In 1936 the National Amateur Ice Speed Skating Championships were started as part of the winter sports movement. The "amateur" part of the name was eventually dropped. Later, local Gary Ross, became an Olympic hopeful in speed-skating.
4 February 1936 ~ Petoskey Evening News
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey newspapers (same photo as in 1936 photo/text below)
10 September 1936 ~ Northern Michigan Review
~ 1937~
1937 Petoskey Winter Queen ~ Dorothy Lustig
Fourth year of a Coronation of a Winter King ~ Edmond Dean
No ski hill on this side of the Winter Sports Park yet... nor in the 1959 photo next below
Little Traverse Historical Museum Photo Archive
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey newspapers (undated)
Photo Below: The road, or path, curving on the left goes up to the end of Lake Street. The first large building at the bottom of the hill was the Concession/Snack area, the middle section was the warming and rest room area, and the building on the far right was where city workers kept their equipment. Also in that building, bump jumpers and snow shoes could be checked out to use for free. This is a really old picture. The pine trees on the hillside were full-grown pines by the 1950s. The little building on the far left was not there in the 1950's... must have been torn down.
From a photo album of the Geoff Guillaume Family...
4 February 1937 ~ Northern Michigan Review
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey newspapers (Christmas 1959)
1937 ~ Posted with permission from Virtual Motor City, Walter P. Reuther Library, Wayne State University
4 February 1937 ~ Northern Michigan Review
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4 February 1937 ~ Northern Michigan Review
4 February 1937 ~ Northern Michigan Review
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Articles Below: Grand Rapids' Herpolsheimers department store's representative John McKay, and local William Maus, announced the store will sponsor 1937 Sunday Snow Trains to Petoskey's Winter Sports Club activities. The Petoskey Winter Sports Club would undertake to transport the visitors to skiing out Mitchell Street [Fettig Farm Hills], snowshoeing and skating grounds, with the Winter Sports Park being the headquarters for the activities. Special entertaining programs would be held at the Winter Sports Park.
14 December 1936 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
26 January 1937 ~ Petoskey Evening News
28 January 1937 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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30 January 1937 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
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Advertisement below: On the evening of 12 January 1937, the Temple Theatre was the scene of ceremonies at which the Petoskey Winter Queen was selected to represent Petoskey in the competition for the honor of serving as Michigan Winter Queen at the Tenth Annual Michigan Winter Carnival on 5>14 February 1937.
7 January 1937 ~ Northern Michigan Review
5 February 1937 ~ Petoskey Evening News
1937 Petoskey Winter Queen ~ Dorothy Lustig
1937 Petoskey King of Carnival ~ Edmund Dean
1937 Petoskey King of Carnival ~ Edmund Dean
14 Janaury 1937 ~ Northern MIchigan Review HEADLINE
11 February 1937 ~ Northern Michigan Review
The 1937 article above reported the event in the year it transpire, while the 1945 article below was a rehash, some untruths included, of the 1937 and other "Karnival Kings of Yore".
The 1937 Winter Sports Program included: skiing, hockey games, skating, selection of Michigan's Winter Queen, arrival of Snow Train, winter festival, American's 1935 Olympic team, Frolic Night, skating meets, figure skating, exhibitions, Grand Carnival Ball, one-runner jumper events, junior skiing, kiddies' treasure hunt, Mardi Gras on ice, slalom and jump, snow-shoe races, and more...
14 January 1937 ~ Northern MIchigan Review
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11 February 1937 ~ Northern Michigan Review
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11 February 1937 ~ Northern Michigan Review
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14 January 1937 ~ Northern Michigan Review
Article Below: City Manager P.T. Mitchell announced city crews, under the direction of Charles Carter of the city staff, would build a replica of the White Shoals lighthouse in Lake Michigan. The tower would be clear ice illuminated from within by colored lights revolving to continuously change the color scheme. An aerial beacon would gleam from the top, illuminating the park hillsides. Large chunks of ice would be placed at the foot of the lighthouse to simulate drift ice as it piles up around White Shoals light, with lights placed behind the pieces of ice. The throne would be constructed in the piles of drift ice. The ice was moved from the lakes to a hill at the side of the park, then taken to the site of the throne by a carrier attached to an overhead cable. Paul Fettig and Harley Knecht arranged the lighting effects.
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21 January 1937 ~ Northern Michigan Review
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Little Traverse Historical Society Archive of Bob and Lila Ball Postcard Collection (Undated, but EARLY YEARS when covered with white tiles)
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27 January 1937 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
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4 February 1937 ~ Northern Michigan Review
11 February 1937 ~ Northern Michigan Review
11 February 1937 ~ Northern Michigan Review
4 February 1937 ~ Northern Michigan Review
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4 February 1937 ~ Northern Michigan Review
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1937 saw Petoskey Hosting the Tenth Annual Michigan Winter Carnival!
2 February 1937 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
2 February 1937 ~ Petoskey Evening News
4 February 1937 ~ Northern Michigan Review
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5 February 1937 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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5 February 1937 ~ Petoskey Evening News
11 February 1937 ~ Northern Michigan Review
4 February 1937 ~ Northern Michigan Review
Little Traverse Historical Museum Photo Archive (Undated)
2 February 1937 ~ Petoskey Evening News
6 February 1937 ~ Petoskey Evening News (Little Traverse History Museum has this same photo labeled as 1935)
4 February 1937 ~ Northern Michigan Review
Photo/Text Below: John McKay, representative for Herpolsheimers sponsoring the Snow Trains,
received a Royal Welcome at the Winter Sports Park.
Petoskey's Miss Dorothy Lustig also became Michigan Winter Queen.
received a Royal Welcome at the Winter Sports Park.
Petoskey's Miss Dorothy Lustig also became Michigan Winter Queen.
4 February 1937 ~ Northern MIchigan Review
Two Photos/Text Below:
In the early years of the Snow Carnival the Snow Train was a large part
of the promotion to bring in hundreds of Winter Sports fans.
In the early years of the Snow Carnival the Snow Train was a large part
of the promotion to bring in hundreds of Winter Sports fans.
11 February 1937 ~ Northern Michigan Review
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2 February 1966 ~ Petoskey News Review
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4 February 1937 ~ Northern Michigan Review
4 February 1937 ~ Northern Michigan Review
11 February 1937 ~ Northern Michigan Review
11 February 1937 ~ Northern Michigan Review
18 February 1937 ~ Northern Michigan Review
19 November 1946 ~ Petoskey Evening News article continued below...
19 November 1946 ~ Petoskey Evening News article continued from above...
Click HERE to access additional information/photos of trains connected to Petoskey on this same site.
Photo/Text Below: Skiers were being transported to the hillsides of Fettig's Farm on East Mitchell Road.
Photo/Text Below: Skiers were being transported to the hillsides of Fettig's Farm on East Mitchell Road.
