Monthly Archives: December 2019

The Lights at the Waterworks

Posted on by Posted in Iconic Buildings, Winter Wonderland .

Every holiday season the Waterworks building in Saginaw is decorated with lights. It is a magical display enjoyed by many people as they pass by the iconic building on Ezra-Rust Drive. Most people are unaware of the significance of the red white and blue lights decorating the pine tree on the corner.

In 1979, during the Iran Hostage Crisis at the Embassy in Tehran,  plant supervisor Wally Rogalski had the tree decorated as a patriot gesture in honor of the hostages. The tree has been decorated with the American colors ever since then. The hostage crisis occurred a long time ago, but I think it’s also a good reminder to remember all the men and women who serve in the military at home and abroad, and the sacrifices they make for us, especially during the holidays.

If you read my post yesterday you probably know I live in Saginaw. If you are near Saginaw I hope you will come out and see me. I will be at the Arthur Hill holiday bazaar on Saturday, December 7th from 9-3. I will also be at the Antique Warehouse on Tittibiwasse on Thursday night from 6-8 signing books at their open house.

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The Question I Am Asked

Posted on by Posted in Uncategorized .

Several people have sent messages asking to learn more about me. I figured that I should do a post to let you know who I am. My name is Mike Sonnenberg, I grew up in Saginaw and still live there today. I did automotive tooling design for about 20 years, but the automotive industry in Saginaw is not what it used to be. After losing my job when the housing bubble burst, I had time to explore Saginaw with my camera. I started with www.puresaginaw.com posting photos and sharing stories from around Saginaw. As I traveled Michigan I starting sharing my photos at www.lostinmichigan.net. I eventually went back to work, but continued doing my websites. I get busy sometimes at work, and so if I disappear for a little bit on the internet that is probably why.


I have always enjoyed traveling Michigan and love to visit popular places like Petoskey, Traverse City, and Mackinaw City.  I began looking for new and different places to see and visit. I started exploring the back roads and small forgotten towns around Michigan. The more obscure and remote the better. I do my best to travel to all parts of the state, from the thumb to the southwest corner and all the way to the tip of the Keweenaw. Most everywhere in Michigan has an interesting story and I have been slowly finding and sharing them. 

As far as the website and everything is concerned, It’s just me. I take all the photos and write posts, along with maintaining the website and handling online sales. Some people think I have a staff or larger organization helping me, but that is not the case. I love what I do and enjoy finding something most people have forgotten about or never knew altogether. My posts can be a little scattered and incomplete. They are basically my notes from my trips and over time I learn more to create a story for my books. A few years ago I would have never imagined considering myself an author. It has been a lot of work, but also a lot of fun to write and publish the Lost In Michigan books. I still have more stories to tell and places to see. At one time I was worried about running out of new places to visit, but the more travel and research, the more I discover I have a lot to do.

Whether you have just started this journey with me or have been following me for a long time thank you very much. I may not have time to respond to all the comments but I do read and enjoy them.

P.S. I want to give a big THANK YOU to all of you out there that purchased a book, calendar or t-shirt from me over the years. It really helps me with expenses to do this website.

P.P.S. I am usually behind the camera but if you really want to see a photo of me you can by clicking HERE

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Niles Station

Posted on by Posted in Train Depots .

I have visited a lot of train stations around Michigan and I have to admit the depot in Niles is one of my favorites. The station building was constructed by the Michigan Central in 1892 to a design by architects Spier and Rohns. Niles station was used as a filming location for Continental Divide, Midnight Run, and Only the Lonely, the latter of which spawned an annual tradition of adding Christmas lights and decorations around the station. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places

Now I need to get back to the southwest corner of the state so I can see the station lit up in Christmas lights.

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The Ghost Town of Damon

Posted on by Posted in General Store, Ghost towns .

Not much remains of the town of Damon but an old general store and a few houses. In the late 1800’s it was a booming lumbering town with a hotel and school for the children o the lumberjacks. The town was the inspiration for the town in James Oliver Curwood’s book Green Timber. Located about 10 miles north of West Branch The town was first settled in 1878 and named for George Damon owner of the firm Cutting & Damon. It was given a post office in 1880 then closed in 1907. The post office was briefly reopened in 1911 but closed two years later in 1915. I only assume most of the timber was gone and there was little work for the residents and they moved on.

P.S. I still have yet to read Green Timber. I have a few other James Oliver Curwood books but I have not found a copy of Green Timber yet. I am sure I could get one from eBay but that is not as much fun as looking for one in a used book store.

Find Interesting locations throughout the Mitten State with a Lost In Michigan book Available on Amazon by clicking HERE

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Union Church

Posted on by Posted in Churches .

This old wooden church and cemetery stand a few miles south of Berrien Center. The historical marker behind it gives a little bit of history and reads:

In 1857 Protestants of different denominations established a church and cemetery on property purchased from Zera and Elize Wright. They dedicated the Greek Revival style Union Church on July 4, 1858. The denominations held services on alternating Sundays until 1915. Throughout the years elaborate Memorial Day celebrations have been held at the church. The Ladies Aid Society has maintained the church since 1891.

Lost In Michigan wall calendars are now IN STOCK and ON SALE. I sold out of them by December last year so now is a good time to get one. you can order them from my website HERE

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