Archives

Month: December 2024

The History of Omena Presbyterian Church

A Story of Resilience and Community Nestled on the eastern side of the Leelanau Peninsula, Omena Presbyterian Church stands as a testament to resilience, faith, and community. Its roots trace back to the mid-1800s when Reverend Peter Dougherty moved his mission from Old Mission to Omena. He established what would become one of the oldest Protestant churches in Michigan. This historic landmark reflects the trials, triumphs, and dedication of its congregation over the decades. The Founding Years In 1839, the Presbyterian Board of Missions sent Reverend Peter Dougherty to Michigan’s Grand Traverse region to establish a mission. He founded the… Read More »


The Toledo War

A Boundary Dispute That Shaped Two States In the early 19th century, a peculiar conflict arose between Ohio and the Michigan Territory. Known as the Toledo War (1835–1836), or the Michigan–Ohio War, this dispute wasn’t a war in the traditional sense but rather a heated political and economic struggle over a sliver of land called the Toledo Strip. The Roots of the Conflict The dispute centered around the 468-square-mile Toledo Strip, which included the mouth of the Maumee River, a vital shipping hub, and fertile farmland to the west. Both Ohio and Michigan saw the area as essential to their… Read More »


The Life and Legacy of Jim Harrison

A Prolific Voice of American Literature Jim Harrison (1937–2016) remains one of the most celebrated figures in American literature, weaving poetic lyricism with gritty, earthbound storytelling. Born in Grayling, Michigan, and passing in Patagonia, Arizona, Harrison’s work encapsulates the human struggle between nature and modernity. Renowned for his novellas, novels, essays, poetry, and screenplays, Harrison’s prolific output—spanning more than 30 books—cements his place alongside literary greats like Ernest Hemingway and William Faulkner. Early Life and Influences Jim Harrison’s formative years in rural Michigan laid the foundation for his deep connection to the natural world. Born to avid readers, his upbringing… Read More »


The Rise and Fall of the Soo Line Passenger Train

From Boom to Farewell: The Story of the Soo Line Railroad On this day in 1887, the Soo Line Railroad, officially the Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Sault Ste. Marie Railroad, reached Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. This milestone marked a transformative moment for the Northwoods, connecting the region to the outside world year-round, even during the frozen grip of winter. Formed in 1884, the Soo Line primarily served as a freight railroad but also brought passenger services to the Northwoods. With its Laker passenger train, the Soo Line offered residents access to Minneapolis-St. Paul and connections to Chicago, making it an… Read More »


When Sugar Island Almost Became the United Nations Headquarters

A Vision for Global Diplomacy on Sugar Island In the aftermath of World War II, as the League of Nations gave way to the newly formed United Nations. At that time discussions began about where this global organization’s headquarters would be located. Among the many proposals, a surprising contender emerged: Sugar Island, located in the St. Marys River between Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and Ontario. Sugar Island’s Bid for the UN Headquarters In the summer and fall of 1945, former Michigan Governor Chase Osborn championed the vision of Sugar Island becoming home to the United Nations. Supported by the twin… Read More »