4 February 1937 ~ Northern Michigan Review
The 1937 Winter Carnival included skiing and snowshoeing enjoyed at the hills of the Fettig Farm,
two miles east of the city,
two miles east of the city,
1 February 1937 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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2 February 1937 ~ Petoskey Evening News
2 February 1937 ~ Petoskey Evening News
Three 1937 newspaper photos below, although not of high quality, illustrate the dependence the Petoskey area had on using the MItchell Road Fettig Farm hills for skiing. In 1937, the Petoskey Winter Sports Park did not yet have its own ski hill. The Winter Carnivals had been built around the skating rink. First photo below appears to be the same photo as that shown above.
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11 February 1937 ~ The Emmet County Graphic
11 February 1937 ~ The Emmet County Graphic
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11 February 1937 ~ The Emmet County Graphic
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4 March 1937 ~ Northern Michigan Review
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The April 1963 photo below was taken to show 11 year old Gerralynne "Gerry" Fettig riding her year-old steer, Snoopy, around her parents Joseph's and Nellie's, Fettig farm on East Mitchell Road, going to the mailbox to get the mail; with the farm house and barn in the background. The farm buildings still exist in 2025, and the house as large as it was, has had an addition. The hills in the background now are speckled with a modern high-end housing development which retains the impressive views of the bay and surrounding countryside, just as the skiers of the 1930s on those same hills had described the vista, in the article on the left. |
Greenwood Photos Archive (11 April 1963)
Photo Above and Two Photos Below: The high farm hills of the East Mitchell Road Fettig Farm where the winter skiers, by bus, traveled from the Winter Sports Park in the early years are view in the background of the photos. These hills were used for skiing with no tow, until the Winter Sports Park had its own ski hills. At first the sports park used the ski hill and ski jump that emptied on to Beaubein Avenue, and then after Sunset Boulevard (the by-pass) was built in the 1960s, removing much of the steep hill right beside the Winter Sports Park. The State of Michigan had agreed to refine the ski hill in the Winter Sports Park for the city giving permission to use the sand/soil from the park to build the by-pass roadway.
Greenwood Photos Archive (11 April 1963)
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Greenwood Photos Archive (11 April 1963)
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~ 1938 ~
Michigan Winter Queen Delphine Stackus of Boyne City
Petoskey Winter Queen June Hagle (Hostess Queen)
Michigan Winter Queen Delphine Stackus of Boyne City
Petoskey Winter Queen June Hagle (Hostess Queen)
4 February 1966 ~ Petoskey News Review
10 January 1938 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
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Article Below: The Rev. Fr. Donulus Evers, O.E.M. pastor of St. Francis Church for eight years passed away. "The skating rink in the Winter Sports Park won't quite be the same without his chunky body flying over the ice on those hand-made German skates of which he was so proud."
29 November 1938 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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22 November 1938 ~ Petoskey Evening News
6 April 1939 ~ The Emmet County Graphic
3 April 1939 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
~ 1939 ~
Michigan Winter Queen Janna May Loeks of Grand Rapids
Petoskey Winter Queen Billie Trimble (Hostess Queen)
Michigan Winter Queen Janna May Loeks of Grand Rapids
Petoskey Winter Queen Billie Trimble (Hostess Queen)
Articles Below: If anyone knows the actual location of the ski area mentioned below as being three miles south east of Petoskey with hills going up on two sides, please click HERE to contact the web master with any photos or information.
1 February 1939 ~ Charlevoix Courier
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Article Left: "An invitational ski meet will bring out many of the outstanding skiers of the state to take part in the slalom and down hill events at Wabmeme Hill, the new ski layout of the Petoskey Winter Sports Club, where they have installed the FIRST ski lift in the state." If anyone knows the actual location of the Waubmeme Hill mentioned in the left article please click HERE to contact the web master with any photos or information.
2 February 1939 ~ Emmet County Graphic
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24 August 1939 ~ Northern Michigan Review
Petoskey Winter Sports PINS
1939–1940–1951–1952–1969–1970
1939–1940–1951–1952–1969–1970
Private Collection
The buttons, as shown above and below, were one of the money making projects
used through the years to sponsor the carnival.
1930–1935–1936–1937–1938 and 1946
used through the years to sponsor the carnival.
1930–1935–1936–1937–1938 and 1946
Little Traverse Historical Museum (1930)
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Little Traverse Historical Museum (1935)
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10 February 1936 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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30 December 1936 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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1 February 1938 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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1946 Logo On the Winter Sports Program Brochure
East Side AND West Side Rinks
~ 1955 ~
Both the East Side and the West Side rinks had a Winter Sports Carnival...
on different dates so both carnivals could be attended.
Both rinks were maintained by the City of Petoskey.
~ 1955 ~
Both the East Side and the West Side rinks had a Winter Sports Carnival...
on different dates so both carnivals could be attended.
Both rinks were maintained by the City of Petoskey.
The 9 December 1977 Petoskey News Review reported about Petoskey's Land Use. Petoskey had 126.1 acres of land in recreational use; 50.1 acres in the county fairgrounds and public buildings; and of the 69.9 acres lised as quasi-public, 31.8 are in cemeteries and 21.6 acres in hospitals. The public schools own another 20.5 acres, not counting six acres at the stadium and North Central Michigan College had about 194 acres.
The city's large acreage in the report included over 30 acres on Bear River, 21 acres along Sunset Boulevard, 29.7 acres in Winter Sports Park, 24.2 acres in Magnus Park, plus Pioneer Park, Curtis Park, Lockwood-Apruce Park Area.
The city's large acreage in the report included over 30 acres on Bear River, 21 acres along Sunset Boulevard, 29.7 acres in Winter Sports Park, 24.2 acres in Magnus Park, plus Pioneer Park, Curtis Park, Lockwood-Apruce Park Area.
3 January 1955 ~ Petoskey News Review
~ East Side Rink Winter Sports Park ~
Map Below: Close-up of a section of an October 1950 Petoskey Map that shows
"East Side Winter Sports Park"
"East Side Winter Sports Park"
October 1950 Map archived on Greenwood History Archive website...
~ West Side Rink ~
October 1950 Map archived on Greenwood History Archive website...
31 January 1910 ~ Petoskey Evening News
1946 Photo/Text Below:
King, Queen, and Court of Lincoln School visited nearby West Side Rink after coronation,
to see a figure skating exhibition.
King, Queen, and Court of Lincoln School visited nearby West Side Rink after coronation,
to see a figure skating exhibition.
31 January 1946 ~ Northern Michigan Review
Photo Below: This is the little ice rink on the West Side of Petoskey as mentioned in the newspaper article/photo above. The big building on the right, behind the warming shanty, was a barn with horses, probably used by the city. The curved road on the right followed the river toward the area of the Mitchell Dam.... part of the present rails to trails pathway. Off Charlevoix Avenue is Branch Street which was up on the bluff.
The West Side rink had two sledding/bump jump trails and a warming shanty. The one in the photo was moved to the other side of the rink and had a boys' side and a girls' side. A huge stove was in the middle with a wire mesh fence around it so no one could get burned. Wet mittens were stuck in the mesh of the fence while resting skaters could sit with the ends of their skate blades stuck in the mesh to warm their feet.
The West Side kids, growing up, were happy with their nearby, well-maintained little sports Park. They enjoyed it every single day in the winter... until dark, which meant dinner time. Once in high school, the kids were able to get to the Big Rink, migrating there because many of their Petoskey High School friends were there. Jim Smith (Class of '57) worked the concession. The hockey rink had been built behind the warming shanty.
