Promote Michigan Featured Content – Page 17

A Hemingway Homecoming

While Ernest Hemingway frequented several places across the globe throughout his lifetime, Walloon Lake, Michigan, was a place he had roots in and returned to in his early years. His father and mother, Clarence and Grace (Hall) Hemingway first came to the Walloon Lake area in the late 1800s, building their beloved cottage, Windemere, which remains in the family to this day. Ernest was just three months old when he made his first trip to the area. He would return every summer, at least for a brief period of time, until his 1921 wedding to Hadley (Richardson) Hemingway. It was in Walloon Lake that the Nobel and Pulitzer prize-winning author discovered his love of writing, hunting and fishing.

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March 15, 2021 Dianna Stampfler

Tragedy on South Manitou Island

Lighthouse keeper Aaron Sheridan was a Civil War soldier who lost the use of his arm in battle and as such, he was able to get his wife — Julia — appointed his assistant keeper oft his important beacon in the norther part of Lake Michigan. Given his injuries, when he needed to make the trip across the waters to the mainland, Aaron would often hire a local fisherman named Christ Ancharson to man the 25-foot Mackinaw sailboat. During such a trip, on Friday, March 15, 1878, high waves and bad weather overturned the boat just as it was approaching the harbor on South Manitou Island. Sadly, the Sheridans — including their infant son, Robert — died that day.

News Releases

March 10, 2021 Dianna Stampfler

WCMU Public Media to Showcase “Hemingway in Michigan: A Live Streaming Event” as Kickoff to Ken Burns Documentary HEMINGWAY

In anticipation of this series, and to explore Hemingway’s deep ties to Northern Michigan along with how they influenced his attitudes, passions and writings, WCMU Public Media is partnering with the Clarke Historical Library and noted Hemingway historian Michael Federspiel for “Hemingway in Michigan: A Live Streaming Event” Wednesday, March 31 at 6 p.m.

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March 9, 2021 Dianna Stampfler

Detroit’s Lost Mamajuda Lighthouse

One of Michigan’s many lost lighthouses – which boasted a female keeper for 11 years – also has ties to one of the state’s most significant figures in American history. The Mamajuda Lighthouse was built in 1849 (and rebuilt in 1866) in the Detroit River. The last keeper served there in 1921 and by the 1950s, the light had toppled into the water (which today covers the island). All is lost to time…but the history remains!

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March 4, 2021 Dianna Stampfler

Michigan’s Sweetest Outdoor Season is Celebrated with 3 Upcoming Maple Syrup Weekends

For generations, Michiganders have been heading out into the woods at the onset of the spring season to take part

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March 2, 2021 Dianna Stampfler

Keweenaw Peninsula’s Unofficial Female Lighthouse Keeper, Henrietta Bergh

Over the past 170-plus years, women have been serving as lighthouse keepers in Michigan…sometimes officially recognized by the U.S. Lighthouse Service and sometimes not. Such is the case with Hansine Henrietta (Anderson) Bergh in Bete Gris. While she didn’t work at the official lighthouse she was known to hang a lantern in the window of her house so that her husband and other fishermen could find their way back home after dark. This story includes information gathered from her great great granddaughter, Nora Dee.

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February 25, 2021 Dianna Stampfler

Raise a Glass to Grand Rapids Based Motu Viget Spirits During Black History Month

Motu Viget Spirits – the first Black owned wine and spirits company based in Grand Rapids, Michigan – has seen success in its first two years of operation. Founded by serial entrepreneurs Jamiel Robinson, Jonathan Jelks, Andrea Wallace and recording artist Willie ‘Willie the Kid’ Jackson in 2019, the company has grown from a local favorite to a nationally recognized brand practically overnight.

Into The Wilderness: U.P. Retreat

Renovations take time, especially at a wonderfully historic resort that’s tucked into the woods of what many consider to be the most remote region of Michigan.

Lake Country Sipping

Sampling new varieties of wine is a refreshing way to enjoy a delightful Up North afternoon, especially when you’re surrounded by acres of vineyards and the backdrop of a scenic 113-acre nature preserve. Boyne Valley Vineyards, a small boutique tasting room nestled along U.S. 131 between Walloon Lake and Petoskey, offers a friendly new space to do just that.

Ale Trail Adventure

Some may think that the designation of “Beer City USA” is something new for Grand Rapids – the state’s second largest city. But beer has actually been brewing here since the late 1830s. Today, the Kent County region boasts about 40 breweries, with about a dozen currently in the greater downtown area.

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December 29, 2020 Dianna Stampfler

2021 Milestones for Pure Michigan Businesses

Michigan was founded on January 26, 1837 as the 26th state of the United States of America. Currently home to nearly 10 million people, spread out throughout two peninsulas, Michigan is the Great Lakes State – the Mitten of Plenty – the Wolverine State. Michigan’s early business history is centered in industries that benefited from its proximity to the Great Lakes: fishing, lumbering, mining, fur trapping and agriculture.

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December 20, 2020 Dianna Stampfler

Holiday Classic “White Christmas” Was Likely Written in Charlevoix

Each holiday season, we are inundated with hour after hour of movies about Christmas airing on television and now streaming services. A handful have ties to Michigan, like Prancer (1989) and The Polar Express (2004). But did you know the beloved 1954 classic White Christmas is believed to have actually been written right here in the Great Lakes State?

News Releases

December 16, 2020 Dianna Stampfler

Michigan Sports Alliance Launches Virtual Michigan Lighthouse Tour for 2021

The Michigan Sports Alliance will host the 2021 Michigan Lighthouse Tour starting March 1 – May 3, 2021. The tour is a virtual team-based challenge for groups of 6-24 people to collectively run or walk 2,021 miles over the course of two months while visiting 28 of the featured Michigan lighthouses.