December 2024 - Lost In Michigan

Tippy Dam

Posted on December 30, 2024 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in Dam .

When I am out and about traversing the peninsulas, I cant pass up an oppertunity to take a dam photo.

Tippy Dam, originally known as Junction Hydro, is a hydroelectric dam built in 1918 and currently operated by Consumers Energy. It was renamed in honor of Charles W. Tippy, a member of the Consumers’ board of directors. Situated approximately 170 miles west of the Manistee River’s headwaters and 20 miles east of its mouth at Lake Michigan, the dam spans the river near Manistee Lake.

Tippy Dam State Recreation Area, managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, offers excellent fishing opportunities. The area below the dam is renowned for its trout, steelhead, and salmon, particularly during the fall salmon run when anglers flock to the banks to catch king salmon exceeding 20 pounds.

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Shoe Tree

Posted on December 20, 2024 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in Landscapes .

I was traveling the back roads near Whitmore Lake. I cam upon a shoe tree covered in old shoes. It is an odd sight seeing al the footware dangeling from the branches of an old tree next to the road. I am not sure the reason for it but it is attention grabbing.

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Dollar Settlement

Posted on December 17, 2024 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in small towns, upper peninsula .

I previously shared a post about an intriguing railroad car located in Dollar Settlement, near Brimley. Thanks to the kindness of several commenters, I’ve uncovered some fascinating details about its history. Thank you to Steve and Pauline.

Dollar Settlement owes its name to Joseph “Joe” Dollar, a local legend who navigated the waters of Lake Superior, delivering essential mail and supplies to the region’s inhabitants. His modest log cabin stood on the lakeshore, just north of the railroad car’s current resting place.

The railroad car arrived as a hopeful replacement for Louise’s Hamburger Stand, a beloved local eatery. The plan was to transform it into a new dining destination, carrying on the legacy of Louise’s famous, secret hamburger sauce recipe. Unfortunately, this dream was never realized.

Carol Eccleston and her son John, Louise’s granddaughter and grandson, were the driving force behind this ambitious project. However, Carol’s declining health and limited resources hindered their efforts. Despite facing zoning challenges from the local township, which they ultimately overcame, the extensive restoration required for the rail car proved too daunting. Today, the car remains a silent testament to a dream deferred, serving only as a storage space for the family.

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New Abandoned Michigan Book

Posted on December 15, 2024 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in Uncategorized .

I am proud to announce the release of my new book Lost In Michigan’s Abandoned Places has just been released.

It contains stories of places around Michigan that was abanded for thier original purpose. Many of the locations are on public property such as state and local parks and allow people to visit and explore them. Some are private but near the road so they can be viewed by the curious. The book delves into the stories behind over 50 unique locations, offering detailed information on their history, current state, and accessibility.

Whether you’re a history buff, an intrepid explorer, or simply curious about the state’s past, this book will lead you on a journey through time. Discover the haunting beauty of abandoned buildings, the industrial might of former factories, and the quiet solitude of forgotten mining towns.

I hope you will take a look at it on Amazon HERE

P.S. Thank you to all of you that have purchase books over the years. Your kindness and support really mean a lot to me and help me in being able to write new posts about the wonderful state of Michgian.

If you wan to see all the books I have publsihed you can see them on my author page on Amazon HERE

Lost In Hell

Posted on December 13, 2024 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in small towns .

I drove through Hell the other day and it’s not a bad place to visit, at least the small town in Michigan not the one with fire and brimstone. The little town near the Pickney Recreation Area is mostly a tourist destination with an ice cream store, miniture golf, a gift store and saloon.

There are a couple of intriguing theories about how the town acquired its unique name. According to Walter Romig’s Michigan Place Names, the frequent drunken brawls that occurred in the area may have inspired the moniker. However, a more colorful tale suggests that the name originated from the local gristmill owner, George Reeves. It seems Reeves had a habit of paying farmers with homemade whiskey, leading their wives to exclaim, “He’s gone to Hell again!” when inquiring about their husbands’ whereabouts during harvest time. This humorous anecdote eventually led to the town’s official name in 1841 when the post office was established.

The town located about 15 miles northwest of Ann Arbor and its a nice place to visit when its not froze over during the Michigan winter.

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The Hillman Shack

Posted on December 9, 2024 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in Forgotten Places .

I saw this old shack near Hillman between Atlanta and Alpena. I kind of looks like a schoolhouse but I am not sure if everwas. I don’t have a story to go with it I just thought it looked lonely so I stopped and took a pic of it.

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Downtown Winn

Posted on December 4, 2024 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in small towns .

The small town of Winn, located west of Shepherd, traces its roots back to 1867. Its original name remains a subject of debate, with potential origins linked to either Mr. Winn or Wynn England. Wiley Dush, the town’s plotter, renamed it Dushville in 1898. However, following Dush’s passing in the same year, the town’s historical name of Winn was reinstated. This big old building stands in downtown. It looks as if it has seen many customers back in the day but not so much now.

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The Christmas Tree Ship

Posted on December 2, 2024 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in Uncategorized .

Along the Lake Michigan shoreline is a historical marker near the town of Thompson. It marks the spot where the “Christmas Tree Ship” sailed from with a load of pine trees for Chicago. One of the last shipping schooners to sail the Great Lakes was the Rouse Simmons. The three-masted schooner was built in 1868 to carry lumber. At the end of the sailing season, Captain Herman Schuenemann loaded the ship with Christmas trees from the Thompson forests and delivered them to the port of Chicago. Captain Schuenemann was known there as Captain Santa and the Rouse Simmons had a pine tree tied to the top of the mast.

The Rouse Simmons left Thopmson for Chicago on November 22, 1912. The ship sank in a late November snowstorm near Two Rivers Wisconsin. The captain and crew were never seen again. Captain Schuenemann’s wife and daughters delivered trees to Chicago each Christmas until around 1934. Over the years several books have been written about the “Christmas Tree Ship”

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