The West Side rink had two sledding/bump jump trails and a warming shanty. The one in the photo was moved to the other side of the rink and had a boys' side and a girls' side. A huge stove was in the middle with a wire mesh fence around it so no one could get burned. Wet mittens were stuck in the mesh of the fence while resting skaters could sit with the ends of their skate blades stuck in the mesh to warm their feet.
The West Side kids, growing up, were happy with their nearby, well-maintained little sports Park. They enjoyed it every single day in the winter... until dark, which meant dinner time. Once in high school, the kids were able to get to the Big Rink, migrating there because many of their Petoskey High School friends were there. Jim Smith (Class of '57) worked the concession. The hockey rink had been built behind the warming shanty.
5 January 1950 ~ Northern Michigan Review
Photo Below: West Side Rink
(Undated) ~ Not a postcard, but an actual photo submitted by Linda (Lewis) Lark for viewing only on this Northern Mich~Mash Preserve web site...
Photo Below: East Petoskey Winter Sports Park viewed facing toward the east...
away from Little Traverse Bay...
~ 2017 ~
away from Little Traverse Bay...
~ 2017 ~
4 February 2017 ~ Photography of "Alex Childress Photo" posted with permission...
Photo Above: Alex Childress' additional work also may be viewed at
Alex Childress Photo.
Alex Childress Photo.
Photo Below: The 1922 date in the lower right corner is probably incorrect. 1922 newspapers make no notice of a festival, while the 21 February 1923 newspaper (above left) announced the "big sport program" to be held on 22 February 1923.
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey newspapers (Dates on Photo)
~ 1940 ~
1940 Six Youngsters Seriously Hurt on Toboggans
Scroll farther below on this same web page to access information about
Tobogganing at the Winter Sports Park and this accident...
Scroll farther below on this same web page to access information about
Tobogganing at the Winter Sports Park and this accident...
1940
Grand Rapids' Herpolsheimer Snow Train brought 768 Attendees to Winter Sports Carnival
Grand Rapids' Herpolsheimer Snow Train brought 768 Attendees to Winter Sports Carnival
5 February 1940 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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5 February 1940 ~ Petoskey Evening News
29 April 1940 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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~ 1941 ~
Michigan Winter Queen Marie Markert of Stambaugh
Petoskey Winter Queen Lynetta White (Hostess Queen)
Winter King Tom Heisman Heisman Trophy Winner
Michigan Winter Queen Marie Markert of Stambaugh
Petoskey Winter Queen Lynetta White (Hostess Queen)
Winter King Tom Heisman Heisman Trophy Winner
Little Traverse Historical Museum Photo Archive (1941)
Photo Below: King Tom Harmon presided over the carnival with Michigan Winter Queen Marie Markert... including Sno-Skooter Derby, hockey games, and figure skating exhibitions.
Little Traverse Historical Museum Photo Archive (1941)
~ 1942 ~
Queen Ruth Ann Schomberg
Queen Ruth Ann Schomberg
~ 1943 ~
Queen Janet Schneider
Queen Janet Schneider
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection (4 February 1943)
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Greenwood Photo Archive Collection (4 February 1943)
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Photo Below: Wilson J. McDonald
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey newspapers (31 January 1943)
Article Below: During the late twenties and the thirties, Wilson J. McDonald (1943 photo above) was the secretary of the Petoskey Chamber of Commerce. It was under McDonald's leadership that the Petoskey Winter Sports Movement attracted wide-spread notice when the event was held with the help of Walter J. MacMIllan, and Reverend Harry Alburt. The ice skating contest was held on a rink built on the lot at the corner of State and Howard streets across from 2025 Petoskey's Post Office [Later owned by the Petoskey News Review- NO LONGER]. Originally the event was called a Big Sport Program which included outdoor recreation such as racing, skiing, snowshoeing, skating and other forms of entertainment and sport. It was not until years after 1923, in 1928, that the annual event was promoted as a "winter carnival". 1928 had been Petoskey's FIRST Winter Sports Carnival.
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21 February 1923 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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1 January 1952 ~ Petoskey Evening News Supplement
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Photo Below: The 1922 date in the lower right corner is probably incorrect. 1922 newspapers make no notice of a festival, while the 21 February 1923 newspaper (above left) announced the "big sport program" to be held on 22 February 1923.
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey newspapers (Dates on Photo)
~ 1946 ~
Queen Audrey Kneal
Queen Audrey Kneal
31 January 1946 ~ Petoskey Evening News
4 February 1946 ~ Petoskey Evening News
Photos Below ~ Starting at the top right and moving clockwise:
Betty Buell, Wanda Crandall, Grace Ecker, Ruth Gordon, Rene Schneider, Georgia Parcher, Gail Crump, Jeanne Herr, with Queen Audrey Kneal in the center.
Betty Buell, Wanda Crandall, Grace Ecker, Ruth Gordon, Rene Schneider, Georgia Parcher, Gail Crump, Jeanne Herr, with Queen Audrey Kneal in the center.
31 January 1946 ~ PHS' Hi-Light newspaper
23 January 1946 ~ Petoskey Evening News
24 January 1946 ~ Northern Michigan Review
7 February 1946 ~ Northern Michigan Review
4 February 1946 ~ Petoskey Evening News
7 February 1946 ~ Northern Michigan Review
7 February 1946 ~ Northern Michigan Review
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1946 LIST of Michigan Winter Queens
and Hostess Queens 
7 February 1946 ~ Northern Michigan Review
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On 21 January 2026 Terry wrote regarding the photo/text above left: "I have that picture framed with my little vest that I’m wearing that my grandpa Reber made me out of either squirrel or rabbit. Those were the good old days."
1946 Photo/Text Below: Queen Audrey Kneal presided over the West Side Rink Cornonation of
Princess June Rose and Prince Bobbie Dennis.
Princess June Rose and Prince Bobbie Dennis.
14 February 1946 ~ Northern MIchigan Review
9 February 1946 ~ Petoskey Evening News
~ 1947~
11 February 1947 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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8 March 1947 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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16 October 1947 ~ Northern Michigan Review
28 November 1947 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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27 November 1947 ~ The Emmet County Graphic
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~ 1948 ~
1948 ~ Jim Smith, Herbert Canell and Bill Stump helped with preparations of the
West Side Rink Carnival throne.
West Side Rink Carnival throne.
19 February 1948 ~ Northern Michigan Review
1948 ~ Winter queen candidates listed their places of employment.
Jane Kaniarz was voted Winter Queen for 1948.
12 February 1948 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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Photo Below: The West Side Rink hosted several Carnivals. Some people identified in the photo below include Gail Kring, and possibly Louise Kocher, and Betty Johnson. Perhaps the people in the photo are those listed in the news articles above and left?
West Side Carnival (Undated)
19 February 1948 ~ Northern Michigan Review
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~ 1949 ~
Queen Ruth Rogers
Queen Ruth Rogers
1949 ~ Ruth Rogers Reigned over the Annual Michigan Winter Sports Show
3 February 1949 ~ Northern Michigan Review
11 February 1952 ~ Petoskey Evening News
13 January 1949 ~ Petoskey Evening News
This 1952 East Side throne, below, was designed and built by Petoskey resident Wayne Reber.
