Newsletters
Summer 2011
Greetings from MAHS and Heritage Village!
We hope you have had an opportunity to visit the Village and see our beautiful new picket fence entry, complete with signage and flower gardens. The new additions are in memory of Judy Bennett; long time member, treasurer and friend of MAHS. These additions to our maple-tree-lined drive make the Central Avenue entrance to Heritage Village truly unique.
The Historic Festival (Aug. 6) program and attractions were expanded greatly this year and included an introduction to “WARRIORS’ JOURNEY”, a part of the Emmet County program History Comes to Life, interpreted by representatives of The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians.
Vintage base ball, wagon rides, historic dancing, old time music, clogging, bag piping, children’s games, special presentations by Mary Stewart Adams, Headlands Dark Sky Park interpreter, tours of our historic buildings, and painting by local artists rounded out the day.
 |
| Warriors’ Journey |
 |
|
The Mackinaw Boys - the home team -sported their new uniforms! They defeated the Ludington Mariners 11-6. |
 |
| Spectator and base ballplayers on Mackinac Island in July. |
 |
| Evangelical Church |
Spring 2011
2010 BROUGHT MANY ADDITIONS TO HERITAGE VILLAGE
The past year was one of amazing progress for MAHS and Heritage Village. In late April and early May, a few hardy volunteers built a beautiful yellow pine pavilion, complete with tongue and groove interior ceiling. The 40 x 20 structure has been used for several community events and our Historic Festival.
The Stimpson Homestead footings and foundation have been poured and the top row finished with natural stone. Rough carpentry will begin with the first warm weather. The footings are topped with a row of stone to simulate the original stone foundation.
Our farm site is now graced by a replicated machine shed to house our magnificently restored buckboard and other agricultural antiques. Finishing touches will be applied in the spring.
The Central Avenue entrance now is highlighted by a double picket fence at the beginning of the maple lined road into Heritage Village. Signage will be added in 2011.
Our crowning achievement was the dismantling and moving of the 1890s Evangelical Reformed church located for over 110 years on Red School Road, just West of US 31. The stately structure was divided into five sections, the roof and four walls, which were then transported to Heritage Village and reassembled on a newly constructed foundation and floor system. WHAT A SIGHT!.
 |
| Stimpson Footing |
MULTIPLE PROJECTS FOR 2011
In addition to the extensive efforts that will be required for our new projects, the 1900 Soo Locks sawmill, in the final stages of reassembly, has been temporarily powered and will be cutting timbers this summer! We have purchased a turn-of-the-century two cylinder diesel engine which will be the permanent source of power. This rare find will be moved to the Village and rehabbed over the next two years. Also, our merry band of “chinkers” (between logs masonry), will get back at the task of renovating the exterior of the Christian Dettwiler 1880’s farm house.
BEHIND THE SCENES IMPROVEMENTS
Although still undergoing final editing and tweaking, we have launched, in conjunction with Gaslight Media, a beautifully crafted and improved Web-site at www.mackinawhistory.org . The new format allows you to quickly move from events such as the Historic Festival, Cabin Fever Dinner and monthly speakers to the latest projects and building additions. Also, contact information, educational opportunities, membership and much more are available at a touch of a key! New and updated segments have been added to the OnCell technology we introduced in 2010. This will give you the opportunity to move about the Village at your own pace and enjoy exciting interpretations of our buildings, nature trail, gardens and much more.
EVER POPULAR “CABIN FEVER DINNER”
For those who yearned to get out of the cabin after hunkering down in the cold so long, MAHS held its annual Cabinet
Fever Dinner on March 13 at St. Anthony’s Parish Hall, featuring a delicious stew and all the go-withs. The event,
attended by a record crowd of over 120, featured a thorough update of Heritage Village, some much deserved
recognition, and a few awards.
NEW DAYS AND HOURS FOR THE 2011 SEASON
 |
| Kids Plant Trees |
Whether enjoying a self-paced walk, docent interpretations, or a fully led Tour by a costumed guide, opportunities to visit Heritage Village have been expanded. Current planning calls for Heritage Village to be open on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from 1-5pm, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Since we are a work-in-progress, you may also see renovations and maintenance projects in full swing.
Feel free to pitch in at any time! Watch www.mackinawhistory.org for details.
DONATIONS AND VOLUNTEERS ARE OUR LIFELINE
Whether you give $5 or $1000, paint, or swing a hammer, your generosity is translated directly into educational programs for children, building renovations, grounds work and all the other activities that make Heritage Village unique It is a living educational and community jewel for all to enjoy: resident or visitor, young or old.
PLEASE, TAKE A MINUTE TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION OR VOLUNTEER.