Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-08-27

to none in the country. They have 265
acres to devote to park uses and one of
the finest bathing beaches on fresh
water. The water is Of universal depth
to a reef une-half mile from shore and
we were told that children could safely
wade out on this beach 70 that distance.
Fine sailing is also an..attraction offered
here. Much is expected from this
beach resort, which was opened less
than year ago, and is already attract
ing summer guests in numbers.
An eight mile ride was followed by q
banquet at Hotel Marinette, an elabo-
rate hostelry recently erected and of
which the people are justifably proud.
40 persons were seated in the dining
room and so we'll fed were the hungry
visitors that they fingered two hours
over time, parting late in the night
with fine speeches and good will toward
all. Marinette has elegant churches,
good school buildings, electric railway
system, residences and business places
we'll kept. 1t boasts two and quar-
ter million dollar paper plant. Broad
gagged, Iiberal-minded business men
are here, all enthusiasts of their own
city. Much rivalry seems to exist with
the neighboring city, Menominee-
though the two are connected by street
railway.
From Marinette the boat made IA
hour continuous run to Mackinac
Island, 165 miles distant. A rough,
choppy sea on Lake Michigan was ex-
perienced in the night, and when the
people arose in the morning many of
the ladies, Mrs. LaVigne among the
list, and few of the men had that
'1eave me alone" feeling-mal de mer.
Oh tribute! What a payment some did
make to the dizzy waves beneath, while
they wore a distressing look of appeal
which might have meant: "Oh, Mr..
Captain, please stop the ship, l want to
get off and walk"
Those who we're not sick remained on
deck during the forenoon, sighting with
field glasses many places and things Of
interest as they foated along. We are
glad to say we were Of this fortunate
part of the company all the way round
the trip. Straits Of Mackinaw were
entered at 1890 p. m. Sunday and at
2:3O p. N. lot Of ''pale people" were
glad to step upon terra firma Of Macki-
nae Island.
Steamer Eugene c. was anchored
in the pretty bay directly in front of
old Fort Mackinac which frowned high
above, like another Alhambra, its white
walls glistening in the sun. This little
isle of miles circumference has been,
since it was first known to Champlain
before 1912, the Key of the Upper
Lakes. In the 18th century it was the
center Of trade of vast territory, its
situation very advantageous, being
practically between the three great
lakes. 1t was in early days headquar-
ters of French traders and trappers
and their Courier de Bos for markets
at Montreal. MIchilmackinac was then
its name, derived from the Indian
words Mich, great and Mackinac,
''turtle," from a fancied resemblance
which the island has to large mud
turtle. Situate just in the strait form
ing the communication between Lakes
Huron and Michigan it is, as it were,
! I'll 70 hp
south, as the "Sault" is from the north.
Nature and history have both clothed
this island with wild romance; famous
from its commanding prominence dur
ing Indian tribal wals it was probably
the first settled place in Michigan.
Mackinac Island was for long time
Government possession held as q
National Park with =. S. troops garri.
soned at the Fort. By act of Congress
March 3rd, 1895, it was turned over tC
the State of Michigan for use as a state
park. The troops have been removed
from the garrlson, but the old stone
wall, parapet and earthWorks remain
| The place is now a charming and popu
lar summer resort. The oval form O.
the island makes it a desirable place
for cottages, and elaborate ones nestle
about the little horseshoe harbOr. 1t Ii
housed by chosen few, and practically
only those who have an abundance o
wealth can afford to long revel in The
| delights which float on the breezes o
that fairy isle.
Much is claimed for it as healtl
resort. The fresh, pure winds from
the three lakes constantly play bal
with each other on the island and il
this vicinity is said to be the place ''pa
excellance" for relief of hay fever anc
all asthmatic subjects. y splendic
health bill is promised here to profes
sional and active business men prostra
ted by undue mental and physica
exertion in the heat of the busy cities
The island has been left with mum
ber of natures accidental and peculia
formations interesting to the traveller
A twelve mile carriage drive by th,
editors along winding paths, through
thickets of arbor vitae, fir, spruce, PIN
and juniper, revealed pretty Iimeston
arches, caves, conical and pyramida
rocks and other instructive geological
examples which add much to tn
beauty of the place. Limestone cliff
in graceful angling curves steal bacl
into slnninn hills which gently rise il