Mike Sonnenberg, Author at Lost In Michigan

River Raisin National Battlefield Park: A Haunting History

Posted on October 14, 2024 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in Haunted Places .

The River Raisin National Battlefield Park in Monroe, Michigan, is not only a significant historical site but also a rumored hotspot for paranormal activity. The bloody battle that took place here during the War of 1812 has left a chilling legacy that some believe continues to linger.

The Battle of Frenchtown occurred on January 20-21, 1813, when American forces were ambushed and defeated by British and Native American troops. The subsequent massacre of American prisoners of war, known as the “River Raisin Massacre,” is a dark chapter in American history.

Paranormal Activity at River Raisin

Many visitors and staff members claim to have experienced strange occurrences at the battlefield park. Some common reports include:

Ghostly apparitions: Soldiers in period uniforms have been spotted wandering the grounds.
Eerie sounds: The sounds of battle cries, gunfire, and moans have been heard, even when the park is deserted.
Cold spots: Areas of the battlefield are said to be unusually cold, as if a draft were blowing through, even on warm days.
Electronic disturbances: Cameras and recording devices have reportedly malfunctioned or captured unexplained images and sounds.

Is the River Raisin Battlefield Truly Haunted?

Whether or not you believe in ghosts, the historical significance and haunting tales surrounding the River Raisin National Battlefield Park make it a fascinating and potentially eerie destination. If you’re brave enough to explore this historic site, you might just encounter something extraordinary.

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The Legend of the Pine

Posted on October 10, 2024 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in Cemetery, upper peninsula .

While passing through Bay Mills in the Upper Peninsula I noticed a sign on the big pine tree in the Native American cemetery. It reads:

“THE LEGEND OF THIS PINE TREE – Among the Indians who moved from Nayohmekong to what is now the Indian mission at Bay Mills was a little girl of fifteen named Eliza (Waishkey) Labranch. (B Jan 4 1847 – D Nov 16 1917) It was Eliza who selected the tree, then only a twig, and planted it at the head of her grandfather Waishkey (Lawbawclic) grave. ( B 1778 – D 1847)

He was born of the Caribou Clan and Chief of the Waishkey Band of Chippewa Indians. The tree, a White Pine, was planted about the year 1848

I never noticed the sign before, but it reminds people that that a big tree has been standing a long time and it connects generations of people.

Note: I did not go into the cemetery and took a pic from the fence along the road.

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The USS Edson

Posted on October 8, 2024 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in Ships and Boats .

Nestled along the serene waters of the Saginaw River in Bay City, Michigan, lies a historic vessel that has witnessed countless naval battles and served with distinction for decades. The USS Edson, a destroyer built in 1956, now rests peacefully in her retirement, a testament to the courage and dedication of the sailors who served aboard her.

After a distinguished career spanning 32 years, the USS Edson was decommissioned in 1988 and donated to the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum. This non-profit organization has lovingly preserved the ship and transformed her into a floating museum, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the life of a naval sailor.

Each year, during the Halloween season, the USS Edson undergoes a dramatic transformation, becoming the chilling attraction known as the Edson Incident. Filled with spooky decorations, eerie sounds, and live actors, the Edson Incident provides a thrilling and unforgettable experience for visitors.

If you’re looking for a fascinating and historic destination in Michigan, the USS Edson is a must-see. Whether you’re interested in learning about naval history, exploring a unique museum, or seeking a frightfully good time, the USS Edson offers something for everyone.

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The Narnia Trail

Posted on October 2, 2024 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in Nature, upper peninsula .

The Bush Bay Trail is a scenic hiking path that winds along the stunning Lake Huron shoreline. It’s commonly known as the Narnia Trail due to its enchanting natural beauty and impressive boulders lining the coast. You can find the parking area just off M-134, east of Hessel. If you’re seeking a lovely hike in the southeastern part of the Upper Peninsula, the Bush Bay Trail is an excellent choice.

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The Trufant Shack

Posted on September 20, 2024 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in Forgotten Places .

I saw this old shack, or house, or whatever it was standing in a field somewhere Trufant. I am not sure what its story is but I like to think it stands as a reminder of the early Michiganders that came before us.

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The Spruce Chicken Building

Posted on September 19, 2024 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in small towns .

Spruce is a small town nestled between Alma and Harrisville and it has its roots in the establishment of a sawmill by Don Hecox. He also took on the role of the first postmaster when the local post office opened its doors on May 5, 1898. I’m not quite sure about the story behind the chicken images displayed in the building’s windows, but I find them delightful.

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Frankfort Ironworks Ruins

Posted on September 19, 2024 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in Forgotten Places .

Located near the shores of Lake Michigan, the deteriorating brick walls of the Frankfort Iron Works stand as a testament to Michigan’s industrial past. Built in 1870, these ruins once housed a bustling iron smelter that processed ore mined from the Escanaba region of the Upper Peninsula. While often referred to as the Frankfort Ironworks, the site is actually situated in Elberta, across Betsie Lake from downtown Frankfort.

Initially, the ironworks utilized surrounding hardwood as fuel for its furnaces. However, the increasing demand for wood forced workers to venture deeper into the Michigan wilderness, ultimately leading to the cessation of production in 1883 due to fuel limitations.

The railroad subsequently acquired the property, repurposing it as a railcar loading facility for ferries. Buildings were converted into shops and a roundhouse for locomotive maintenance. The marine terminal remained operational until 1982. Today, the grounds are a part of Elberta’s Waterfront Park.

