Crystal Lake

“Hello Marcel,

 You are a swell one, too bad you do not come up. Write. I have not heard from you for nearly a month. Bee and I are on a short vacation. Rosco.” August 6, 1917

 Rosco and Bee may have chosen Crystal Lake in Benzie County for many reasons. One reason could be that they appreciated the size of this 9,711 acre Michigan inland lake, which reaches depths of 140 feet. The lake is about nine miles long by three miles wide. They may have driven around the lake or perhaps enjoyed a hike around the lake.  Too bad they missed the recently constructed biking hiking trails.

Perhaps they chose Crystal Lake for their short vacation for the lake’s crystal clear appearance.  You can easily see to depths of 25 feet or so. Most of the shoreline is shallower in depth which is nice for families with small children. Boating takes place further out of shore. The lake is also great for swimming and snorkeling.

Perhaps they chose Crystal Lake because in August the water temperature can be in the mid-70s.  I am quite sure, that they spent a day or two fishing and enjoyed a dinner of freshly caught trout. Too bad Marcel missed that!

While vacationing at Crystal Lake, they may have taken time to enjoy village of Beulah. Many things have changed since 1917, but I am sure there were warm, friendly people there in 1917, just as there are today.  Today, activities like wake boarding, parasailing, water-skiing and jet skiing are popular on Crystal Lake. I am sure Roscoe and Bee would have been quite startled, and probably frightened, to see a jet ski buzz the lake! 

I just wish that on their visit in 1917, Roscoe and Bee could have enjoyed the wonderful restaurants, shops and friendly tourists that fill Beulah today.  And, I wish Marcel could have enjoyed it with them.

Visit the Village of Beulah, and the Crystal Lake Association.

 Enjoy your summer.