Uncategorized Archives - Page 12 of 18

6 Unbelievable Almost Forgotten Historic Michigan Mansions

Posted on September 10, 2014 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in Houses, Uncategorized .

Visiting different cities while traveling around Michigan, I’ve noticed in several towns the most prominent house seems to be the one in need of saving. They were built by a wealthy Michigander, but then over time, some were converted into another purpose, such as a restaurant, hospital or apartments. Restoring them to their former glory and maintaining an old house is not as easy as owning a modern “maintenance free” home.

Here is a list, in no particular order, of some of my favorite houses I have seen, They are such beautiful historic houses and it would be sad to lose them.

Ammi Wright house in Alma

The Ammi Wright house in Alma, was used as a hospital and is in the process of being restored. CLICK HERE for more

Charles G. Learned House in Port Austin Michigan

The Charles G. Learnerd House in Port Austin, which was converted into the Garfield Inn, lat time I was there it was for sale. CLICK HERE for more

Heritage House in Chesaning

The Heritage (George Nason) house in Chesaning. Built by lumber baron George Nason and converted into a restaurant in 1980 the Heritage house has been vacant for years and was recently purchased. CLICK HERE for more

the James Scott Residence in Detroit

The James Scott Residence in Detroit, It was recently announced it will be converted into condominiums. CLICK HERE for more

The Hill House in Saginaw

The Hill House Built in 1886 for Clarence and Susie R. Hill. it is currently for sale to someone willing to renovate it. CLICK HERE for more

The Richard C Burtis house in Watrouseville

The Richard C. Burtis House in Watrouseville also known as the “Wedding Cake House” was recently purchased by a local family and they are in the process of restoring it. CLICK HERE for more

St Mary’s Hospital – Michigan Historical Marker

Posted on August 21, 2014 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in Michigan Historical Markers, Uncategorized .

The need for medical facilities in fast-growing Saginaw valley led Father Francis Van der Bom and Dr. Benjamin B. Ross to organize support for a hospital. It opened with the arrival of four Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul on August 22, 1874. The original frame house proved inadequate; in 1875 a new building was begun on this site and the hospital incorporated as St. Mary’s. Its first patients were principally injured lumbermen. The staff devised a health insurance plan of $5 a year to raise funds. Over the years the hospital expanded and modernized to care for more patients as well as to provide an increasing variety of medical and educational facilities. As it moves into its second century St. Mary’s anticipates a future of continued care and service.

Edmore’s General Bag Corp Building

Posted on July 7, 2014 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in Historic Places, small towns, Uncategorized .

Sometimes fate has a way of showing me what to photograph. On a recent trip heading down 46 I had to use the facilities somewhere since my 44 year old bladder does not work as well as it used to. knowing the Fred Meijer Heartland Trail was nearby I stopped at a parking lot that had a restroom I could use. After using the well appointed deluxe outhouse and my mind could think of other things beside reliving my bladder, it was then I noticed a huge building that had the words ” GENERAL BAG CORP.” painted on the sides. I guess one thing that catches my attention is a building with giant lettering painted on the sides. It means it is usually old and historic, but it also is helpful since it tells me something about the buildings. And the bag building was no exception, after googling Edmore General Bag Building I found and Article about it HERE and how the DDA in Edmore wants to re-purpose it into shops for the community. I hope they are successful, I like seeing old buildings being reused not only because it is a wonderful way to connect with the history of town but it just seems wasteful to knock down a building and build new ones.

PS. when I am traveling the back roads it’s nice to find a bathroom when I need one. to bad the world famous two story outhouse was not functional and accessible it would have been nice to use some historic facilities.

The Giant Heads of Onaway

Posted on July 3, 2014 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in small towns, Uncategorized .

I like visiting Onaway and looking at the giant heads made by the Moran Iron Works. You never know who you might see, I know they have made a few different ones over the years and the first one I saw was George Washington a few years ago. when I was there recently they had Lady liberty and Gerald R. Ford on display. I must say they are impressive at about 10 feet tall and made of metal. I can imagine how difficult that is to form and shape those large pieces of metal into such intricate shapes.

you can see more information obut the artwork by Moran HERE

Remembering D-Day, June 6th 1944

Posted on June 6, 2014 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in Uncategorized .