11 February 1952 ~ Petoskey Evening News
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey newspapers (February 1952)
1951 West Side Princess Juanita (Sweanor) Glaze reflected on Winter Sports Reign from 2001 vantage...
13 February 2001 ~ Petoskey News Review
This 1952 West Side throne, below, was designed and built by Petoskey resident Vern Pearson.
14 February 1952 ~ Northern Michigan Review
This 1953 West Side throne, below, was designed and built by Petoskey resident Vern Pearson.
26 February 1953 ~ Northern Michigan Review
~ 1954 ~
Petoskey Queen Charmaine Johnson
Michigan Winter Queen Gail Krahnke (Charlevoix)
Petoskey Queen Charmaine Johnson
Michigan Winter Queen Gail Krahnke (Charlevoix)
9 February 1954 ~ Petoskey Evening News & Northern Michigan Review
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15 February 1954 ~ Petoskey Evening News & Northern Michigan Review
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Below Two Photos/Text: Members of Queen Charmaine's court included the two below plus...
Marilyn Friend and Anne Foster, and Nita Jean Eppler, Ruth Gaskell and Phyllis Tuch.
Marilyn Friend and Anne Foster, and Nita Jean Eppler, Ruth Gaskell and Phyllis Tuch.
9 February 1954 ~ Petoskey Evening News & Northern Michigan Review
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9 February 1954 ~ Petoskey Evening News & Northern Michigan Review
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15 February 1954 ~ Petoskey Evening News & Northern Michigan Review
15 February 1954 ~ Petoskey Evening News & Northern Michigan Review
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15 February 1954 ~ Petoskey Evening News & Northern Michigan Review
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15 February 1954 ~ Petoskey Evening News & Northern Michigan Review
Photo/Text Below: Princess Lila Orient and Prince George Gregory and Crown Bearer Bonita Louis Hiller
participated in opening ceremonies with Councilman Donald Stark placing the crown.
participated in opening ceremonies with Councilman Donald Stark placing the crown.
24 January 1955 ~ Petoskey News Review
31 January 1955 ~ Petoskey News Review
31 January 1955 ~ Petoskey News Review
14 December 1955 ~ Petoskey News Review
30 January 1956 ~ Petoskey News Review
Greenwood Photo Archive (Undated)
10 February 1956 ~ Petoskey News Review
This Gorgeous Photo above with text was posted in the 10 February 1956 Petoskey News Review with the following description: “Winter Beauty covered the city yesterday morning with heavy frost covering trees, turning them into white majestic statues with a background of deep blue skies. The above photo was taken from the East Mitchell-road, looking west across the East Side Winter Sports Park where the Kiwanis Klondike Derby will be held Sunday afternoon and the Winter Wonderland Ice Revue will be held Sunday at 7:30 PM, ending the 28th annual Petoskey Winter Carnival." Photographer ~ Fred Lovelace
8 February 1960 ~ Petoksey News Review
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoksey newspapers ( February 1960 ~ Kiwanis Klondike Derby)
1960 Photo Below: Notice the different exterior siding on the warming Winter Sports Park buildings.
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoksey newspapers (Christmas Time 1960)
~ 1966 ~
Petoskey Queen Mary Jo Pray
Petoskey Queen Mary Jo Pray
29 January 1966 ~ Petoskey News Review
5 February 1966 ~ Petoskey News Review
3 February 1966 ~ Petoskey News Review
February 1966 ~ Petoskey News Review
~ 1967 ~
25 January 1967 ~ Petoskey News Review
Little Traverse Historical Museum Photo Archive (1967)
6 February 1967 ~ Petoskey News Review Headline
In 1967 Petoskey's Winter Sports Club hosted former queens at the Holiday House for a reunion. Some came quite a distance to attend. Billie Trimble Miller, queen in 1939, traveled from Kentucky for the 40th celebration of the crowning of a Winter sports Queen. Gordon Guillaume, an official of the club, was one of the two male hosts for the event. Petoskey's Mayor Fletch Johnson, who married Margret McPhee, 1951 queen was the other male attendee. Mrs. Ned Tanner, president of the Winter Sports Club was hostess to the luncheon when 23 of the former queens met for a reunion. Sally Colwell Birnie-Visscher, 1959 queen, was chairman for the event. Judy Gerrie Bryant, and Linda Hale, queens in 1962 and 1964, both from Boyne City, had been Michigan Winter Queens.
Photo Below:
Also, during the 40th Annual Carnival five queen contestants for the title of 40th Michigan Winter Queen vied;
Miss Boyne City ~ Judy Kurtz
Miss Boyne Falls ~ Jean Leazier
Miss Traverse City ~ Mary Louise Paxton (winner)
Miss Cheboygan ~ Lois Denoyer
Miss Petoskey ~ Linda Morgan
Photo Below:
Also, during the 40th Annual Carnival five queen contestants for the title of 40th Michigan Winter Queen vied;
Miss Boyne City ~ Judy Kurtz
Miss Boyne Falls ~ Jean Leazier
Miss Traverse City ~ Mary Louise Paxton (winner)
Miss Cheboygan ~ Lois Denoyer
Miss Petoskey ~ Linda Morgan
6 February 1967 ~ Petoskey News Review
6 February 1967 ~ Petoskey News Review
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6 February 1967 ~ Petoskey News Review
6 February 1967 ~ Petoskey News Review
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6 February 1967 ~ Petoskey News Review
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6 February 1967 ~ Petoskey News Review
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9 January 1975 ~ Petoskey News Review
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Photos Above and Below: The Little Traverse Historical Museum has a great deal of memorabilia
pertaining to the Petoskey Winter Sports Park and its activities.
The same robe in the museum in the 1975 can be seen in the 2019 photo/text below.
pertaining to the Petoskey Winter Sports Park and its activities.
The same robe in the museum in the 1975 can be seen in the 2019 photo/text below.
9 January 1975 ~ Petoskey News Review
Photo Below: The Petoskey Winter Sports Queen robe was turned over to the historical society in 1975 as shown in the article above. The robe was a Hudson Bay robe of white with stripes of colors. It was fashioned by Herman Carlzene, a lady's tailor, during the early years of the festival.
19 August 2019 ~ Display at Little Traverse Historical Museum
13 July 1992 ~ Petoskey News Review
TOP
Bobsledding,Tobogganing, Skiing,
Hockey, Sledding, and Skating
Hockey, Sledding, and Skating
A 1927 article said a toboggan slide existed, but it was not until the end of 1930 that the two track toboggan slide with the wood sides, like in the photo below, actually was being built. An 18 October 1927 clipping stated, “It is planned to build the double toboggan slide on solid earth and some grading will be needed.” That 1927 statement definitely was not to be the wooded sided slide shown in the below photo.
