Lost In Michigan Volume 5

By Mike Sonnenberg

This is The fifth volume in the Lost In Michigan book series based on the popular website www.LostinMichigan.net. It contains unique and interesting stories throughout the "Mitten State" that are off the beaten path. Tales of tragic accidents, to historic places and inspirational people that showcase Michigan's diverse history. If you have

• Language: English
• Publisher: Huron Photo
• Release date: May 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9781955474016

Book preview

LIM VOL 5 front coverLIM logoetaoin publishing logoHuron-Knockout2 copy

Copyright © 2021 by Mike Sonnenberg

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. 

Although the author and publisher have made every effort to ensure that the information in this book was correct at press time, the author and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause.

Publisher:    Etaoin Publishing

                     Huron Photo

                    Saginaw, MI 

                    www.EtaoinPublishing.com

                    www.HuronPhoto.com

Cover Design: Rick Ratell

                         Cleaverleaf Design Services

                          Midland, MI

Ordering Information:

Books may be ordered from www.LostinMichigan.net

ISBN: 978-1-955474-01-6

Category —Michigan History

Introduction

This is the fifth book in the Lost in Michigan series. I have been exploring the Upper and Lower Peninsulas my entire life but have been blogging about it for the past seven years. I am surprised with all my my travlels that I have still not seen everything the Great Lakes State has to offer.  There are many small towns, parks, and historical places I have yet to visit. I do my best to travel all over Pure Michigan and find the out of the way or forgotten about locations that are not mentioned in most travel brochures. 

The locations in this volume start at the bottom of the state and then work north. Each story is independent of one another. You can read them in any order you wish. I have done my best to give an address that you can use in a GPS to help you find each location. Some places do not  have an address, so I have given a description of where they can be found. Most locations are on public property, but some may be privately owned. Whether they are public or private, they may not be open to visitors, or they may only be open at scheduled times. Most places can be seen from public roads. I don't trespass and I advise anyone against it. Please be respectful to the places you visit. I hope after reading this book you will take an interest in traveling the back roads of Michigan and see what you can find.  

Acknowledgements

Thank you to all the people on the Internet who have taken the time to comment on my posts. I have found a lot of interesting information from people willing to share their knowledge and memories. I also want to thank the people who work or volunteer at the local historical societies. It is these people who maintain  historic buildings and structures along with the artifacts and records of Michigan's past. It is through their hard work that future generations will be able to learn about the Great Lakes State's history. 

Contents

Chapter 1 Southern Lower Peninsula

Michigan's Longest Covered Bridge

The Hack House And The Hoax

Dyer Kiln Ruins

Meridian Baseline

The Old Allegan Jail

Witch's Hat Depot 

Pioneer Log Cabin

The Silliman House

The Trading Stamp Mansion

Knights Templar Locomotive 5030

Elmwood Cemetery

Starkweather Hall

The Retired Lighthouse

Chapter 2 Central Lower Peninsula

John Gurney Park

A Plot To Destroy The Port Huron Tunnel

Ellen May Tower

The Grand Ledge in Fitzgerald Park

Henika Ladies Library

The Judge From Harbor Beach

The Pink Schoolhouse

The Town Of Michigan

Otter Lake Billet

The Blockhouse

Palms Michigan

Indian Dave

Chapter 3 Northern Lower Peninsula

Forgotten Town of Hamlin

Camp Lunden

The Day The World Changed

Deward Ghost Town

Ironton Ferry

The Ruins In Onaway

Manistee Falls

Durant Castle

Standish Train Depot

Old Facefull

Island House In Elk Rapids

Glen Haven

Chapter 4 Upper Peninsula

The Mystery of the Newberry Tablet

Madame La Framboise

Sand Point Boathouse

Fayette Ghost Town

Hanka Homestead

Sugar Island

The S.S. Myron

Sky Pilot William H. Law

Upper Peninsula Asylumn for The Insane

Redridge Steel Dam

 Chapter One Southern Lower Peninsula

chapter 1 lower

Michigan's Longest Covered Bridge

Langley covered bridgeLocation jones

Location: 

21959 Schweitzer Road.

Three Rivers, MI 49093

Michigan has about eight covered bridges that can be driven across with a car or pick-up truck. In the mid 1800s wooden covered bridges were a popular form of bridge construction. The roof and side walls help to protect the support structures and roadway decking from the harsh Michigan weather. An uncovered wooden bridge had an operational lifespan of about twenty to thirty years. There are a few covered bridges in the Great Lakes State that have been standing for over a century.

The Langley Covered Bridge is the