Preserving Island Business History: Arnold Transit Company Posted August 25, 2017 George T. Arnold For 138 years, the Arnold Transit Line ferried passengers to and from Mackinac Island. The company started out as the Mackinac Lumber Company. Founded by George T. Arnold and two business partners in 1878, it later became the Arnold and Coats Ferry Line. In 1890, Arnold bought out his competitors and incorporated the company. Thus, the Arnold Transit Line was born! Its fleet was a common sight near Mackinac Island into November 2016 when its assets were sold to Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry. (more…)
Historic Solar Events at the Straits: The Parhelion of 1671 Posted August 21, 2017 The solar eclipse which will take place on August 21 will be the first total eclipse of the sun visible across the entire United States in nearly 100 years. The path of the totality of the eclipse (the area where the moon will perfectly align with the sun, momentarily but completely blocking the view of the sun from the ground) will pass south of the Straits of Mackinac, but viewers in northern Michigan will still be able to see the moon block about 75% of the sun. (more…)
History of the Fort Mackinac Tea Room Posted August 14, 2017 Patrons enjoying lunch with a view, ca. 1965. Note the colonial-style uniforms worn by the waitresses. The Tea Room has been a memorable part of a visit to Fort Mackinac for decades. Located in the historic 1780 Officers’ Stone Quarters it provides a place of refreshment in a quaint atmosphere with the added bonus of the best view of any restaurant on the island. (more…)
WPA and Mackinac Posted July 21, 2017 The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was a New Deal work program established in 1935 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It provided skill-based jobs to unemployed Americans affected by the Great Depression. Through the WPA over 650,000 miles of roads, 75,000 bridges, and 8,000 parks were built. (more…)
Archaeology Update Posted July 14, 2017 MSHP staff member Alex excavating in the root cellar. We have reached the halfway point of the 2017 Michilimackinac archaeology field season. We have known since the project began that this was a fur trader’s house, and the numerous trade artifacts recovered this summer confirm that. We have found over a dozen gunflints, four trade gun caliber musket balls, several fishhooks, fragments from two Jesuit rings and glass beads in many colors and sizes. These have mostly come from the interior of the house. (more…)
The City of Mackinac Island Posted July 7, 2017 Did you ever wonder why your Mackinac Island t-shirt might have “Established 1817” on it? The answer happened 200 years ago today. (more…)
Mr. Michilimackinac: Jim Evans’ 47 Years Posted June 30, 2017 Jim Evans isn’t a stranger to attention. Entering his 47th season as a historical interpreter at Colonial Michilimackinac, Jim is a fan-favorite among visitors and employees alike. However, Jim is known for his soft-spoken, friendly demeanor and isn’t one to boast about his accomplishments. A native of Mackinaw City, Jim has always been fascinated by his hometown’s rich history. (more…)
1815: The Americans Return to Mackinac Island Posted June 23, 2017 On July 18, 1815, Mackinac Island once again became part of the United States after three years of British occupation during the War of 1812. The war brought many changes to the island, including the construction of a second fort on the heights of Mackinac. This weekend, this small post, Fort Holmes, will come to life to tell the story of Mackinac Island during the early years of peace. (more…)
McGulpin Family of the Straits of Mackinac Posted June 13, 2017 If you are walking up Fort Street next to Marquette Park on Mackinac Island, you may notice a small, unassuming house on the left. This is the McGulpin House. While small in stature, it packs a lot of history in its walls. (more…)
A Change of Seasons Posted May 19, 2017 With the coming of spring, MSHP archaeology staff has wrapped up their winter work and are turning their thoughts to the new field season. Site packed for end of the 2016 field season. (more…)