“Dear Hazel,

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

“Wednesday noon. Just finished lunch and feel better. All are well and having a fine time. Home probably Monday.  Claude”

 Claude and I have something in common. We both feel better after having a good lunch!

 I think the dog on this card is ready for a boat ride. Dogs have a way of doing that. If they want to go for a walk, they stand by the leash until their master gives in. Or, if they want to go for a ride, they stand by the door or the car/truck until they get their way. This dog doesn’t look like he is going anywhere until he gets his trip around the lake.

 Big Whitefish Lake is located in Pierson Township in Western Montcalm County. The size of the lake is 500 plus acres of surface waters with  reported depths up to 54 feet. The lake is located one mile south of Little Whitefish Lake. Sorry to report there is no known public access to this Michigan lake.

Howard City is one of those Michigan cities that seems to have been bypassed since the creation of 131. That’s a shame. It’s small town atmosphere gives it lots of character. 

The postcard dated June 12, 1907 simply states: “Got here ok, papa”  Papa must have reached his destination at the Golden and decided to send a message back home to his loved ones back in Grand Rapids. I guess he knew everyone would be worried about him until they knew he had arrived safely. Some things never change!

Today the Golden is known as Latitudes, a popular local restaurant. Located on the corner of Edgerton and Ensley, it anchors the main street in Howard City. This building is just one collection of charming, vintage turn of the century brick buildings. Howard City is designated as a Michigan Cool City. You may visit Howard City online,  and when you do, make sure you catch the video: Water Tower Demolition Video!

The White Pine Trail passes through Howard City, providing miles and miles of trails for year round enjoyment. One will also find a weekly farmers market, an impressive new Reynolds Township library, and close proximity to several Michigan lakes, rivers and streams.

So, the next time you are traveling on 131 near exit #118, plan to take a few minutes to check out Howard City. And, make sure you send a postcard to your family to let them know you got there ok.

“Hello All,  we read your card it was all right you couldn’t go to Crystal last Sunday for we can next Sunday just as well. We will meet you there some where. Mike is cutting hay and I am going to rake this afternoon and he is going to draw. I have washed and baked bread this forenoon so you see I am working. Mabel and all” - Postmarked July 17, 1912

Sounds like Mabel had a pretty busy day and I’ll bet she made some great homemade bread!

I am curious about the picture on the front of the card. Below the picture it says “Woodbury Grove and Cottages, Crystal Mich.”   But, just what was going on here?  It looks as if everyone in the cars are dressed in their finest attire, but look at the little guy sitting on the right side of the picture. It doesn’t look like he was invited to the party!

I am not sure where Woodbury Grove and Resort is or was. Crystal Michigan is located along the southeastern shore of Crystal Lake in central Montcalm County. Crystal Lake is approximately 760 acres in size and is one of the largest natural lakes in mid-Michigan.

Postcards can be a mystery at times, after all things change after 97 years.

P.S. Let me know if you know anything about Woodbury Grove and Rest.

Coming home the other day, with my eye open for a photo op, I pulled over the car over as I noticed a pair of swans on the edge of the lake. I got my camera out and began snapping a few shots. The swans seemed to be posing for me.

I shot a few more, they were agreeable. Usually the waterfowl just are not interested in letting anybody get close. I felt like they were posing for me. I just shot more and more. It was a delight.

And then it was over. The Tammarack Lake swans turned and glided away to perhaps another appointment. I turned and headed back to my car. What I didn’t realize was, another car had parked and watched the same swans and the photographer. The driver of the car said “I am not sure what I enjoyed more, watching the swans pose for you, or you taking their shots”

It’s fall and there is still time to enjoy a Michigan lake.

Turk Lake covers 151 acres and has reported depths of up to 20 feet.

As I was traveling around Turk Lake a few days ago, my eyes caught sight of this neglected dock and it made me wonder about the people throughout the years that had enjoyed the dock.

I imaged small, freckle faced boys jumping into the water, competing to see who could create the biggest splash. I imaged fathers and grandfathers sitting on the dock teaching the next generation to fish. I imagined mothers calling their kids in for dinner and the children reluctantly leaving the water to eat.