So the two track wood sided toboggan slide existed from very Late 1930 - Early 1931 providing a great deal of fun, and contributed greatly to the economic boost the winter sports park brought to Petoskey. That wood sided two track toboggan slide continued until the January 1940 accident, injuring six young people. Shortly, by 28 October 1940, the Petoskey City Council advertised for the dismantling and removal of the Toboggan Slide with Sam Craig’s bid accepted. Injury lawsuits continued.
In 1947 the Petoskey Winter Sports Club began planning to enhance the Winter Sports Carnival program. By 20 November 1947 Fred Hoffman had completed his contract to build a one lane cement toboggan slide in the same location.
So the two track wood sided toboggan slide existed from very Late 1930 - Early 1931 providing a great deal of fun, and contributed greatly to the economic boost the winter sports park brought to Petoskey. That wood sided two track toboggan slide continued until the January 1940 accident, injuring six young people. Shortly, by 28 October 1940, the Petoskey City Council advertised for the dismantling and removal of the Toboggan Slide with Sam Craig’s bid accepted. Injury lawsuits continued.
In 1947 the Petoskey Winter Sports Club began planning to enhance the Winter Sports Carnival program. By 20 November 1947 Fred Hoffman had completed his contract to build a one lane cement toboggan slide in the same location.
27 November 1945 ~ Petoskey Evening News
1907 ~ Inaugural Toboggan Slide Ride by Will Cartwright
2 January 1907 ~ The Petoskey Record... continued next column...
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2 January 1907 ~ The Petoskey Record... continued from previous column
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1907 ~ The Petoskey Toboggan Club Formally Organized
16 January 1907 ~ The Petoskey Record
1932 Photo Below: The location of the toboggan run is observable on the west side (right side of photo) of the ice skating rink. The hockey rink was not yet built and no parking lot is obvious. The next photo below is a closeup of this first photo... showing the under-structure of the toboggan run. It appears to have gone in an upward angle at the bottom of the run, to lead to a pleasant stop. No rope tow is shown in the photo... most participants in winter sports park activities at that time walked up the hills.
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection ( 14 March 1932)
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection ( 14 March 1932) Close-up of above photo showing structure of toboggan.
4 February 1937 ~ Northern Michigan Review
Little Traverse Historical Society Photo Collection (Undated, but after 1930 when two track wood Toboggan Slide was built)
Toboggan Run
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Tobogganing (Open Hillside)
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Allan McCune Album at Little Traverse Historical Society Photo Collection (Undated)
Toboggan Run ~ Submitted by Geoff Guillaume from the collection of his grandfather Harold Guillaume
Two Photos Below: Photos were taken from the bottom of the toboggan run...
Submitted by Linda (Lewis) Lark for viewing only on this Northern Mich~Mash Preserve website...
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Submitted by Linda (Lewis) Lark for viewing only on this Northern Mich~Mash Preserve website...
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Postcard Below: The photo was taken from the top of the toboggan run...
4 February 1932 ~ Petoskey Evening News
"The longest toboggan run in the north at one time, ran a quarter of a mile in the park... until a tragic accident injured a number of people (Read Below Article). The city used to ice the wooden troughs for speed. No tow helped riders back up the hill." printed under a Petoskey News Review photo.
1940
9 January 1940 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
2 April 1940 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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7 August 1940 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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17 May 1941 ~ Petoskey Evening News
7 October 1941 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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2 December 1941 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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4 December 1941 ~ Northern Michigan Review
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29 January 1945 ~ Petoskey High School "The Hi-Light" newspaper
Advertisment Below: Only a couple of days after the tragic Tobogganing accident,
Toboggans still were being promoted!
Toboggans still were being promoted!
12 January 1940 ~ Petoskey Evening News
Advertisement Below Left: City Council wanted bids for dismantling and removal of the Toboggan Slide in the Winter Sports Park; The material to be the property of the successful bidder. Work to be completed by 1 December 1940. Notice Below Right: Sam Craig won the bid to dismantle the Toboggan Slide. During the same meeting Winter Sports Club president George Porter asked for co-operation in improvements at the ski hill at the Fetting Farm (still no ski hill at the Sports Park). City Manager P.T. Mitchell was aske to make estimates of exactly what was desired at the ski grounds.
28 October 1940 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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5 November 1940 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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Article Below Left: The Petoskey City Council, after a lengthy discussion, instructed City Manager P.T. Mitchell to re-open the toboggan slide which had been closed for a week following the mishap in which youngsters were hurt. He said, “The slide has been completely repaired and checked from one end to the other. The timber is in good condition and has held up well.” Councilman Schmott, Jr. urged opening the slide, saying, “There are always going to be some accidents on a thing like a toboggan slide. I feel it should be opened, but that the attendants should stop traffic on it immediately if any evidence of bulking or sagging develops.” Councilman Edwin Pailthorp objected to opening of the slide declaring the danger of splinters from the board. Others dismissed the splinter danger declaring ice covers the boards when the slide is in operation. Mr. Mitchell instructed a system of light signals between the foot of the slide and top so traffic could be halted immediately.
Bobsledding discussion raised objections of using streets and a need to investigate the possibility of building a slide for bobs from the top of Rose Street hill toward the east into Winter Sports Park.
Frederick Curtis, head of the ski division the park, asked action on a shelter house at Fettig Hills, the club’s ski grounds. Council decided against building a house that year.
The council voted against free ski tow on Saturday afternoons.
Bobsledding discussion raised objections of using streets and a need to investigate the possibility of building a slide for bobs from the top of Rose Street hill toward the east into Winter Sports Park.
Frederick Curtis, head of the ski division the park, asked action on a shelter house at Fettig Hills, the club’s ski grounds. Council decided against building a house that year.
The council voted against free ski tow on Saturday afternoons.
16 January 1940 ~ Petoskey Evening News
1945
The 1945 Newspaper editorial below encouraged ski runs with power-driven tows must be installed; Perhaps find a new site with more runs built and a larger jump installed. A toboggan slide would be a necessity. The Petoskey Winter Sports Club should be revised.
4 September 1945 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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1945 Article Below: Dr. R.E. Todd was to head the Winter Sports committee with tentative plans for a skating rink, ski jumps and runs, toboggan slides and jumper runways. Buildings recently had been put into repair by the city.
4 October 1945 ~ Northern Michigan Review
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1946
Another Toboggan Mishap
Another Toboggan Mishap
31 January 1946 ~ The Emmet County Graphic
1947
New Toboggan Slide for Winter Sports Park
New Toboggan Slide for Winter Sports Park
Article Below: The new toboggan slide would be located in approximately the same location of the previous one, running along the bridge fo the hill and through the pine trees in the north section of the park. Work on the 1,000 foot toboggan slide would start as soon as the materials could be obtained. The concrete construction was a departure from the standard practices. After investigation it was believed concrete would provide a cheaper, but longer lasting slide. Also, a new ski run with a ski tow would be in a new extension of the park, running from near Bay View Avenue southwest into the park over a series of slopes. The tow would be erected along a fenceline at the north edge of the park. Councilman Ernest Priebe donated a gasolie motor for the ski tow.
9 October 1947 ~ Northern Michigan Review
30 October 1947 ~ Northern Michigan Review
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13 November 1947 ~ Northern Michigan Review
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1947
New Toboggan Slide had two test runs...