My grandfather was listed as a clerk and a cook in the army during WWII. He rarely ever talked about the war, other than he said he was in France. He passed away about 20 years ago and going thru his belongings my mother found a lot of photographs and then we realized he was there at D-Day. My grandfather always liked taking photographs, but we never knew he had a stack of a couple hundred photos that he had taken in France. Among the photos were a couple of pictures that I can only assume were taken shortly after D-Day showing the landing crafts unloading supplies and equipment on the beaches of Normandy.

70 years later I feel compelled to share these photos. We take photos with our cell phone of everything and everywhere and don’t really think about it how amazing it is to be able to do that. I am not sure what my grandfather had for a camera, probably a Kodak Brownie Camera, but whatever he had, he took a lot of photos with it. I thought I would share some with you since photos were meant to be shared and seen, even if it has been 70 years.

Springtime at Dow Gardens in Midland

Posted on June 2, 2014 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in Uncategorized .

While I was in Midland getting some photos for Memorial Day weekend I stopped by Dow Gardens and was surprised to see it all decked out in tulips and blossoms on the trees. With this crazy weather we are having I guess spring was a little late, and I guess I am posting these a little late since I wanted to get my photos for Memorial Day posted first.

Dow Gardens is such a magical place to visit if you love nature and flowers and is amazing in spring. but like all good things it does not last forever and the spring blooms are gone so if you want to see them for yourself you will need to visit next year.

State Finals Track and Field Meet in Rockford

Posted on June 1, 2014 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in Uncategorized .

It’s not something I would normally post, but since I went to Rockford to watch the MHSAA Division 1 State Finals at the Ted Carlson Memorial Stadium. and since I took some photos I thought I would post a few. Rockford School has a beautiful stadium and the people were welcoming and friendly, The Ram wieners at the concession stand were good, but from the suggestions I got from friends on my facebook page I went to The Corner Bar after the meet and those chili dogs were ” like taking a bite out of heaven” as my son puts it.

Michigan’s Haunted Mansion

Posted on April 13, 2014 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in Forgotten Places, Historic Places, Houses, Uncategorized .

Several sources have said this is one of the most haunted places in Michigan. I am not much of a believer in ghosts, but I do like a good story. Built in 1876, on M53 near Brown City is this old Second Empire mansion. It was the home of and built by John G. Bruce who owned the Bruce and Webster General Merchants with his brother-in-law in Burnside township which he was the postmaster for 16 years. The old house sold a few different times and rumor has it one of the mansion’s owners were said to have been taking the back roads in his automobile when he hit a pedestrian. Terrified at what he had done, he took the body back to the mansion and buried it somewhere on the estate. Some say the ghost of the victim, others simply guilt, caused the man to lose his fortune and drive him to commit suicide by hanging himself in the old bell tower.

Please note this house is not abandoned please be respectful and do not trespass.

I have more about the historic mansion and several other haunted places around the state in the Lost In Michigan books available on Amazon HERE

I hope you will Subscribe to Lost In Michigan

WINNER Michigan State Park March Madness Poll

Posted on April 6, 2014 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in Michigan State Parks, Uncategorized .

Congratulations to Ludington State Park for making it past all 5 rounds to win the Lost In Michigan State Park polls, we started out with over a 100 state parks and worked our way down to the winner. Thank you to the thousands of you that voted.

I must be honest with you and say I have never been to Ludington State Park. Since it is so popular, whenever I have tried to make reservations the park was always full. I will go this year even if we don’t camp overnight.

The poll has definitely been worthwhile doing. I learned a lot about what parks are popular and ones that are not and it’s got me curious to visit some of them that I have not been to. I have always had this goal of visiting all the parks, and I have been to about half of them, but I have a lot more to go to and look forward to making the most of my recreational passport.

Final Four Round of Michigan State Park Madness Poll

Posted on March 23, 2014 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in Michigan State Parks, Uncategorized .

Voting for this round is complete, vote for the Champion HERE

Now we are down to the final four parks from the winners of the Top 8 round, thank you to the thousands of you that voted. These matchups should be interesting, it’s gonna be hard to pick between them, they are all such incredibly popular and beautiful parks.We will see who goes onto the final matchup next Sunday.

Thank you for voting and share with your friends.

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