July 2025 - Lost In Michigan

Alanson’s Natural Spring

Posted on July 15, 2025 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in Artesian Springs .

About a mile north of Alanson along US-31 is a natural spring that flows all year long. It has wonderful tasting water and plenty of flow to fill up a jug or water bottle. Please note that it sits on private property and in front of someone’s home. It is open to the public as long as they are respectful of the owners. If you are ever passing through the area and have a vessel to hold this refreshing water, be sure to stop and fill up.

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The Cherry Weigh Station

Nestled close to the Bowers Harbor boat launch on Old Mission Peninsula, there exists a delightful pavilion that feels as if it belongs in a scenic park. This structure, which is over a century old and was constructed in 1920, holds great significance in the history of Traverse City. Initially, it functioned as the Cherry Growers Weigh Station, providing local farmers with a handy spot to weigh their harvested cherries, thus saving them the hassle of traveling into Traverse City.

After it closed its doors in the 1960s, the pavilion was repurposed and became Lorey’s Harbor Station. This market, which was in operation from 1972 until 2017, offered a variety of fresh flowers, fruits, and vegetables to the community.

The history of cherry farming in Traverse City goes back to 1852 when Presbyterian missionary Peter Dougherty planted a multitude of cherry trees in the Old Mission Peninsula. Although there was initial doubt from local residents and Native Americans, Dougherty’s venture turned out to be a success, encouraging others to start their own orchards.

As the cherry industry flourished, Traverse City initiated the “Blessing of the Blossoms” ceremony in 1924 to honor its agricultural achievements. This custom eventually transformed into the famous National Cherry Festival, where the first Cherry Queen, Charlotte Kearns, was crowned in 1926.

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The Big Fish

Posted on July 8, 2025 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in small towns .

Kalkaska, Michigan, is home to the impressive National Trout Memorial, a prominent statue often referred to as “The Big Fish” or the “Fisherman’s Shrine.” This iconic landmark, dedicated in 1966, features a large brook trout, Michigan’s official state fish, measuring approximately 17 to 18 feet in length. The statue is typically set within a fountain, which operates during warmer months and is illuminated at night, creating a striking visual. Its base incorporates wash stones from nearby Torch Lake and Michigan Petoskey stones, further connecting it to the state’s natural beauty. Located across US 131 from downtown Kalkaska, in front of the Kalkaska Historical Museum, the memorial serves as a welcoming sight for travelers heading “Up North” and a proud symbol of the town’s rich fishing heritage.

The National Trout Memorial holds deep significance for Kalkaska, embodying its identity as a premier destination for trout fishing. The town proudly hosts the annual National Trout Festival, an event that celebrates this heritage and draws visitors from far and wide. The statue itself has undergone various iterations and restorations over the years, with the current fiberglass rendition being the third version since the original installation. More than just a roadside attraction, “The Big Fish” is a beloved local icon, a testament to the community’s connection to its natural resources, and a constant reminder of the excellent trout fishing opportunities that abound in the surrounding rivers and streams.

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The Old Church in Deckerville

Posted on July 2, 2025 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in Churches, small towns, Thumb .

This old church stands on a farm along a dirt road near Deckerville. The town owes its name to Charles Decker, who established his lumber business in 1870. His construction of a sawmill and gristmill helped draw people to the area, leading to Deckerville’s incorporation as a village in 1893. Charles’s son, Martin Decker, served as the first postmaster in 1870, and the town eventually became a stop on the Pere Marquette Railroad.

The Thumb area experienced significant forest fires in both 1871 and 1881. While destructive, these fires had an unintended benefit: they cleared vast tracts of land, quickly transforming the region into a highly productive farming area.

Throughout its history, Deckerville has been home to a variety of industries. Beyond its initial lumbering roots, the village has seen fur-trading, woolen mills, flax mills, brick making, and even a sauerkraut factory. At one point, cheese making was also a thriving local industry.

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Mile Marker 199

Posted on July 2, 2025 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in Memorials, people .

As you travel along I-75 near Standish, keep an eye out for Mile Marker 199. Beside it stands a solitary evergreen tree, adorned with various decorations and an American Flag. This isn’t just any tree; it’s a poignant memorial, marking the site of a devastating accident that occurred two decades ago and serving as a powerful reminder of life’s fragility.

The tragedy unfolded on a Father’s Day weekend when 20-year-old Jason Porter, from St. Clair Shores, was heading north with his uncle to meet his father at the family cabin. Their journey was cut short near Mile Marker 199 when a drunk driver, speeding the wrong way down the freeway, collided with their vehicle head-on. Jason was killed instantly, as was the drunk driver. Jason’s uncle remarkably survived, escaping with a broken ankle.

In the immediate aftermath, Jason’s mother, Kathy Porter of Roseville, sought a way to honor her son’s memory at the site of his last moments. She placed a small wooden cross in the grass along the highway, but it was repeatedly removed, first by the local road commission and then by a construction crew during repaving. Heartbroken, Kathy contacted the highway crew, hoping to retrieve her cross, only to learn it had been discarded.

However, a compassionate worker, moved by her story, offered to plant a tree at the spot in Jason’s memory. This act of kindness blossomed into the memorial you see today. The tree has since become a focal point for remembrance, continually decorated with items that honor Jason’s life.

The next time your travels take you past Mile Marker 199, take a moment to acknowledge this decorated evergreen. It stands not only as a testament to a mother’s enduring love but also as a somber reminder of how quickly life can change and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones.

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