Recently I wrote about one of Allegan’s cool buildings, the M De Wright Block located at the corner of Trowbridge and Locust streets. This proud Victorian building boasts a beautiful corner turrent. The building still enjoys a healthy life as Minnie Sophronas Restaurant.

When I found this postcard in northern Michigan, I wondered exactly where this cool building was located. If it had survived its hundred year history, it had to be on a once prominent corner.

The other day while driving thru Allegan,  I decided to check out this building. It was easily an easily recognizable landmark. It is located at 140 Hubbard Street on the corner of Brady, on the opposite side of town as the M. De Wright building.  Currently housing a dance studio, this red brick gem is showing signs of age, but still retains the majority of its character.

What is sadly missing is its tower. It’s hard to know from the postcard, but it looks as if  it may have had a clock, or perhaps the name of the business on the tower.

What makes me curious is how a jewel like this could lose her tower. Was it a storm? Perhaps neglect? If you know let me know, I would appreciate hearing from you. That would be a good story.

Such is the view along the walk at the Bay Pointe Inn on the southwest side of Gun Lake—a view that epitomizes the fullness, the warmth, and the pleasantness of a Michigan summer. In July, you can treat your eyes to many other vistas that convey a similar feeling: long stretches of sand dunes bellying up to the broad, shining waters of Lake Michigan…far-reaching fields of tall, emerald corn ripening in the dog-days sun…colorful boats patrolling the channels at Holland, Grand Haven, and Muskegon while walkers of every age mingle along the piers…campgrounds filled with tents, voices, the laughter of children, and the smell of burgers cooking over Coleman stoves. Summer in Michigan has a thousand expressions, all with a similar, welcome feeling about them. The Gun Lake panorama is just one.

Here is another view across Gun Lake. This one, however, was taken not only from the opposite shore, but also from the far end of the year, on one of the coldest days of January, 2009.

Remember winter?

Here at the cusp of August, amid the flush of summer greenery, it seems incredible that the snowy season even exists. But when we’re in the midst of winter’s frigid, dark belly, it’s hard to believe it will ever end. That polar contrast is one of the ironies of Michigan—to some, a blessing; to others, a curse. No matter how you look at the seasonal extremes, though, one thing is sure: they provide a drama and interest that only those who live in the snow belt can appreciate.

Michigan now and Michigan then. Michigan in the summer and in the winter, in its festive colors and in its funereal starkness. Remembering one helps us keep the other in perspective. Strange as it may seem, our long slide toward winter has begun. But we have yet many, many bright, warm days ahead of us before the last of the painted leaves drop and the snows begin to fly. Here in the height of summer, images of winter have a beauty that’s much easier to appreciate when we can enjoy it without having to experience all that accompanies it.

Today there is no bitter cold. Today the sun sets around nine o’clock, not five. The single-digit temperatures that attended this last photograph when it was taken aren’t present to chill either you or me to the marrow. That’s one of the pleasures of photography: we get to enjoy the beauty of then with the convenience of now.

Of course, that principle works equally well in reverse. Sometime this winter, you’ll no doubt find a splash of summer color in this blog to remind you that while winter can seem long and cold, it’s not forever. Some of you, the snow-lovers, may wish it was forever. Others will feel glad for the encouraging reminder that the warm months will inevitably arrive once again.

Enjoy your summer, and don’t fret about the winter. Both seasons have their unique beauty. That’s the blessing of the Michigan seasons, both now and then.

Selkirk Lake has 94 acres of surface waters, with reported depths of 39 feet.

There is a public boat launch for the lake on the south side of Selkirk Lake, just off 125^th Ave. Limited parking and vault style toilets can be found at the site.  Map of Selkirk Lake.

Big Lake is 135 acres of surface waters with reported depths of 20 feet.

There is a public boat launch for the lake on the north side of Big Lake, just off 120^th Ave. Limited parking and vault style toilets can be found at the site.

Big lake is a common lake name for lakes in Michigan.  Another Big Lake is located near the town of Evart, in Osceola County.

I find this Big Lake to be very picturesque with the wooded hillsides and less developed natural shoreline. If you are looking to do some early morning fishing, that may be the lake for you. Check out the Big Lake Map .

Such was the case recently when we visited the Thistle Gallery on Main Street in downtown Douglas. First I was greeted by Mary Glinski, the very friendly owner of this four year old establishment.

For some time we have been looking for unique hardware for our kitchen cabinets and I think we may have discovered what we are looking for at the Thistle Gallery. These unique pulls use polished Michigan stones mounted for use as pulls for drawers and kitchen doors. Each stone is unique, natural and very interesting. The pulls are reasonably priced. I purchased one as a sample to see how it would look in our home. Sharp is the word. The natural look of the stone compliments our wood cabinets and would also look great with granite counter top.

My wife informed me there were many other things of interest that I did  not notice. I guess I should listen to my wife more often.

Located at the corner of Trowbridge and Locust Avenue in Allegan Michigan,  this restaurant is housed in an interesting triangular shaped Victorian brick building with a turret. Built in 1903, it still proudly displays the name of “M DeWright Block”. I don’t have a clue what the building was originally, but it definitely was one of prominence and it still is today.

Inside, one will find tall tin ceilings, oak trim and a certain amount of nostalgia on the wall. This family restaurant is worthy of mention. From the friendly service of Yvonne our waitress, to the interesting daily specials, this place is certainly worth a visit.

Bypassing  the specials for the day, I went for the farmer’s omelet and my wife ordered the French toast. Both were served quickly and exceeded our expectations. The place was filled with friendly, chattering people, making for a warm and homey feeling. We left satisfied and happy!

And, another plus, the bill came only to eleven dollars and some change!

We certainly would recommend Minnie Sophronas to our friends.  So, when you are in the Allegan area, be sure to pay them a visit.

Lake Allegan is located in Valley Township, just outside of the city of Allegan in Allegan County. This lake of 1500 acres is actually the backwaters of the Kalamazoo River behind the Allegan Dam.

There are several things that I like about this area, one being that  Allegan County has a lot of wooded acreage to enjoy in the Allegan State Game Area and that some of that land fronts on the lake, providing a natural feel.

Another  thing I really like about the area is amount of wildlife, from deer to wildfowl many creatures make this area their home. For me, it is always an unexpected bonus to catch sight  of one of God’s creatures in it’s natural habitat.

The close proximity of Allegan, which is the county seat of Allegan County, means you are close to all the conveniences for those summertime supplies. Allegan in an interesting town with a number of historic homes. The subject of a future post.