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Chief David Shoppenagon was born into the Chippewa Tribe on July 1, 1809. He was born along the Tittabawassee River in the Green Point area near Saginaw. He believed that it was not natural for a Native American to live under a roof and was grown man before he ever had a roof over his head. Shoppenagon said this was why he had such good health. He was married with five children, Tom, Cora, Nancy, Hattie, and Mary. He became affectionately known as Shop to his friends. Middle Age He became a Methodist in middle age.  The Chief experienced the… Read More »

Ever wonder how Fudge became a staple Up North? Atlantic City is known for Saltwater Taffy, Maine for Lobster and New Orleans for Beignets. Many tourist areas have their own specialty that you have to try when you visit and take some home for later. Northern Michigan is known for many things, the views, pasties, the dunes, wine, craft beer, and so much more. There is one common treat found in almost every town up north and that is fudge. You will find many local candy/fudge shops where you can watch the fudge being made, enjoy a sample, and buy… Read More »

We recently visited Seven Bridges Nature Area which is managed by the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. I had heard of Seven Bridges but had never visited and I was excited to walk the trail and see all the bridges. As we started out on the trail, we could see the first bridge and as we approached it you could see what we assume to be the support structure for the original bridge. Two walls made of stones are along the riverbank and look to be helping support the new bridge. We walked down to the river and could see… Read More »

The Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula are operated and maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer. The name came from Father Jacques Marquette, a French Jesuit missionary. With this name Father Marquette was honoring Sainte Marie, a nod to Mary, mother of Jesus. Sainte is the feminine version of Saint. In an older version of French, sault translates to rapids. Father Marquette was naming the town of the geographical feature of the area: the rapids of Saint Mary. They are a set of parallel locks that make ships travelling between Lake Superior and Lower… Read More »