Slide builder Fred Hoffman drove down the slide.
Four citizens took the first rides down on two different toboggans... and all survived.
New Toboggan Slide had two test runs...
Slide builder Fred Hoffman drove down the slide.
Four citizens took the first rides down on two different toboggans... and all survived.
20 November 1947 ~ Northern Michigan Review
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20 November 1947 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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31 December 1970 ~ Petoskey News Review
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey newspapers (1 January 1971)
~ Hockey ~
1929 ~ Petoskey's Hockey Team
2 February 1930 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
2 February 1930 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
Four Photos Below:
Other Activities held at Park...
Klondike Derby Held at Petoskey Winter Sports Park
Other Activities held at Park...
Klondike Derby Held at Petoskey Winter Sports Park
26 February 1953 ~ Northern Michigan Review
26 February 1953 ~ Northern Michigan Review
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Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from 26 February 1953 ~ Northern Michigan Review
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from 26 February 1953 ~ Northern Michigan Review
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~ Skiing and Ski Jumping ~
9 February 1931 ~ Petoskey Evening News
Photo Below: The long range of hill has Bay View area located north on the other side. The close hill with the trees was lowered when the by-pass was put in during 1963. The sand from this dune hill was moved to use for fill for the by-pass (Sunset Boulevard) and shaped into the ski hill that exists today. That was the exchange deal that the State of Michigan made with the City of Petoskey. In the photo below no ski hill existed yet on this side of the park's hill.
From a photo album belonging to the Geoff Guillaume Family
Photo Below: By 1951 a new ski tow rope was being checked.
1 February 1951 ~ Northern Michigan Review
14 DEcember 1950 ~ Northern Michigan Review
Below: This ski hill was the one on the back side of the Winter Sports Park...
accessed off Beaubine Avenue.
This ski hill stayed in existence until a new ski area was created,
after 1962-63 when the front side of the hill was excavated
for the soil to be used for the Sunset Boulevard [By-Pass] in Downtown Petoskey.
Click HERE to view the photos of the massive movement of sand from the hills in 1962.
accessed off Beaubine Avenue.
This ski hill stayed in existence until a new ski area was created,
after 1962-63 when the front side of the hill was excavated
for the soil to be used for the Sunset Boulevard [By-Pass] in Downtown Petoskey.
Click HERE to view the photos of the massive movement of sand from the hills in 1962.
Photo Below for a 1963 Petoskey News Review article was to point out the 13 acres where the new Lockwood-McDonald Hospital was to be built. The red arrow, however clearly points to the ski hill on the back side of the Winter Sports Park. The blue star rests above the club house at the ice rink of the Winter Sports Park. The green arrow points at Beaubine Avenue leading from US 31 back to the ski hill.
Greenwood Photo Archives (1963)
"Ski-Away Hill" called the old "Suicide"
Preparation of Ski Area accessed from Beaubien Avenue
on the back side of today's 2025 Winter Sports Park.
Preparation of Ski Area accessed from Beaubien Avenue
on the back side of today's 2025 Winter Sports Park.
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey newspapers (December 1952)
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey newspapers (December 1952)
18 February 1952 _ Northern Michigan Review
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30 December 1952 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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Postcard Below was labeled on back: "Ski jump-starts top of hill marked "X"
This ski-jump had been located on the back hill of the Winter Sports Park, accessed from Beaubien Avenue.
This ski-jump had been located on the back hill of the Winter Sports Park, accessed from Beaubien Avenue.
Little Traverse Historical Museum Postcard Archive (Undated)
Ski Jumping
15 January 1953 ~ Northern Michigan Review
Photo Below: Fine view of Little Traverse Bay and surrounding area...
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey newspapers (1956)
26 February 1953 ~ Northern Michigan Review
17 January 1954 ~ Petoskey Evening News and Northern Michigan Review
~ 1954 New Petoskey Ski Area OPENED ~
Text Above:
"Marcia Blum is starting up the ski tow as Geoff Guillaume and Johnny Smith watch..."
Text Above:
"Marcia Blum is starting up the ski tow as Geoff Guillaume and Johnny Smith watch..."
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey Evening News and Northern Michigan Review (17 January 1954)
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey Evening News and Northern Michigan Review (17 January 1954)
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey Evening News and Northern Michigan Review (17 January 1954)
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey Evening News and Northern Michigan Review (17 January 1954)
1955
Early Year (January)
Beaubien Avenue Access to Winter Sports Park New Ski Area
Early Year (January)
Beaubien Avenue Access to Winter Sports Park New Ski Area
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey News Review (17 January 1955)
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey News Review (17 January 1955)
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Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey News Review (17 January 1955)
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Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey News Review (17 January 1955)
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Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey News Review (17 January 1955)
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Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey News Review (17 January 1955)
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Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey News Review (17 January 1955)
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1955
Later Year (December)
Beaubien Avenue Access to Winter Sports Park New Ski Area
Later Year (December)
Beaubien Avenue Access to Winter Sports Park New Ski Area
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey News Review (14 December 1955)
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Article and Photos/Text Below: Petoskey was officially opening their new improved ski tow and hill. The new tow house, donated by the Kiwanis Club was of cement block construction; was moved to the top of the ski hill thereby giving better rope facilites. The slopes also were changed somewhat. All the power was placed at the top rather than at the base of the hill. It was an electrical type of tow with a v-belt pulley drive. A High School Ski Team was being formed under the direction of Will Splan.
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey News Review (17 January 1955)
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Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey News Review (17 January 1955)
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey News Review (17 January 1955)
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey News Review (17 January 1955)
1961 Photo/Text Below: Some 60,000 cubic yards of fill were removed from the Winter Sports Park, about one-third of the needs for the waterfront by-pass. The club house facilites and hockey rink were to the right, but not visible in the photo. No drop will be left when the slope is prepared and recovered. In the bottom photo, the power house for the Ski-Away ski tow was located at the extreme right out of the photo. The new road being used to haul fill will become the city's road, located easterly from the old lower road, coming out by the hoskey rink, with a future parking lot. Click HERE to access additional photos and information about the connection between the Winter Sports Park and the new Sunset Boulevard.
10 February 1961 ~ Petoskey Evening News
Photo/Text Below: The fill for Sunset Boulevard waterfront by-pass came from the steep incline at the Winter Sports Park. The State Highway Department had made arranagements with the city that removal of fill would ot get any closer to the pine stand than shown in the photo where the State promised to create a beginner's ski slope in thepark and re-landscape and recover the area so it would not be left a "dust bowl".
Photo/Text Below: All of the fill hauling for the bypass had been completed. Lower photo showed Winter Sports Park; the rink and club houses to the right of the pine stand and the rink had been widened to make a six-lap track for races. Drawings for the "beginners' ski slope and the contour of the banks" which would be pushed back by bulldozers were part of prepraration drawings. Once plans were settled, the State HIghway Department would come in and mulch, seed and landscape the area.
