Historic Petoskey and the greater Little Traverse Bay area possess a wealth of natural and cultural gifts. The region's virgin forests, crystal clear waters, and powerful Native American heritage inspired Henry Wadsworth Longfellow to write "The Song of Hiawatha." Its plentiful wildlife and peaceful natural settings provided Ernest Hemingway with his early hunting and fishing experiences. Abundant natural resources set the stage for industries like the fur trade, lumbering, shipping, and limestone quarrying. Petoskey's ideal location on the picturesque bay has attracted visitors and adventurers since the 1870s. In this unique volume, author C.S. Wright explores the many legacies of the Petoskey area, from the native tribes that first protected the land through the eras of industry, transportation, and tourism. A rare collection of historic postcards illustrates Petoskey's rich history, providing immaculate images of pastoral scenes, industrial achievements, striking architecture, and community development.

Hundreds of historic postcards and photographs from days gone by illustrate the grandeur of this picturesque Michigan region as it was, revealing the reason why earlier generations were so attracted to this northern Michigan location. Historical newspaper articles, copy from early travel guides, and old postcard messages give the reader a true perspective on the region's history from the 1890s through the 1960s. The authors have a special talent for researching and selecting the most appropriate graphics to display the genuine feeling for this area. Their overview of the history of the locale along with illustrations will conjure up memories that will long be cherished.

Wilson highlights both the images and the curious stories behind them. Using 185 postcards selected from the extensive collection of the Minnesota Historical Society, she helps readers understand the needs and wants of postcard makers and senders, at the same time sharing historical details that go beyond the captions and messages. The postcards are grouped in four categories: towns, businesses, families, and vacations.

Vintage Views Along the West Pike: From Sand Trails to US-31 is a pictorial history of Michigan's most famous road. The historic West Michigan Pike, originally M-11, was the first continuous, improved road between Michigan City and Mackinaw City. This route along the Lake Michigan coast opened West Michigan to automobile travel and tourism. The book depicts the adventure and romance of motoring on Michigan's most prominent early highway. Vintage postcards, photographs, maps, and ephemera illustrate this journey as you time-travel through the beautiful West Michigan landscape and quaint towns to hotels and cabins, tourist camps and state parks, and other stops along the road.

Cradled in the East and West Arms of the Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City is nationally known as the Cherry Capital of the World, and locally known as a four-season playground with a rich agricultural heritage and a thriving, urban vitality. Since settlers first populated the area in the late 19th century, the Traverse City community has cherished and cultivated its natural resources, from the abundant fruit orchards and sparkling waters to the lumber and fuel industries that have provided economic growth. The city's pioneering spirit and strong sense of civic pride have only flourished with the passage of time. This book serves as a visual tour of Traverse City's history, exploring the community's agricultural, industrial, and social origins. Through a rare collection of vintage postcards, author C.S. Wright takes readers on an illustrated journey through the eras of development and influence that have contributed to Traverse City's distinctive culture and character.

Anyone interested in Michigan history, the life of Ernest Hemingway, or the culture of the early twentieth century will enjoy this beautiful volume.