It reminded me that a simple dock could bring so much fun and bring families together. 

Stanton

There is a nice blend of old and new in Stanton.  From the turn off the century buildings on Main Street, to the more modern buildings that house Mc Donald’s, Subway, business offices and car dealerships.

Stanton is considered to be the gateway to Central Northern Michigan. There are several wonderful Michigan lakes within a ten minute drive of town.  Holland Lake, Half Moon Lake, Grass Lake, Derby Lake, Nevins Lake, Dickerson Lake, Crooked Lake, Loon Lake, Clifford Lake, Lake Stanton and Hemmingway Lake, as well as the Flat River all make for a quick escape after a busy day.

There is something for everyone including hiking trails (48 miles) and camping, horseback trails (35 miles) and ski trails, snowmobile trails (50 miles) and ATV trails (19 miles).

Within Newaygo County, the forest offers two developed campgrounds. Nichols Lake and Benton Lake campgrounds are less busy than a private campground or a state campground. These campgrounds are designed for those who really like to rough it, as electric and sewage hookups are not available.

You may chose to use the campsites on one of Michigan’s small lakes within the forest: Brush Lake, Condon Lake, Hungerford Lake, Sawkaw or Shelly lake. These sites are more rustic but generally have drinking water, garbage disposal and restrooms.

As with most attractions, there are fees involved: $3.00 for one day, $5.00 for up to seven days or $20.00 for the season. You can get more information by writing: District Ranger, 650 N Michigan, Baldwin Mi., 49304 or by calling 1-231-745-4631

Many Michigan lakes share their name with another lake in the state. Sand Lake is one of these.

West Michigan’s Sand Lake lies on the northern boundary of Kent County, along the southern Montcalm County line. It is conveniently located just one mile off exit # 110 on US 131.

Sand Lake is a lake of 95 acres of surface water with reported depths of 35 feet and is home to the popular Paradise Cove Travel Trailer Resort. Many park residents are from the greater Grand Rapids area and many friendships have developed over the years. Good swimming and fishing are found on this sand bottom lake.

Sand Lake is on the western edge of village of Sand Lake. The village of Sand Lake is full of great places to pick up summer time supplies. When you drive through the village, be sure to take time to look for the impressive new library located on north side of the main street in Sand lake.

Greenville, originally known as Green’s Village, was founded by a sawmill owner named John Green, who came to the area to seek his fortune in the rise of Michigan’s lumber era.

After the turn of the century, Greenville became known as the refrigerator capital of the world. As it became home to the Ranney Refrigerator Company, Gibson, Frigidaire and Electrolux. After Electrolux moved to Mexico for lower labor costs, the community suffered some economic loss. They responded by very aggressive recruiting and enticing new employers to the area. The rapidly growing United Solar’s Ovonic plant is there, as well as many other prospering businesses. When you visit Greenville, you will find a bustling, all American hometown with an exciting future.

Greenville contains many historical homes and commercial buildings. The city enjoys many pocket parks within its city limits, as well as a farmers market with all it’s summer produce. The Fred Meijer Flat River Trail is a wonderful trail along the Flat River, the river that flows peacefully thru town. Many fisherman have their favorite fishing spots along the Flat River Trail. The trail will soon connect to Michigan’s Heartland Trail.

Greenville is home to the Spectrum Health United Memorial Hospital.

The third weekend in August, Greenville celebrates it’s heritage by hosting the Danish Festival. Eighty thousand guests are expected on this weekend to enjoy ethnic food, parades and fun for the entire family. Find out more at www.danishfestival.org

One of our favorite restaurants in Greenville is known as the Winter Inn. Located on Main Street, the Winter Inn was built in the Victorian era as a hotel. Over the years, the building was neglected and fell into disrepair. A number of years ago, it was lovingly restored to it’s former Victorian splendor as a fully modern hotel on the upper two floors and a wonderful restaurant on the first floor. Several times a year we take a drive to Greenville for a evening of dinning at the Winter Inn.

There is something for everyone to enjoy or to do in Greenville. You should check it out.