20 March 1961 ~ Petoskey News Review
29 July 1961 ~ Petoskey News Review
Photo/Text Below with great description of the Areas of the Park in 1962: The ski tow on Ski-Away Hill is visible, as are the runs. In the lower left of the photo is the new parking lot, the hockey rink is next. At the center are the winter sports buildings and to the right of the buildings is the six-lap skating rink. At the top left is the former Ski-Away location and the old "Suicide " where the ski jump used to be located.
30 March 1962 ~ Petoskey News Review
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoksey newspapers (26 March 1962)
Photo Dated as 4 September 1963? from Greenwood Photo Archives...
In the below photo the red line is over the former Ski-Away location, with the jump, located off the back of the Winter Sports Park main hill; accessed from Beaubein Avenue then. Today in 2025, Beaubein Avenue leads back into the Lafayette Apartment complex. The photo below shows Rosedale homes near the bay's shore, Cappel Motors, and vacant land PRE-Lockwood MacDonald Hospital to be built there, which since, that hospital has been razed. In 2025 the Demmer Building is located in the area near the road leading into Bay View.
Little Traverse Historical Society Photo Collection (After Sunset Boulevard Bypass was constructed in 1962-63).
~ Trees Removed to Enlarge Ski Area 1969 ~
(After the By-Pass per Agreement with State of Michigan Department of Transportation)
(After the By-Pass per Agreement with State of Michigan Department of Transportation)
22 November 1969 ~ Petoskey News Review
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey Newspaper (1 January 1971)
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey Newspaper (1 January 1971)
Sledding
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey Newspaper (1 January 1971)
1996
Greenwood Photo Archives (1996)
Skating
Petoskey High School graduate Martin Guleserian and later a student at the Grand Central Art Galleries in New York City created the drawing in the clipping below. The drawing showed skaters on the Petoskey Winter Sports Park with the club house in the background in 1931. Martin Guelserian's father was Dikan Guleserian, an Armenian operator of the Guleserian Bazaar on Lake Street in Petoskey.
13 February 1931 ~ Petoskey Evening News
In 1962-63 the city made arrangements with the State of Michigan to take sand/dirt/soil from the Winter Sports Park hill, and place it on location of the new Sunset Boulevard. To access pictures of that massive project on this same web site on Bypasses & Roads web page, click HERE.
Photo below shows the area of mass movement of sand at The Winter Sports Park which was provided for the later new Sunset Boulevard bypass.
Photo below shows the area of mass movement of sand at The Winter Sports Park which was provided for the later new Sunset Boulevard bypass.
4 February 1932 ~ Petoskey Evening News
4 February 1932 ~ Petoskey Evening News
L>R: ?, Guillaume, ? Deshimeir, ?.... Little Traverse Historical Society Photo Collection (Undated)
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Harold Guillaume Jr. was invited to tour with Sonja Henie, a three-time Olympic Champion ~ Submitted by Geoff Guillaume from the collection of his grandfather Harold Guillaume
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Photo Below: Mae Steele instructed figure skating to
Karen Schaller, Shelia Corgan, Charles Hooker, Matha Allgire, June Leow.
Karen Schaller, Shelia Corgan, Charles Hooker, Matha Allgire, June Leow.
3 February 1949 ~ Northern MIchigan Review
Photo Below: Karen Schaller
Greenwood Photo Collection Archive (1953)
Photo Below: The Winter Wonderland sign behind the skaters was created by Ray Lewis. Ray also painted on the ice before the carnivals and then the city would flood several layers of ice over the painting; one design was of hearts for a Valentine theme, and one was an Indian logo.
Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland
9 February 1955 ~ Petoskey News Review
9 February 1957 ~ Petoskey News Review
Photo Below: Mabel Johansen posing on ice skates in Petoskey 1936
Little Traverse Historical Museum Photo Archive (1936)
Below: Petoskey's Bozo, the skating mule, to perform in Muskegon
1936
1936
8 February 1936 ~ Petoskey Evening News
21 February 1936 ~ Petoskey Evening News
24 February 1936 ~ Petoskey Evening News
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Photo Below: Clifford Crick,
along with John Deschermeir became Bozo, the Skating Mule. 
18 February 1937 ~ Northern Michigan Review
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The skating mule also was played at one time by John Deschermeier and Clifford Crick.
This 1935 photo below showed John Van Zon as ringmaster, and Mable Johansen as skater.
This 1935 photo below showed John Van Zon as ringmaster, and Mable Johansen as skater.
Little Traverse Historical Museum Photo Archive (Undated)
6 February 1937 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
Photo Below: Bozo, the Skating Mule at the Petoskey Winter Sports Park
From a photo album belonging to the Geoff Guillaume Family
About 1939 ~ Wayne Reber was a part of the mule
This article below was from 1945, but telling of PAST Ice Carnivals; and notes that in the photo the rider was Mrs. Dave Young, although other riders may have been involved too. The ringmaster is John VanZon, and again Clifford Crick and John Deschermier were credited with being “bow and stern” of Bozo.
28 November 1945 ~ The Petoskey Evening News
1 February 1951 ~ Northern Michigan Review
~ Bozo the Skating Mule Visited the Petoskey Figure Skating Club ~
1960
1960
18 March 1960 ~ Petoskey News Review
18 March 1960 ~ Petoskey News Review
Little Traverse Historical Museum display of Bozo the Skating Mule actual costume...
31 December 1958 ~ Petoskey News Review
1963
Mrs. Floy Graham donated 300,000 out-of-print local postcards to the Petoskey Speed Skating Club
to sell them to help raise funds for the skating meets for the winter.
Mrs. Floy Graham donated 300,000 out-of-print local postcards to the Petoskey Speed Skating Club
to sell them to help raise funds for the skating meets for the winter.
6 August 1963 ~ Petoskey News Review
~ Michigan Winter Queens Through 1962 ~
Undated ~ Petoskey News Review
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Petoskey's FIRST Winter Queen
1928
12 February 1930 ~ Petoskey Evening News
Article Left lists Mable White as 1932 queen
rather than 1933 as noted below. 
28 January 1935 ~ Petoskey Evening News... showing 1933 Winter Queen
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Little Traverse Historical Society Photo Collection ~ 1967
~ 1952 QUEEN Barbara Grisso Ernst passed away 9 June 2022 ~
11 June 2022 ~ Petoskey News Review
~ Rink Made Ready For Racing 1962 ~
18 January 1962 ~ Petoskey News Review
~ Skating 1971 ~
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey Newspaper (1 January 1971)
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey Newspaper (1 January 1971)
~ Sewer Interceptor to run through Winter Sports Park 1954 ~
21 October 1954 ~ Petoskey Evening News & Northern Michigan Review
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey Newspaper (27 October 1954)
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Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey Newspaper (Undated)
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Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey Newspaper (Undated)
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~ Erosion for Winter Sports Park Began by Petoskey High School and Ended at the Bay 1980 ~
7 October 1980 ~ Petoskey News Review
~ Bump Jumpers ~
15 February 1936 ~ Petoskey Evening News
11 February 1937 ~ Northern Michigan Review
The Sheatsley Saw Mill was located in Clarion, Michigan. Kenny Starr's mother Goldie was the daughter of Johann "John" Frederick Sheatsley who owned the mill. Kenny told the story that "John's sons never had anything to do with the Planing and Saw Mill. By the time Johann was older he would move around and stay with his daughters and was with his daughter Dora Birk in Indiana when he died. He did not have either arm as he had lost one of his arms when he was working in his saw mill. He was walking between machines and his arm became caught in a belt of a wheel and became mangled. It then became gangrenous and had to be removed. The other hand he lost parts of the fingers from a saw. He loved working with wood, and when he lived with his daughter Daisy in Petoskey on the corner of Howard and Pearl Streets, he had a work shop set up in the garage. With just a stub, and a hand with missing fingers, he used to build bump jumpers [the type of sled common to the Petoskey area] for Kenny and his brother Miles Starr."
