Manitou Islands Memorial Society

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Special Event

North Manitou Island Excursion
Saturday, September 9, 2006

Join the Leelanau Historical Society for their 16th annual North Manitou Island Excursion. Since 1991 this annual day trip has provided anyone who desires to participate a unique opportunity to visit the beautiful North Island, and learn about its past by participating in one of the several guided tours offered.

Last year, as a special treat for those arriving early from out of town, LHS arranged a North Manitou Memories Night with well-known author and historian Rita Hadra Rusco. Herself a Manitou Passage treasure, Mrs. Rusco is as charming as she is knowledgeable about North Manitou. Having lived on the island for over 56-years, being intimately involved in its management under the employ of the Association that held title to most of it, there are few questions she's not able to answer. Coming over to the Island with the Saturday group, she escorted a motorized tour, with transportation furnished courtesy of the Park Service.

Those lucky enough to join in the main walking tour trekked some six miles to Dimmick's Point, former location of the North Manitou Island Light at the Islands southeast tip. Points of interest along the way included the schoolhouse ruins, the old south cherry orchard, the ruins of the old Stormer dock, the cemetery and the Bourniques place, a unique and interesting example of "French Creole" architecture. The round trip produced lots of sore feet, tired legs and aching hip joints. That there was no grumbling about the twelve-mile walk is probably the best testament to the richness of the experience. There'll be similar hikes this year, with "Crescent", the one-time bustling community on the island's east side, being one intended destination. Scenes from some of last year's activities are shown below.

Transportation to the island will be provided by Manitou Island Transit. The boat will depart Leland's Fishtown dock at 8:30 AM, returning at 6:00 PM, so you'll enjoy about nine hours on the island. The fee is $45 per person. Reservations are required. Check the weather and dress accordingly. There are no hospitality providers on the island, so bring a picnic lunch and refreshments (such as bottled water for hiking.)

Ready to sign up? Many already have, so this should be a great year to participate in this very special experience! Phone the museum at 231-256-7475 or stop in at 203 Cedar Street in Leland to obtain the obligatory registration and release forms.

The Leelanau Historical Society and Museum is located in Leland and maintains an online presence at www.leelanauhistory.org