Michigan - Grand Traverse County Historic Sites
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American Legion Memorial Bridge (ca. 1930)
Traverse City - Completed in 1930, along with the nearby South Union Bridge, this 68' long concrete arch bridge over the Boardman River was built at a cost of $50,000.
Boardman Neighborhood Historic District
Traverse City - This area, bounded by State & Webster Streets along with Railroad & Boardman Avenues, was originally planned in the late 1800's as as low to medium income housing district. Soon, however, the district became home to many of Traverse City's early lumber baron's.
Central Neighborhood Historic District
Traverse City
Traverse City - The City Opera House originally seated 1,200 people. Closed to the public in the 1940's it was reopened in 1980 and has been undergoing near-constant renovations ever since.
Congregation Beth El (ca. 1885)
Traverse City - This simple structure, tucked amongst much larger more modern buildings, is the oldest continuously operating synagogue in the state of Michigan. I find it amazing, considering the location, that this structure has survived to this day.
Traverse City - This is actually a replica of the original mission built here by Rev. Peter Dougherty. It represents one of the first structures in Grand Traverse County. Though the building is a replica, the bell in the belfry is original. It was cast using British pennies donated by local indians.
East Bay Township District No. 2 School (ca. 1881)
East Bay Township - Typical of school buildings of the time the original half of the structure is on the left in this shot. The addition to the right was added in 1901.
Friend's Meetinghouse (ca. 1894)
Traverse City - This church serves as the place of worship for the local Religious Society of Friends, more commonly known as Quakers.
Grand Traverse County Courthouse (ca. 1900)
Traverse City - This imposing structure replaced an earlier courthouse which burned in 1862 (the county rented various buildings in the interim). I found the Civil War monuments near the building very unique.
Old Mission - Hedden Hall, now known as the Old Mission Inn, is the oldest continuously operating hotel in northern Michigan. I was impressed to find that the business has only had four owners in its 140 year history! Famous guests over the years at the inn have included Joe Louis and Babe Ruth.
Old Mission - This log home, much of which is original, was built by newly arrived immigrants Mary and Joseph Hessler. Originally located farther down the peninsula, the home was relocated to Old Mission Peninsula Lighthouse Park in the 1990's to avoid demolition by developers.
Interlochen Music Camp (ca. 1928)
Interlochen - Originally formed as the National High School Orchestra Camp the camp quickly grew to become a nationally renowned year-round training ground for the fine arts.
Interlochen Music Camp (ca. 1928)
Interlochen - Originally formed as the National High School Orchestra Camp the camp quickly grew to become a nationally renowned year-round training ground for the fine arts. This was one of the older buildings I saw while wandering the grounds.
Ladies Library Building (ca. 1909)
Traverse City - The present building replaced an earlier structure which dated back to 1869. It was functional as a library until 1949.
Mac's Super Service Station (ca. 1935)
Traverse City - One of Traverse City's few remaining Art Deco service stations.
Mission Point Lighthouse (ca. 1870)
Peninsula Township - First operational in late 1870, the Old Mission Light can only be described as "cute." It stands on a small sand bluff guarding the entrances to both arms Grand Traverse Bay about 20 miles north of Traverse City. Recently the lighthouse has been opened to the public for a small admission fee. The location is beautiful and one of my favorite spots to visit.
Northern Michigan Asylum (ca. 1885)
Traverse City - Opened in 1885, the complex originally housed only 43 patients but quickly grew. By 1959 there were 2,956 people staying here, on a campus that spread over 1,000 acres. The facility operated until the mid-1980's when many of the buildings were shut down. The grounds are still owned by Munson Hospital and many of the old structures are being rented out to small businesses.
Old Mission Congregational Church (ca. 1891)
Old Mission - The congregation of the original church organized in 1879. Completed in 1891, the church still serves the congregation to this day.
Traverse City - Nine stories tall the Park Place Hotel is one of Traverse City's most recognizable and upscale landmarks.
Traverse City - This amazing house was built for one of Traverse City's founder's, Perry Hanna. Upon his death in 1904, the house passed to Hanna's daughter who quickly discovered she could not afford to keep or demolish it. Passing hands a number of time over the years the building in 1976 came under the ownership of one Mr. Weaver as a funeral home and remains so today.
Acme - When John Pulcipher moved to the area in 1855 he quickly became one of the more notable and successful farmers in the Grand Traverse region. After over 150 years the farmhouse and orchards surrounding it remain in the Pulcipher family.
Traverse City - This tavern is the oldest continuously operating saloon in Traverse City and the only one in its original building.
South Union Street Bridge (ca. 1931)
Traverse City
Old Mission - This structure was originally used as a cherry weight station for farmers on the Old Mission Peninsula. As you can see, it's now a flower and fruit stand.