~ Petoskey Scooters 1938 ~
...made by Michigan Maple Block Company
...made by Michigan Maple Block Company
Article Below: Always civic minded, Petoskey's Michigan Maple Block Company presented 12 brand new one-runner jumpers to the Petoskey Winter Sports Club. The jumpers called "Petoskey Scooters" were being added to products manufactured by the company... one of which was sent to the huge Herpolsheimer's department store in Grand Rapids for display. This product description sounds very much like the one-runner "Bump Jumpers" still used at the Petoskey Winter Sports Park.
20 January 1938 ~ Northern Michigan Review
Little Traverse Historical Museum Photo Archive (Undated)
1943 Photo/Text Below:
Gerald Grossman and Walter Carrow were winners in the Sno-Skooter Derby in the Winter Sports Park.
Gerald Grossman and Walter Carrow were winners in the Sno-Skooter Derby in the Winter Sports Park.
18 February 1943 ~ Northern Michigan Review
1952
Chevrolet's January 1952 issue of "Friends" distributed by local Cappel Motors had a full page of photos of Petoskey's famous "bump jumpers".
Chevrolet's January 1952 issue of "Friends" distributed by local Cappel Motors had a full page of photos of Petoskey's famous "bump jumpers".
18 December 1952 ~ Northern Michigan Review
~Meyer Hardware Advertisement for Petoskey's Famous Bump Jumper 1966~
9 February 1966 ~ Petoskey News Review
~ Bump Jumping became an International Event at the carnival ~
9 January 1975 ~ Petoskey News Review
~Petoskey Bump Jumpers to Governor G. Mennen William's 3 children 1949~
3 February 1949 ~ Northern Michigan Review
~ Contemplation of Bumpjumper Originator 1988 ~
1 February 1988 ~ Petoskey News Review article continued below...
1 February 1988 ~ Petoskey News Review article continued from above...
24 January 1992 ~ Petoskey News Review
~ Petoskey's Ed Tibble's "good bumpjumper form" during competition ~
2009
2009
19 February 2009 ~ Petoskey News Review
Bumpjumping Still Popular ~ 2010
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey newspapers (13 February 2010)
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey newspapers (13 February 2010)
Click HERE to access aditional information presented by Richard A. Wiles titled "Bump Jumping" History
as posted on the Greenwood History Archive website.
as posted on the Greenwood History Archive website.
1976
Winter Sports Park Facelift!
(East Mitchell Road heading out into the country on right side of photo)
Winter Sports Park Facelift!
(East Mitchell Road heading out into the country on right side of photo)
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey Newspaper (1976)
24 January 1992 ~ Petoskey News Review
~ Clearing Site for NEW Winter Sports Park Facility 1992 ~
9 June 1992 ~ Petoskey News Review
24 August 1992 ~ Petoskey News Review
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey Newspaper (24 August 1992)
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Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey Newspaper (24 August 1992)
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Ralph Annis passed away 19 September 2010. Ralph worked for the city for more than 20 years;
plowing and making ice at the Winter Sport Park and the West Side Rink.
Ralph also worked at Magnus Park.
plowing and making ice at the Winter Sport Park and the West Side Rink.
Ralph also worked at Magnus Park.
28 March 2023 Petoskey News Review Article: The City of Petoskey will accept an (EGLE) Environment, Great Lakes and Energy $20,000 (no match) grant award. The award will go toward the city’s Winter Sports Park window and door project. The city already has $200,000 earmarked in the 2023 budget for improvements to the park.
~ Winter Sports Park Pavilion 2023 ~
A group of individuals interested in recreational opportunities is supporting fundraising for this proposed Petoskey Winter Sports Park Pavilion below. The All-Seasons Pavilion will include resurfacing the rink; with other amenities including basketball hoops, lacrosse/soccer goals, multi-use courts, community events, private rentals and more.
Courtesy Photo
The Winter Sports Park Pavlion Project still was being discussed at the 16 December 2024 Petoskey City Council meeting where the Funding Sources and the Probable Cost of the project were presented as shown below. The projected Probable Costs outweighed the Funding Sources.
In Petoskey City Council’s considering of the shortfall for the pavilion, one alternative is the exploration of potential parks and recreation millage. At the 16 December 2024 meeting the council approved hiring a consultant to kickstart a millage campaign. The needs of neighborhood parks in the city were being pushed into the forefront. City staff hoped they could have the millage measure on the November 2025 ballot, but that is subject to change. So, the public needs to be aware that a probable tax will be added to their already extreme taxes within the city; and even if for only 10 years, once passed, probably will never go away in the future… no tax relief. [Millage Tax did not happen in 2025.]
Article Below: Petoskey Winter Sports Park Activities and Amenities Available
Winter Season 2024 >2025
Winter Season 2024 >2025
26 February 2025 ~ Harbor Light
Below:
The Master Plan proposal for the Petoskey Winter Sports Park, along with a survey, may be accessed by clicking HERE.
The Master Plan proposal for the Petoskey Winter Sports Park, along with a survey, may be accessed by clicking HERE.
Click HERE to access the 25 August 2025 Petoskey News Review Article asking:
"What do you want to see at the Winter Sports Park? Now's your time to give feedback.
"What do you want to see at the Winter Sports Park? Now's your time to give feedback.
Photo Below: On the right is the present hockey rink location where
the Petoskey City Council is contemplating placing a pavilion.
the Petoskey City Council is contemplating placing a pavilion.
25 November 2025
At the 19 January 2026 Petoskey City Council meeting neither motion for moving forward with the contract to complete the Pavilion Project, nor the resolution for authorizing the proposed refrigeration system were supported. Both Motions Failed.
Remember the Winter Sports Park When...
*The ski hill was located on the back side of today's ski hill, so off Beaubien Avenue?
*The sled run used to be where the ski hill is located now?
*The sledding hill was so very steep that sledders could run right into the warming sheds at the bottom?
*The sand from the steep sledding hill mentioned above was moved
to the location during the building of the new by-pass which was completed in about 1961?
*The ski hill was located on the back side of today's ski hill, so off Beaubien Avenue?
*The sled run used to be where the ski hill is located now?
*The sledding hill was so very steep that sledders could run right into the warming sheds at the bottom?
*The sand from the steep sledding hill mentioned above was moved
to the location during the building of the new by-pass which was completed in about 1961?
Video may be accessed of:
Petoskey Winter Carnival Program 1930s and 1940s
Petoskey Winter Carnival Program 1930s and 1940s
