In 2025, the collections committee accessioned 382 objects into the Mackinac Island State Park Commission collection and archives. In addition to 32 purchases and 57 transfers, 293 items were donated to the collection. The summer collections internship program saw the hiring of Brianna Birkle from Walsh University and Elsa Miller from Grove City College. They assisted Curator of Collections Brian Jaeschke with the inventory of the buildings inside Fort Mackinac and Special Storage at the Heritage Center.
The Grand Army of the Republic was a fraternal organization comprised of Union soldiers and sailors who served in the Civil War. It was founded in 1866 at Decatur, Illinois and dissolved in 1956 with the death of its last veteran. It was one of the most powerful political lobbies in the late 1800s supporting the election of six presidents. Posts were established throughout the United States including the Henry G. Pratt Post 289 on Mackinac Island, Michigan. This mourning badge belonged to Andrew Jackson Chapman who served in Company K 7th Michigan Cavalry and lived on the island until his death in 1929.
For the majority of Mackinac Island’s history, water was the main resource to access the island. As aviation became popular in the 1920s, the idea of an airport on the island was discussed by the state park commission. The airport could serve many functions including the ability to receive mail during the winter and give visitors and residents another way to access the island. The commission did not have funding available, however, during the Great Depression the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) provided local governments funds to develop public facilities. The landing field was a cooperative effort between FERA and the Michigan State Board of Aeronautics. The field was dedicated on July 2, 1934 and this envelope was postmarked and specially stamped on that date.
In 1911, the railroad ferry S.S. Chief Wawatam was completed and began service in the Straits of Mackinac. She was the largest ferry at the straits capable of hauling 26 railroad cars on four tracks. Prior to 1923 when the Michigan State Highway Ferry system was started, automobiles could be taken across the straits on the Chief or the backup ferry Sainte Marie. Initially, the automobile was loaded onto a flat car, drained of gasoline and the owner was charged $40. As more travelers wanted to cross with their vehicles, the Mackinac Transportation Company would put planks down over the rails allowing the cars to drive on and off the ferry. This rare postcard was purchased showing automobiles driving off the ferry at St. Ignace, Michigan.
This is only a small sample of the type of objects Mackinac State Historic Parks collects during any given year. We are always accepting donations and looking for items to purchase which will help the commission continue its mission of educating the public about the history of the region.
Posted February 24, 2026
By Brian Jaeschke, Curator of Collections