While the ruins are fenced off to prevent access due to the risk of falling bricks, visitors can still approach them for a closer view. Though I have visited Frankfort numerous times, I was unaware of this site’s existence until recently. I highly recommend a trip to the park for those traveling to the area.

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The Governor’s Estate Ruins in the U.P.

Posted on September 16, 2024 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in Forgotten Places, upper peninsula .

The ruins of Michigan 27th Governor’s estate can be found on an Island in the Upper Peninsula. Sugar Island is located in the St Mary’s River east of Sault St Marie. Duck Island is a small island that is separated from Sugar Island by a channel and Duck Lake. Chase Osborn lived on the island until his death in 1949. He was born in 1860 in Indiana and started his career in the newspaper business. He married his first wife Lillian G. Jones in 1881 and soon after moved to Sault Ste. Marie. In 1889, he was appointed Postmaster of Sault Ste. Marie and, in 1895, the state’s Fish and Game Warden.

Osborn built an estate on Duck Island where he built two log cabins. The larger cabin he called Big Duck and the smaller one was called Little Duck. Between them was a concrete library that held his vast collection of books.

Big Duck cabin ruins

Little Duck cabin ruins

Osborn’s library

In 1910, Osborn was elected the 27th Governor of Michigan and served from 1911 to 1913. He was the only governor from the Upper Peninsula and he proposed building a bridge across the Straits of Mackinac to President Roosevelt in 1939.

Near the riverbank is a building built with logs. I am not exactly sure what this was used for. I seen it stated that Chase had a separate bedroom made with logs. He also slept outside on a bed of pine bows. I am not sure if the log structure was his sleeping quarters or some sort of shed.

Chase Osborne became a member of the University of Michigan Board of Regents and served from 1908 to 1911. In 1927 he donated his property on Duck Lake and Sugar Island to the U of M. He made arrangements to be able to live at his estate. He had thousands of books in his library and they were given to the University of Michigan and Lake Superior State University.

Chase and Stellanova’s gravesite

South of the cabin is a large rock used as a grave marker for Chase and his second wife Stellanova. Looking at the dates Chase was born in 1860 and stallanova was born in 1894. Osborn met Stellanova Brunt in 1924, and she took a job as his researcher and secretary. Chase and Lillian Osborn legally adopted 37-year-old Stellanova, and she changed her last name to Osborn. After his wife Lillian died, Stellanova’s adoption was annulled. Chase was 89 and Stellanova was 54 when they were married. Chase died two weeks later at his home in Georgia. His remains were transported to Duck Island and they were buried under a massive rock. Stellanova died in 1989 and was buried with her husband on Duck Island. (I am thinking that Chase married Stellanova so she could get his survivor death benefits as his wife that she would not have received as his daughter.)

Osborn’s property and estate is now the Chase S. Osborn Preserve and used for research and instruction in natural sciences and forestry. When I visited the main gate on S. Homestead Road was open. I parked near the closed gate for Duck Lake. The sign next to it read that no camping or dumping was allowed but I did not see anything about trespassing so I assume it is open to the public. It is about a mile hike to the estate. It was an easy hike without any steep hills to climb. If you visit please be respectful so that it remains accessible. you can see it on google maps at the coordinates here 46.35820957281242, -84.13571232907873

If you love exploring the Upper Peninsula, I hope you will take a look at my Lost In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula book HERE

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The Lone Pine Log Cabin School

Posted on September 12, 2024 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in Schools .

The small town of Lovells sits northeast of Grayling along the north branch of the AuSable River. Next to the township hall is a log style building with a bell next it mounted on a log framework. The building was the Lone Pine School Built in 1907 by Ed Kellogg and Gustav Ernst. It was located at Jackson Hole on the North Branch of the AuSable River about seven miles downstream of Lovells. The school was used until 1936 when the schools were consolidated and the students were bussed to Grayling. The school was Moved from Jackson Hole, seven miles down Lovells Road in July 1991, and renovated and is now used as a museum.

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Only Choice Lighthouse

Posted on September 9, 2024 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in Lighthouses, upper peninsula .

Not far from US-2, near the town of Gulliver, between the “Bridge” and Escanaba, is Seul Choix Point Lighthouse. Seul Choix is a French word for “only choice” and is pronounced “sis shwa”. It is one of the few harbors along the southern shore of the Upper Peninsula. That is how the name of the lighthouse came to be. It is still used as an active aid for navigation but also serves as a museum for visitors.

Stories claim the lighthouse is haunted by keeper Joseph Willie Townsend, who served at the structure from 1902 until his death in 1910. It is said that he passed away while in the bedroom that is located upstairs. Townsend and his wife lived in the lighthouse, and he was known to enjoy smoking cigars. Unfortunately, his wife was not a huge fan of the smell and smoke associated with the cigars, and forbade him to smoke in the house. Since his death, many people have claimed to smell burning cigars in the house. It’s believed that Townsend purposely smokes in the house in the afterlife as his wife can no longer stop him from doing it. People also claim to have seen Townsend’s ghost and that furniture is rearranged. Another strange occurrence is that when the table is set for dinner with the forks facing up, if you leave to retrieve something and return to the table, sometimes the forks are facing down. Townsend was known to set his forks down in that position.

If you enjoy reading stories of lighthouses I hope you will take a look at my book Light From The Birdcage available on Amazon HERE

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