Michigan Governor's Residence

This morning the Michigan Governor's Residence was open for public tours. I hadn't done that before, so I took the girls!
Loading up, my bike got knocked over and broke. (note the disconnected piece lower in the picture, I kind of like my brakes to work.)


Biking was out. So the bright blue double jogging stroller was in. We arrived to quite a line. I hear about 460 people did the tour!



The mansion was built in 1902 by an attorney from Chicago. The 11 bedroom, 9.5 bathroom, 3 story & full basement home took three months and $15,000 to build.


In its time, this mansion has experienced birth, death, and ten Michigan governors! At one point it was in danger of being torn down because it fell into disrepair (thanks to the Great Depression). State Parks purchased it in 1944 for $15,000- the same price it had been built for decades earlier. It was restored by prison workers over the course of three years. They reinforced the floors, installed a sprinkler system, and generally cleaned up the property. Everything was able to stay original, even some of the books and furniture. It is lovely inside! However, there are signs everywhere stating, "Please, NO PICTURES INSIDE".
I managed to take a picture of the heartbreaking sign from outside (I followed the rules!)


Instead, I took notes from the women who shared the history of the Governor's Residence. My audio memory isn't THAT good!

The exterior of the mansion is Michigan White Pine, our state tree.





The boy scouts set everything up for the tour and manned the lines and were all around helpful.


One scout even offered to take a family picture for me!


Here are some more outside pictures of the Michigan Governor's Residence:









There is the Grand Hotel!








Kaya insisted I take a picture of the red flowers:








In the end, the girls' patience ran out. The tour is not really geared toward young children, but the girls were certainly welcomed. This tour is going to happen every Wednesday from 9:30-11:30am through August.

I know the double stroller fits through this spot, but I still feel nervous approaching!


It really never looks like it should squeeze past...


This horse was absolutely watching us pass!


Passing Trinity Episcopal Church:









I am working on my annual season bucket list- any thoughts? Left over from last year's list are to go up to Fort Holmes, dance at the Grand Hotel with my husband, kayak, and try a tandem bike. Suggest away, please!

Somewhere in Time

Today is June 28th. Have you seen "Somewhere in Time"? 99 years ago today, Richard Collier checked into the Grand Hotel at 9:18am.



Today's weather was iffy so I took the girls to the Tower Museum at Mission Point Resort. It has to be one of the Island's best kept secrets. The first part focuses on the movie "Somewhere in Time."



Even though Mission Point's theatre was built in the 1950s, it was remodeled to the 1900s for the film. It hasn't really been altered since, which is especially neat for "Somewhere in Time" fans. There is even a plaque on the seat Richard Collier sat in (center section, 4th row, 2nd seat in from audience left!). I refer to it as Superman's seat! My husband is a huge Superman fan; if we had a son then he would be named Clark!


The majority of the film was shot at Mission Point. Did you know they have a professional soundstage? Cast and crew mostly stayed at Mission Point too. I love this shot of everybody!



My favorite floor of the museum might be "Shipwrecks of the Straits".


I love this picture from the floor on the Mackinac Bridge!


It was originally built as merely an observation tower. The view is my favorite of the island from indoors!
















I feel so privileged to be living on Mackinac Island. It is a fascinating place and undoubtedly an adventurous life!

Vintage Baseball Bat Mania

Vintage Baseball 2011

The starting line-up: I believe there were four vintage baseball teams that participated.


BATS!!!





The man with the big hat and big voice. He kept things going smoothly!


Each player got the chance to introduce himself. There is definitely charm to an introduction that includes the tipping of a hat!


The game took place between the Grand Hotel and the school.


Spectators dressed spectacularly!










Cracker Jacks were available at concessions. Perfect!


I am tempted to buy a historical dress for myself!


See the ball?


Participants graciously posing!





This player went for the serious ball player face!




Bat Mania!
Wait... Bat Mania isn't about baseball bats.


He has the right kind of bat!


Stop 1 was at Mission Point Resort and featured bats of Michigan.








Stop 2 was at the Island House. They had various fruit bats from Africa.


There were activities that my preschooler enjoyed.


My toddler preferred the anchor.


Stop 3 was the Island Book Store and vampire bats!



Stop 4 at Windemere had the biggest bats. Both were unable to fly due to injuries and have been in captivity a while.
This is Camilla, she is 18 years old.





This is Angus, a 15 year old bat. I am glad Michigan's bats are smaller.


Thanks to the Mackinac Island Community Foundation for making Bat Mania possible! I have become a big fan of these creatures since moving to the island; they take care of the mosquitos! You can help Michigan's bats by contributing at www.Michigan.gov/dnre
We are a little bat crazy! (Notice the bat pins!)

Location:Mackinac Island