“Dear Hazel,

 This just does not do the lake justice, for it is very pretty. Had a dandy time there.  Abby” September 24 1908

 How are you and how is “Pincher”? I often think of you and get lonesome to be back in Grand Rapids once more. How is school? I suppose you study hard. Can’t you write me a letter or even a card? I would love to hear from you.”  Love Mabel  January 1917

 There are several Wolf Lakes in Michigan. There is a  Wolf Lake in Lake County, as well as Muskegon County and a smaller Wolf Lake in Kalamazoo County. There is a fish hatchery is located on the Kalamazoo County Wolf Lake.

 But I am not sure which Wolf Lake “The Millen” was located on. Someone I know thought it was down by Jackson County somewhere, but was not sure. If you know let me know.

 While the postcard looks beautiful and inviting, it probably was not as inviting in January when Mabel wrote this. I hope when summer came she got out to the lake and wasn’t quite as lonesome for Grand Rapids.

As you were not out to the lake with us, I will send you a view of the hotel. I suppose you and Loylia are having a good time now. From Aunt Maria” June 22, 1907

 What a wonderful way to spend time in the summer!  Vacationing on a Michigan lake, in a beautiful hotel with a big, white porch.  I can imagine the guests sitting on the porch enjoying the sunrise with a steaming cup of coffee, or sipping ice cold lemonade after a long day in the sun.  And, after dinner, enjoying a spectacular Michigan sunset while getting acquainted with the other hotel guests.  Aunt Maria certainly knew how to enjoy a Michigan summer.

 Clark’s Lake is a spring-fed Michigan Lake in the Irish Hills area near Jackson and Brooklyn in Columbia Township, Jackson County. Clark’s Lake covers 580 acres with reported depths of 50 feet and is home to a Jackson County Park.

 Do not write till you hear from us again. We are not sure we will stay here long. Yours Lizzie” August 1911

 I am not sure why Lizzie decided not to stay at Lake Billings. Maybe she just did not want Hazel to pay an unexpected visit!  Or, maybe she was afraid Hazel would tell her friends about Lake Billings, who would all come to check it out and the peace and quiet would be disturbed.  Well, I don’t think we will ever have the answer to that, but I can tell you where to find Lake Billings.  

 Lake Billings is located on the edge of Manton in Wexford County. The village Manton is often overlooked as one heads north on US 131, but that is part of the beauty of Manton and Billings Lake.   It is quiet and peaceful, away from the busyness and noise of city life. It is a glimpse of small town Michigan and its people.

 Visit Manton

 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.

 I’m not sure what Howard City looked like in 1908 when this postcard was written, but I am sure when visiting Whitefish Lake today, you would notice a big change in boating attire for women!   

 “Dear Carrie,

 Came Thursday Sept 10, was sick in bed not going to school. Make up your mind to come over. Will try to show you a good time. Tell your mother to come over to. Write soon. Leonard”  Sept 19, 1908

 Much like what is often done today, Muskegon offered several financial incentives to entice the rapidly growing business to their city. This, combined with the fact there was no room to expand in their original location, helped the company make the decision in 1904 to move from their Wisconsin location to 59 E. Western Ave. in Muskegon.

 At the turn of the century, Racine Boat company became one of the largest boat and engine manufacturers in the state.   In 1912, Racine Boat Manufacturing Company  merged with several other firms, such as Truscott Boat Manufacturing Co., to form a conglomerate named National Boat & Engine Company.  That firm closed its doors 1915.

 This advertised boat was an 86 foot beauty, whose price was marked down to $2,200.00 for a boat show. They had a smaller, 28 foot model for a modest $1,200.00. A Speedabout for $300.00 was also available, as well as several models of rowboats, canoes and sailboats

The lake is only 8 minutes from the Michigan International Speedway (NASCAR racing) and 5 minutes from Brooklyn Michigan, where you can stock up for all those supplies needed for the weekend.

 Wamplers Lake is one of the largest lakes in the popular Irish Hills area. The sandy lake bottom, with a depth of up to 35 feet, has a gradual drop-off,  perfect for swimmers. Wamplers Lake is a 780 acre all sports lake with a public access and beach. Wamplers Lake connects through a channel to Round Lake and Iron Lake.  Hayes State Park is located along the lakefront of this Michigan lake.

 Fishermen on Wamplers Lake report catches of Bluegill, Crappie, Largemouth Bass and Northern Pike.

 At one time it was bustling with activity; worried mothers checking and double checking to make sure all the kids and pieces of luggage were accounted for, grandparents eagerly waiting for grandchildren, or family members waiting for that first glimpse of a loved one returning from war.

 Today, the building is quiet, used only as a rundown old storage building.

 I wonder if Bill and Ma had any fond memories of this railroad depot.

 “My Dear Bill,

 This is a fine morning, clear but cool. I am washing out the doors and I am glad that about done for this year. The men went and picked apples yesterday afternoon. Liz gave Joe a bag of Russets. Good bye Ma.” 

September 28 1908 

Here is your card for your pretty new album. How are you?

Please tell Mama to write to Aunt Jennie saying what a little girl like you needs or wants for a gift. I can’t think of anything. Lovingly Aunt Jennie.”  sent from Detroit to Belding  on November 25 1908

From Waterland Living wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving.