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S C I L ' s Travel Club August 2023 Virtual ADVENTURE to Mackinac Island, Michigan ~ Part Two

As you all will remember, our Virtual Adventure to Mackinac Island was set in the month of June. We published Part One of our story in the April Newsletter, and then we had some technical difficulties, so we were unable to publish Part Two of our story in the June Newsletter. But that's okay. We'll just use our trusty imaginations and pretend this is the month of June and where we are having fun on the small island of Mackinac Island! The lilacs are in bloom, and the weather is near-perfect!

After all, we are the SCIL TRAVEL CLUB IMAGINATION EXPERTS and are REALLY GOOD at pretending, right?

So, let's go back over our story and see what we've done so far...

It all started with an invitation!

We were invited to spend the night at our 'benefactor's' Brentwood home --- which was more like a 'ADA Accessible Mansion' --- the night before our trip. Then, the following morning, we left early for the airport.
Click here to test your memory. Who is a 'benefactor?'
Remember what a 'mansion' is? Click here and see if you're right.

Day One

Pre-travel Meet-up

TAPOOZ TRAVEL Guides

We met our travel guides; Benji, Laura, Tim, Hannah, and Madison from the Tapooz Travel Agency. Tapooz Travel is an accessible travel company offering Accessible Tours and Adventures, specializing in accessible travel for people.
To find out more about the team at Tapooz Travel, click here!

Dinner at our Benefactor's

Hannah, our Tapooz Travel Guide in charge of food, made a WONDERFUL dinner for us!
She made lasagna with salad, roasted veges, and hot-out-of-the-oven dinner rolls with butter for dinner. And then, for dessert, she made HOMEMADE ICE CREAM for us to make Ice Cream Sundaes with --- including all the toppings!
Tim, the Leader of our Tapooz Travel Guides arranged for us to watch a couple of movies in our benefactor's 'Home Theater'  while eating our dessert.
Do you want to test your knowledge about 'home theaters?' Click here!
Then, before the second movie started we all got popcorn from the 'concession stand' outside the theater.
Click here for a refresher on 'concession' stands.

We Saw Somewhere in Time & Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3

In 1980, Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour starred in the movie classic, 'Somewhere in Time' which was filmed at the SAME HOTEL we're staying at on Mackinac Island. After seeing the Time Travelling Romance we watched the Action-Packed Adventure 'Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3.'
Somewhere in Time Movie Trailer
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Movie Trailer

Did you Know?

the Grand Hotel has a 'Somewhere in Time' event every year. People, dressed in Victorian costumes, spend the weekend at the hotel. They get to meet the star of the film, Jane Seymour and other actors who had rolls in the movie.
After the second movie, all we wanted to do was go to our comfy guest rooms and to get a good night's sleep!

Day Two ~ Travel Day

Wow. Morning came so early it was almost painful. But, thankfully Benji --- our Tapooz Travel Activity Guide --- was waiting for us on the ADA Accessible bus with our coffee orders he took the night before!. Good looking out, Benji!
20-minutes later we're at LAX --- Los Angeles International Airport --- which is the second busiest airport in the United States and the 7th busiest airport in the world. Our benefactors upgraded us to Delta's Business Class --- called Delta One. With this upgrade we get free access to the Delta Sky Club and use of Sky Priority services which means speedy check-in, quicker security checks, early boarding, and faster baggage service!
After a great breakfast in the Delta Sky Club we board the Delta Airbus A350-900 airplane and are shown to our seats in the Delta One section. Our two Travel Club members in wheelchairs are seated first in ADA Accessible seats (GREEN), then the rest of us find our seats (YELLOW), followed by our Tapooz Travel Guides (BLUE). Delta One has seats the lay completely flat so you can sleep if you want to. Plus, there are walls for privacy --- but you can lower the one between you and your neighbor if you want to talk.

Delta One Suite amenities

Delta One has a lot of super cool 'amenities' that make a 4-hour flight 'fly by.'
'fly by,' get it? I told a little airplane joke! Hahahahahhaahaheeheheehehahaahahaha!

Anyway, moving right along...

Remember what are 'amenities' are? Click here for the answer.
We had a short 'layover' in Detroit, Michigan and took a connecting flight on Southwest Airlines to Pellston Regional Airport.
What is a layover? Hmm. Click here and let's see!
We took an ADA transport van to the Mackinac City Dock where we took Shepler's Ferry to Mackinac Island. We had dinner at Winchesters and took an ADA Accessible carriage to our hotel.

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Mackinac Island's Grand Hotel

Click here to listen to the pronunciation of 'Mackinac' Island.
The Grand Hotel first opened its doors in 1887 as a summer retreat for vacationers who traveled to Michigan by train, then came to Mackinac Island by boat. Today, this National Historic Landmark continues to attract guests from all over with old-world hospitality and charm, elegant surroundings inside & out, continual modern improvements, and --- at 660 feet long --- to see the LONGEST front porch in the WORLD!

Did You Know?

The Grand Hotel has been listed as one of Travel & Leisure magazine's Top 500 Hotels in the World and has received the AAA Four Diamond Award for the past 18 years.

Dan Musser & the Grand Hotel

Dan Musser III, President of the Grand Hotel, along with his sister Mimi, represent the third generation of Musser family who, for the last 85-years, owned, managed, and operated the historic hotel.
On September 10, 2019, KSL Capital Partners --- a company specializing in travel & leisure properties --- bought the Grand Hotel from the Musser family. One month later, the luxury division of Davidson Hotels & Resorts came on board to manage the hotel for KSL Capital Partners. Dan Musser, III remains as Chairman, providing leadership and guidance to the new owners and work closely with longtime staff to maintain the traditions that make Grand Hotel a national treasure.
We are SO LUCKY to be able to stay at this famous hotel --- THANK YOU, Benefactors!
Click here to see a 3-minute and 47-second video about what makes the Grand Hotel so special and the part Dan Musser III and his family play in 'preserving its rich 'heritage.'
What does 'preservation' mean? Click here to find out!
What does 'heritage' mean? Click here to find out.
Dan Musser III with his wife, Marlee on the left, and his mother, Ameila on the right.
If you are curious to know more about Dan Musser III, click here.
After a relaxing carriage ride up to the Grand Hotel, we get our room keys and go to our rooms --- each one is DECORATED DIFFERENTLY --- and find our luggage is already there waiting for us!!! We were in bed asleep before you could say "Mackinac Island!

Day Two

Breakfast at the Masco Cottage

A.K.A. ~ THE TRAVEL CLUB MACKINAC ISLAND CLUBHOUSE

The following morning we had an early wake-up call and gathered in the lobby of the hotel to wait for Tim, our fearless Tapooz Travel Leader. He took us to our Travel Club Clubhouse --- 'A.K.A.' the Masco Cottage --- where we were going to be having breakfast!
Remember what A.K.A. stands for? Click here for the answer.
The Masco Cottage is a four-bedroom, three-bath summer cottage connected to the east wing of the Grand Hotel by a private walkway. It has a full kitchen, a dining room, living room, 'media room,' its own spacious wraparound porch with garden seating area, and a private hot tub.
The Masco Cottage also has a SPECTACULAR Murano glass chandelier hanging from very high ceiling above the dining room table!

Did You Know?

Murano Island is a tiny 'Venetian' island located north of Venice, Italy in the Venice Lagoon. It's the home to Venice’s glassmaking industry.
What does 'Venetian' mean? Click here to find out!
For hundreds of years glass production was done on the main island of Venice but it was moved to the small island of Murano in 1291 because the buildings of Venice were constructed mostly of wood at that time --- which was a bit of a problem.
Glass production posed quite a fire hazard due to the extreme heat that is required to make glass soft enough to mold and shape, which obviously caused the 'Venetians' some concern.
To this day, tourists take a boat from Venice to Murano Island to get an inside look into the centuries-old art of glassblowing. They can take a tour of a glass factory and watch a master craftsman shape 'molten' glass through a combination of heat, blowing, and sculptural techniques. When the tour is over they stop by the factory showroom to see beautiful finished works of art, and maybe take home a special Murano glass souvenir or two!
What does 'molten' mean? Well, click here and find out!

Exploring Mackinac Island

Did You Know?

There are three types of transportation that people with limited mobility can take advantage of on Mackinac Island. Bicycles, Carriages, and Electric Mobility Scooters. We had a private, 'customized' tour of the island set up for us through Mackinac Island Carriage Tours.

Our Private Mackinac Island Sightseeing Tour

Mackinac Island Carriage Tours is the world's largest, oldest, and continually operated horse & buggy company, with approximately 100 freight and passenger carriages pulled by over 400 horses.
If you are curious about the history of the Mackinac Island Carriage Tours, Inc., Click here.
Todd and Carol, out Mackinac Island Carriage Tour guides picked us up in two carriages. One was ADA Accessible with a ramp that folded down in the back for wheelchair access. Each carriage was pulled by three Percheron horses --- those gentle giants were our best buds by the end of the day! With 600 horses who live and work on the island, we were really glad to see the street sweepers keeping the streets clean! Plus, at night, city workers wash the streets to make sure they're totally clean for the next day!

OUR PRIVATE TOUR WAS CUSTOMIZED JUST FOR US!

Todd and Carol started our tour by taking us 8.2 miles around the outside edge of the island. It was a beautiful day and the crystal blue water of Lake Huron was breathtaking! The sound of the horses 'clip-clopping' down the road was incredibly relaxing too! After that, we explored the tree-lined roads that 'crisscrossed' each other on the inside of the island --- In fact, over 82% of the island is a state parkand looks very similar to how it looked back in 1895 --- We rode through downtown and saw the hotels, restaurants, clothing & souvenir shops, and even stopped to try some fudge at Sander's Candy Shop --- one of seven different fudge shops on the island. Then we got to see some of the historic mansions from the 1800's --- that the locals call "cottages.'
If you would like to hear the relaxing sounds of a horse drawn carriage 'clip-clopping' through a forest, click here... And, if you find it pleasant and calming, you can save this link and play it anytime --- because it runs for 2 whole hours!
What does 'crisscross' mean? Click here and see.
Todd and Carol told us about one historic cottage in particular. It was called "Brigadoon." The 120-year old cottage was purchased by Janet & Jay Stingel in 1989 and it is one of the most well-known summer cottages on the island. On May 30, 2021, there was a terrible fire and Brigadoon was badly damaged. There are only a handful of motorized vehicles allowed on Mackinac Island; an ambulance, a police car, some public works vehicles, and, thankfully for Brigadoon, two fire engines! It took all hands on deck to put the fire out but the firefighters were able to keep the fire from spreading and no one got hurt. It took sixteen months for all of the repairs to be done and now Brigadoon is as beautiful as ever!

Lunch

Chuckwagon

Located on Main Street across from Shepler's Ferry and between the Main Street Inn and the Haunted Theatre, the Chuckwagon has an unique old-time diner atmosphere and makes one of the best burgers on the island. After almost sixty years in business they clearly know what they're doing, so we picked up some lunch and took it down the street to Windermere Point --- a park right on the lake with picnic benches and a killer view!
Our Mackinac Island Carriage Tour guides were very knowledgeable and told us a lot of interesting stories and legends as we came across landmarks during our tour.
There are so many interesting sites to see on Mackinac Island! It's really hard to pick a favorite.
But, I guess if I had to choose... I'd have to say the American Indian legend about 'Devil's Kitchen' would have to put it at the top of my list of favorites!
Todd and Carol are AMAZING storytellers! When they told us about the Red Gee-bis --- scary 'cannibal' giants who lived in Devil's Kitchen --- I could almost imagine something like BIGFOOT coming out of the cave!
YIKES!
If you're brave enough, you can click here and see what a 'cannibal' is!
If you're interested, you can click here to read about the creepy legend of Devil's Kitchen... But, truth be told, the telling isn't near as good as the way Todd and Carol told it. Just sayen'

Dinner

ICE HOUSE BBQ

After a full day of sightseeing, we stopped off for dinner at the Ice House BBQ! We had yummy home-style smoked barbecue and stone-fired pizza. served outdoors in the peaceful hideaway garden behind the Island House Hotel.
We returned to the Grand Hotel just as the sun was setting (which was around 9:30 pm!) and made our way back to our colorful guest rooms for a good night's sleep!

Day Three

It's a BEAUTIFUL day, and we're at a BEAUTIFUL hotel, on an INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL island. Let's go EXPLORING!
We wake up early, refreshed and ready to go!
Once again we head over to the Masco Cottage (A.K.A. Our SCIL Mackinac island Club House) and discover that Hannah --- our Tapooz Travel & Food Guide --- has been up for hours making us breakfast! She made us scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, fried potatoes, fruit, and waffles.
After breakfast, Tim --- our Tapooz Travel Guide Leader, --- takes us outside to the private walkway that connects the Masco Cottage --- our SCIL Mackinac Island Clubhouse --- to the East Wing of the Grand Hotel. From there we go out to Cadotte Avenue where our carriages are waiting for us!
We were so excited to see the familiar faces of Commander, Squire, and Jester hitched up to one carriage and Zeus, Apollo, and Bacchus hitched up to the other! Hi, guys!
We are happy to see Carol & Todd, too, and are VERY HAPPY they agreed to be our carriage drivers throughout the rest of our trip! Thanks, Carol and Todd!
First stop is the Grand Hotel Stables and Carriage Museum

Surrey Hill

Grand Hotel Stables and Carriage Museum

The Grand Hotel Stables is located just minutes away from the hotel and is free of charge and open to all Mackinac Island visitors.
With fewer than 200 Hackney horses living in America today, the Grand Hotel Stables provides a rare opportunity to see them up close.
Visiting the 8,700-square-foot working stable --- home to 12 Hackney horses --- is a great way to learn about these 'elegant' island animals,
I bet you know what 'elegant' means. Click here and see if you're right!

Did You Know?

Hackney's are known as “the high-stepping 'aristocrat' of the show ring.”
Wow! Look how high they can raise their legs!
What is an 'aristocrat' do you think? Hmmm, we'll let's click here and find out!
Hackney is a stylish carriage horse 'breed' that is now used primarily as a show horse. It was developed around 1760's by crossing Thoroughbreds with the Norfolk Trotter --- a large-sized trotting harness horse from the Norfolk, England area.
Click here to see what an animal 'breed' is.
Hackneys first came to America in the early 1900s.
Hackneys come in any color or combination of color.
The Hackney's most noticeable 'trait' is their short stocky build.
Test your knowledge. Click here to see what a 'trait' is.
Harness Hackneys pull carts with two wheels.
Most Hackney Horses compete in something called 'dressage.'
So, what exactly is 'dressage?' Good question! Let's click here and find out!
After meeting some of the hackney horses --- This one is Ben, by the way --- we went to see the Antique Carriage Museum.

The Antique Carriage Museum

We took the self-guided tour of the vintage sleigh and carriage collection. It was AWESOME!
There are about 30 antique carriages and sleighs on display from both Grand Hotel and Mackinac Island Carriage Tours.
Even an antique 'HEARSE' that the people of Mackinac Island used since 1875!
Click here to see what a 'hearse' is.

Surrey Hill

Click here to see a short video tour of Surrey Hill!

BALSAM SHOP AT SURREY HILL

Located at Surrey Hill Carriage Museum, a regular stop on the official Mackinac Island Carriage Tour Route. They sell balsam pillows, incense, jewelry, island charms, custom brass ornaments, rocks, minerals, collectible knives, antique 'replica' guns and cannons, plush toys, and Michigan maple syrup products.
Wonder what a 'replica' is? Click here to find out!

BREWSTERS GIFTS AT SURREY HILLS

Brewster’s Gifts is also located at Surrey Hills Carriage Museum. This shop is filled with island souvenirs.

LITTLE ACORN AT SURREY HILL

One of three gift shops at Surrey Hill. Selling custom souvenirs, t-shirts, cozy sweatshirts, jackets, hats, photo frames, and warm Mackinac Island blankets.

THE LOON FEATHER AT SURREY HILL

The Loon Feather is also located at Surrey Hill Carriage Museum. They sell Polish pottery, hand-painted lilac glassware, lilac notecards, candles, soap, essential oils, jewelry, custom ornaments, and clothes.

THE FEED BAG AT SURREY HILL

Todd & Carol said the Feed Bag made the BEST homemade donuts on the island --- so, naturally, we all had to have one!
Todd & Carol really know their donuts! These donuts are melt-in-your-mouth good! YUM!
We take a short trip from the Grand Hotel Stables to Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory and the Forge A Memory 'blacksmith' shop. Both locations are right next to each other. When Tim went over our 'itinerary' with us before we left for our trip, he asked us to pick one or the other to visit. The Forge A Memory blacksmith shop required reservations.
What is a 'blacksmith?' Click here to see.
Do you remember what an 'itinerary' is? Click here to see how well you remember.

The Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory on Surrey Hill

Wings of Mackinac first opened in 1997 in Mackinaw City. In 2001, twenty-five years later, they moved to Mackinac Island and partnered with Mackinac Island Carriage Tours. It is located at Surrey Hill just a short walk or bicycle ride from downtown.
Those of us who went to see the butterflies walked through the 'conservatory' surrounded by beautiful free-flying butterflies.
To discover what a 'conservatory' is, click here!
At any given time they have around 75-100 different kinds of butterflies from all over the world.
Surrey Hill is a beautiful lawn area next to lots of shopping, a food court, the Grand Hotel Carriage Stable and Carriage Museum, a blacksmith shop, and an outdoor 'paddock.' Many people appreciate the pleasant surroundings at Surrey Hill. They spend the afternoons watching the horses in the paddock while enjoying a picnic under the birch trees!
What is a 'paddock,' you ask. Click here to find out!
Minister Marie Hulett is the 'curator' and manager of Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory --- one of two butterfly conservatories on Mackinac Island. In addition to running the Wings of Mackinac, she also performs wedding ceremonies all over Mackinac Island!
Click here to find out what a 'curator' is.

Did You Know?

While Marie Hulett was visiting her grandmother in Michigan, she met a friend who told her about Mackinac Island. Marie was curious, so she visited for what was supposed to be a single summer on the island, but she decided to stay. And, that was 38 years ago!

The difference between Butterflies and Moths

Butterflies

A butterfly has clubbed or hooked 'antennae.' They are usually active during the day; although some are active at dawn or dusk when it's cooler. Most butterflies are brightly colored and their bodies are usually smooth and slender. Their wings do not hook together.
So, what is an 'antennae' anyway? Let's click here to find out!
Also, when butterflies relax in the sun, their wings are outstretched, but when they are at rest in the evening, their wings are 'vertical' over their body.

Moths

A moth's antennae is feathery and most moths are brownish and dull. Their bodies are thicker and furry looking and their wings hook together. Most moths are active at night. 

WINGS OF MACKINAC GIFT SHOP

We stopped in the Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory Gift Shop for a few minutes. It was full of nature-oriented gifts, children’s crafts, travel toys, educational items, books, cards, posters, 'mobiles,' clothing, jewelry, beautiful stained glass, and butterfly gifts.
Do you know what a 'mobile' is? You do? AWESOME! To test your knowledge, click here to see if you are right!

Forge a Memory

The rest of our group went to the Forge A Memory blacksmith shop next door to the butterfly conservatory.

Owner, Chad Osborne

Chad Osborne has been a 'farrier' for 28 years. There are four 'generations' of blacksmiths in his family. Chad has enjoyed making weapons since childhood and made his first sword when he was ten. During his teen years, Chad studied martial arts, leading to an interest in Asian weapons. He received his Farrier certification from the Michigan School of Horseshoeing in 1995 and went on to teach at the school until 1998. Over the years, Chad continued to fine-tune his skills in blacksmithing and received his journeyman blacksmith certification from Phoenix State University. He continues to improve his blacksmithing skills by attending conferences and competing in yearly competitions.
What on earth is a 'farrier,' you ask. Well, that's a darn good question! Let's click here and find out all about it!
Click here to find out more about family 'generations.'

Did You Know?

From Apprentice - to Journeyman - to master

In the old days, the path to becoming a master in a trade like blacksmithing took years --- even 'decades!' First, they would start as an apprentice training under a master. Then when the apprentice was skilled enough, they would move on to become a journeyman. As a journeyman, they would travel, work their trade, improve their skills, and learn from other masters. When the journeyman could prove themselves to be a master in the eyes of other masters, they finally became a master themselves.
Click here to see what a 'decade' is.
During the fall and winter, Chad lives in north Milan, Michigan, creating custom-made items and teaching blacksmithing classes. He lives in Mackinaw City during the spring and summer months. He owns businesses on Mackinac Island and Mackinaw City, helping customers 'forge' a knife or trinket with his guidance. He is also a merit badge counselor for the Boy Scouts of America and gives out badges for Metalwork, Leather Working, and Welding.
What does it mean to 'forge' something? Click here and see!
His son Braden has learned how to forge specialty items and trinkets. Susan, his wife and cancer survivor, forges items to donate to a charity organization that supports breast cancer awareness and research.
Chad helped our group make Horseshoe Hearts!
They are going to make the BEST souvenirs to take home with us!

Cemeteries on Mackinac Island

ST. ANNE'S CEMETERY

We return to our horse-drawn carriages and take a peaceful ride around St. Anne's and Post Cemeteries. From there, the plan is to go to Point Lookout afterward.
As our carriages take us around the 'perimeter' of the 2-acre cemetery --- Todd & Carol tell us more about the history of Mackinac Island and about the people who are buried at St. Anne's.
Do you remember what a 'perimeter' is? Click here if you're not sure.
In 1850, the original Mackinac Island cemetery was located next to St. Anne's Catholic Church on Main Street in downtown. When the Main Street area became overdeveloped, it was decided to move the cemetery further inland. As a result, St. Anne’s Cemetery was created, and the graves were moved to the new location.
An interesting side note is that during the creation of the entrance gate, the architect asked for the exact measurements of the horse-drawn hearse. The gate was built at the precise height of the hearse, NOT CONSIDERING that there would be a driver sitting on it. As a result, the road in the picture above goes around the gate instead of through it.
One of the oldest headstones in the St. Anne's Cemetery is for Mary Biddle (The left gravestone in the above photo. She is laid to rest next to her two sisters, Sophia and Sarah). Mary was just eight years old when she died. She fell through the ice while traveling between Mackinac Island and St. Ignace in 1833 with her parents.
How sad, huh? Poor little Mary.

Did You Know?

And, in case you are wondering, to be laid to rest in St. Anne's Cemetery, you must have been born on the island, been a resident, or have owned a business on the island for more than 15 years.

Post Cemetery

Located on Garrison Road, just across the street from St. Ann's Cemetery, is Post Cemetery. It is the final resting place for Fort Mackinac soldiers, their families, and local officials. It was used from the War of 1812 to about 1900 --- when Fort Mackinac was abandoned. The cemetery holds both British and American Soldiers, having 108 graves, with only 39 of those identified. The US Congress granted $1,000 to Mackinac Island State Park Commission, and the cemetery was landscaped, and the white picket fence & arched entrance sign were added in 1906 - 1907.
A cannon from Fort Sumter, South Carolina, was mounted on a field carriage and placed near the center of the cemetery. The 'turnstile' at the front gate was added to keep cows out of the cemetery. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs currently maintains it.
What do you suppose a 'turnstile' is? Well, let's click here and find out!
The Post Cemetery flag continually flies at half-mast. It is one of four National Cemeteries with this honor. During the summer months, various Scout troops working on the Island raise and lower the flag here.
For over 20 years, costumed Interpreters have led civilians from Fort Mackinac to the Post Cemetery for a Memorial Day Observance ceremony. They do exactly what the soldiers they represent did 130–140 years ago when Captain Edwin Sellers of Fort Mackinac held the first ceremony in 1883. It’s a way for our soldiers today to pay tribute to those soldiers in the past who died while in service at Fort Mackinac and are buried on the island at the Post Cemetery.
Major Edwin Elias Sellers was born on March 03, 1840. He became a second lieutenant in October 1861 during the Civil War. He fought in many battles, including Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Gettysburg, and received three 'brevet' promotions for his bravery and tireless service during the war. He took command of Fort Mackinac in 1879 and lived with his wife, Olive, and four sons in the commanding officer’s house west of the fort.
While Major Edwin Sellers established 'Decoration Day' (Now known as 'Memorial Day') at Fort Mackinac in 1883, it was, unfortunately, the only one he lived to see. One year later, he came down with a sudden case of pneumonia and died --- at age 44 --- on April 08, 1884. Everyone on the island went to his funeral at Fort Mackinac, and he was laid to rest at the Post Cemetery under the shade of the maple trees to the sound of a single bugle playing Taps.
Click here to find out what a 'brevet' promotion is.
Taps - a haunting 'bugle' call
Click here to find out what a 'bugle' is.
Click here to listen to 'Taps' being played and find out how the bugle call came to be in this 6 minute, 50 second video.
In late May, members of the 23rd Regiment at Fort Mackinac gather on the parade ground in their dress uniforms. Costumed interpreters --- who portray the soldier's family members --- follow the soldiers on the slow, 'somber' march from Fort Mackinac to the Post Cemetery. Civilians join the 'procession' as they walk to the Memorial Day Observance ceremony.
What does 'somber' mean. Let's click here and see.
What is a 'procession?' Let's find out! Click here.
Mackinac State Historic Parks Director, Steve Brisson, speaks at the ceremony while interpreters lay a wreath on Captain Edwin Sellers’ grave.
Afterward, soldiers fired their rifles in a salute to the fallen soldiers, followed by Taps,
At the end of the ceremony, the procession marches back to Fort Mackinac.

Point Lookout

After going around the cemeteries and listening to the history and about the people buried there, we went to Point Lookout to see the view. Point Lookout is one of the higher points on Mackinac Island and provides a spectacular view of the Sugar Loaf rock formation surrounded by trees and miles and miles of gorgeous blue water of Lake Huron.
From Point Lookout, Todd & Carol take us down the hill where we take a quick bathroom break and stop off to see Fort Holmes.

Fort Holmes

Built in 1814 by the British, Fort Holmes was called Fort George after King George III of Britain. It sits on top of the highest point on the island and protected the British against an attack by the American troops during the War of 1812. The fort was attacked during that summer but wasn't captured. It wasn't until the following year when U.S. armed forces reoccupied the island and took 'possession' of the fort, renaming it Fort Holmes in honor of Major Andrew Holmes, who died in battle on the island.
What does it mean to take 'possession' of something. Click here to find out.
Click here to find out more about what a 'Blockhouse' is.
Click here to find out more about what a 'stockade' is.
What is a 'Bulwark?' That's a good question. Let's click here to find out!
Fort Holmes was mostly dirt walls and a wooden front gate for many years. In 2015, a BIG 'restoration' effort returned the fort back to the way it looked in 1817. This marked the second time the fort had been rebuilt, as it was previously restored in 1936.
Click here to see what 'restoration' means.
Visitors find signs with historical information on them inside the newly remodeled fort. The historical photographs show what a great job was done in restoring the fort to its wartime appearance.
Click here to see a quick 1:48 minute video about Fort Holms by Tom Daldin, host of Under the Radar Michigan.
We get back into our carriages and head down to Fort Mackinac. On the way there, we pass by the Scout Barracks, and Todd & Carol tell us about the Governor's Honor Guard that stays there every summer.

The Scout Barracks

President Gerald Ford was part of the Eagle Scouts that served as the FIRST Governor’s Honor Guard on the island over 75 years ago. Today, Scouts carry on that tradition by raising and lowering 22 flags at Fort Mackinac, the Visitor’s Center downtown, the Fort Cemetery, and several other historic buildings on the island. Tourists often stop and watch Scouts start and end the day by raising and lowering the fort’s flags.
The Scout Barracks Historical Marker
On Wednesday, May 22, 2013 --- thirty-eight years after his last visit --- the 38th President of the United States, President Gerald Ford, returned to Mackinac Island for the 'unveiling' of an eleven-foot tall and 8-foot wide bronze sculpture made in his honor. The “Our President” statue was designed by Thomas Moran of Moran Iron Works in Onaway, Michigan. It took a large crane to take it from the ferry to the Scout Barracks for the 2013 summer season.
Gerald R. Ford (1913 – 2006) is the only Michigan-born citizen to serve as president of the United States. He is remembered as a kind and gentle man who accepted responsibility and led our country through a challenging time with dignity and character. The goal of the artist was to create a sculpture that honors President Ford’s memory.
Artist Thomas J. Moran is a welder by trade. He has no formal training in art or sculpture, just a driving passion for creativity. He works with steel and occasionally incorporates copper and stainless steel into his work. Tom shares his metal creations by donating most of his sculptures to non-profit organizations, museums, and educational facilities. Tom started his own welding business after high school graduation in 1978. He now owns two metal fabricating facilities and employs over 100 people.
The Governor’s Honor Guard has been serving Mackinac Island since 1929. Each summer, a few Michigan Boy & Girl Scouts are chosen to be part of the honor guard. The opportunity includes a week in June, participating in service projects, sightseeing, and exploring. During the day, they serve as 'Goodwill Ambassadors' for visitors, assist the support staff in downtown buildings and historical sites like Fort Mackinac., and raise and lower the flags.
Do you wonder what a "Goodwill Ambassador' is? Click here and see.

Did You Know?

The Garrison Flag

During the War of 1812, the people of Baltimore believed that the British would attack the city at any time. They spent months preparing for it. Fort McHenry’s commanding officer, Major George Armistead, wanted a large flag so big the British could see it from a faraway distance. The Garrison Flag had stripes two feet wide and stars 24 inches from point to point. At that time, adding one star & stripe for each new state joining the Union was the practice. In 1814, the United States flag had 15 stars and 15 stripes.
In the summer of 1813, Armistead ordered a 30-foot by 42-foot garrison flag. The job went to a 37-year-old widow, Mary Pickersgill, who was a ship and signal flag maker. She worked on it for seven weeks, with help from the other women in her family, to make the flag. They pieced together strips of loosely woven English wool, then laid the whole flag out on the 'spacious' floor of a brewery near her house, which is now the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House Museum. Mary Pickersgill's flag was finished on August 19, 1813.
What does 'spacious' mean. Click here and find out!
On September 14, 1814, U.S. soldiers at Baltimore’s Fort McHenry raised a huge American flag to celebrate a victory over British forces during the War of 1812. The sight of those “broad stripes and bright stars” inspired Francis Scott Key to write a song that eventually became the United States National Anthem. Francis Key’s words gave new meaning to a national symbol and started a tradition for generations of Americans.

The Star 'Spangled' Banner

Have you ever wondered what a banner (or flag) 'spangled' with stars was? Click here to discover more about that.?
If you would like to hear our National Anthem --- The Star-Spangled Banner --- click here.
Today the Garrison Flag is displayed in the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.
It takes 16 Governor's Honor Guards to FOLD the Garrison Flag!

Fort Mackinac

Fort Mackinac was built during the American Revolutionary War in 1780 by the British Army under the direction of Patrick Sinclair. It sits on a 'limestone bluff' 150 feet above Mackinac Island Harbor, overlooking the island’s downtown and the waters of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. Its sweeping views made it an important 'outpost' for the British and United States armies for 115 years.
What are limestone bluffs? First, let's see what 'limestone' is. Click here.
Second, let's see what a bluff is. Click here.
What is an 'outpost' you ask. Click here and see!
Click here to watch a rifle and canon demonstration at Fort Mackinac.
Next stop: Fort Mackinac!
Founded in 1870, Fort Mackinac protected Mackinac Island from unfriendly visitors and served as a home for soldiers and their families. In the 1890s, Fort Mackinac was 'decommissioned' and in 1895, it was handed over to the State of Michigan and became Michigan’s FIRST State Park! It is now open to tour 14 historic buildings with informative exhibits and interesting weaponry.
What does it mean to 'decommission' something? Let's click here and find out!
All fourteen buildings in the fort are restored and open to the public. They are furnished with furniture from the 1770s, highlighting the building’s particular function or a specific themed exhibit. Special exhibits include:
MACKINAC, AN ISLAND FAMOUS IN THESE REGIONS --- on the second floor of the Soldier’s’ Barracks --- presents the full history of Mackinac Island.
MILITARY MEDICINE AT MACKINAC: 1780-1895 --- in the Post Hospital --- which explores medical care at the fort and the medical practices of the time.
The Kids’ Quarters --- located inside the Officers’ Stone Quarters --- feature hands-on displays and interactive games like a dress-up corner where kids can dress up like soldiers and their families; they can pull a cord to fire a cannon, practice 'Morse code,' and learn how to carry a rifle!

Did You Know?

'Morse code' is a form of communication developed by Samuel F.B. Morse that uses a series of dots and dashes to relay coded messages.
The Post Guardhouse explores military justice in the 1800s with actual cases tried at the fort.
North Blockhouse takes visitors back in time to the War of 1812 to experience what it was like when the British captured Fort Mackinac on July 17, 1812.
What was once called the Post Schoolhouse is now the Reading Room. Here visitors can explore popular books from the 1880s, read a newspaper or magazine from that time period, and get a better understanding of what it was like to be a soldier in the 1880s and why the U.S. Army felt it was a good idea to have reading rooms within its forts.
This is a 'bird's-eye view' of Fort Mackinac.
Do you remember the saying 'bird's eye view?' Click here to test your memory.
After exploring the 14 historic structures --- featuring exhibits explaining everything from military training, medical treatments, and family life within the fort, and watching costumed interpreters demonstrate things like rifle and cannon firing, we were ready for lunch!
Click here to see a brief 1:16 minute video about Fort Mackinac.

Lunch

Fort Mackinac Tea Room

The Fort Mackinac Tea Room is a bluff-side bistro set among the history and tradition of Fort Mackinac. The tea room is under the Grand Hotel's management and not only serves up the best views of Mackinac Harbor on the Island, but it also offers a light & simple menu of well-known American cuisine.
The SPECTACULAR VIEW from the Fort Mackinac Tea Room.
The Fort Mackinac Tea Room MENU
Hmmm. What should I have? I think I'll get the Smoked Chicken Sandwich with a side of fruit. What are you guys having?
Madison surprised us all with a world-famous Grand Hotel Pecan Ball!

Did You Know?

The Grand Hotel's delicious dessert is really easy to make. It starts off with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream from the Hudsonville Creamery. Then it's rolled in pecans and set in a bowl of rich, creamy fudge!
Click here to see a quick 47 second video of Pastry chef Donna Louwers showing you how easy it is to make a Grand Hotel Pecan Ball!
Ask any ice cream lover what the 'benchmark' flavor of great ice cream is, and without hesitating, they will say VANILLA! This is the flavor that launched all the other flavors from a recipe that dates back to when Hudsonville Creamery first started making ice cream in 1926. Their secret is using fresh cream from the farm just up the street, the best blend of sugars, and other high-quality ingredients. One taste, and you'll appreciate how their vanilla ice cream makes all of their other flavors taste that much better.
So, what does 'benchmark' mean? Let's look it up and find out. Click here.

Did You Know?

More than 60,000 Grand Pecan Balls --- the Hotel’s most popular dessert --- are served each season at the Grand Hotel.
After relaxing with an amazing view and a wonderful lunch, we get back in our carriages and take a quick ride to the Governor's Summer Residence.

The Governor's Summer Residence

The historic three-story home near Fort Mackinac was one of the first cottages built on state parkland on a bluff overlooking the Straits of Mackinac around the beginning of the 1900s. Patrick Doud, the great-uncle of longtime Mackinac Island Mayor Margaret M. Doud, built the cottage. But it wasn’t built as a second home for the governor. In 1902 --- when it was built --- it was a private cottage for the family of Lawrence A. Young, a 'prominent' Chicago lawyer.
What does it mean to be a 'prominent' person? Click here and see!
The Young family kept the cottage until the 1920s, when it was purchased by a wealthy Detroit-area family. Then, in 1944, the state park commission bought it for $15,000 –-- or about $218,000 in today’s dollars. --- and renovated the cottage. The commission has maintained the home ever since.
It has been more than 75 years since the Mackinac Island State Park Commission bought what became the Michigan Governor’s Summer Residence. It has 11 bedrooms, nine-and-a-half baths, more than 7,000 square feet, and a porch with stunning views of the Jewel Golf Course, the Grand Hotel, Mackinac Bridge, and the Mackinac Island harbor far below.
The Governor’s Summer Residence is open for free public tours through the summer. About 4,500 people from around the country tour the residence each year, guided by knowledgeable docents who share interesting facts about the home’s furnishings and the people who have stayed there. Guests include Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, Gerald R. Ford, John F. Kennedy, and Harry Truman.
Tim --- our Tapooz Travel Guide Leader --- gathers us together in an area of the porch that extends out beyond the house so he could talk to us about what we were going to see next.

The Lilac Festival

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival! It's one of the most popular yearly events on Mackinac Island. It runs for ten days in the month of June. The festival started when Evangeline Horn and Stella King --- who were full-time Mackinac Island residents --- came up with the idea of having a Mackinac Island Lilac Day on June 20, 1948. It was so popular the following year that Mackinac Island Lilac Day turned into a 'full-fledged' festival with a QUEEN and everything!
What does 'full-fledged' mean? Click here and see!
From June 9th to the 18th there are many great events scheduled like a 'coronation' for the Lilac Queen, official poster reveal, 10K Run/Walk, lilac walking tours, lilac planting seminars, bounce houses, Michigan Cornhole tournament, live music, and the Grand Parade!
What is a 'coronation,' you ask? Click here and see!
Lilac trees didn't always grow on Mackinac Island. They were brought to the island from other places and then planted here. But the growing conditions are PERFECT here to grow them, and as a result, it's home to some of the largest, most 'fragrant' lilac trees in the world!
What does 'fragrant' mean? Click here and see!

Lilacs on Mackinac Island

With the building of more homes on Mackinac in the late 1800s, came the planting of more lilacs. Then, following World War II --- in 1949 --- the annual Lilac Festival was created to attract more visitors. Mackinac residents, businesses and the state park all played an important role in planting lilacs across the island.
Mackinac Island has the most ideal climate for growing lilacs, which became a popular pastime around the country in the 'Victorian era.' During the planting craze, it was discovered that this blooming shrubs flourished in the cool, moist conditions of the island and many of those original plantings still survive to this day!
Click here to find out when the 'Victorian era' was and why it was called that.
In fact, you will find some specimens in and around the city that are over 150 years old like this one which is taller than the two-story cottage!
Lilacs starts to bloom from mid to late May and early June. These flowers stay in bloom for about two weeks. However, there are early, mid, and late-blooming varieties, which extends the bloom viewing window to 6 weeks!

Did You Know?

Lilacs mostly grow into bushes but there are also some lilac trees too!
In fact, there are more than 1,000 different kinds of lilacs out there!
Each lilac color Has its own meaning: Magenta lilacs symbolize love and passion. Purple lilacs symbolize spirituality. Blue lilacs symbolize happiness and tranquility. White lilacs represent purity and innocence.
The most rare color lilac is yellow and does not have any symbolic meaning.
The purple lilacs have the strongest scent compared to other colors.

History of Lilacs on Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island’s lilacs are much older than the festival that celebrates them, however, they are not originally from this region. In fact, lilacs are not native anywhere in the 'western hemisphere!'
Click here to see a really interesting video that explains what the Western Hemisphere is.
The earliest written documentation of lilacs on the island comes from a journal Henry David Thoreau kept during his visit to Mackinac in 1861. Thoreau had written a notation about Mackinac Island lilacs above a line he had written about the apple trees.
When European immigrants came to New England, they brought lilacs with them, planting the flowers near their farms for good luck. With the discovery of Thoreau’s journal entry, the theory holds that 19th-century immigrants, like a New Hampshire man by the name of Gurdon Hubbard, brought the first lilacs to Mackinac.
When Gurdon Hubbard established his farm on the west side of Mackinac Island, he continued the tradition by planting lilacs for luck. Some of the lilac stems near the Hubbard farm --- Now, developed into cottages known as Hubbard’s Annex --- are offspring of stems that are around 100 years old, and they are about a 'century' old themselves! Which means that lilacs were brought to Mackinac Island about 200 years ago. There are not too many lilac stems older or larger in all of the U.S. and Canada, than the ones on Mackinac Island!
Click here to see what a 'century' is!
Lilac Cottage --- Built in 1870 by a Chicago businessman and fur trader, Gurdon Hubbard, has had an extensive renovation that began in 2019 and completed in the summer of 2021.
To see photos of the Lilac Cottages new 'interiors,' designed by Serba Interiors,, click here.
What is an 'interior?' Click here and see!

Dinner

The Gate House

We've had a full day of exploring and are ready to call it a day. Todd & Carol stop our carriages in front of the Gate House --- a restaurant owned by the Grand Hotel located just down the street from the hotel.
They have a nice patio area, but it was getting chilly, so we decided to eat inside the restaurant.
We were so happy we did too! There was a nice fire going, and we were able to get tables right next to it!
Everyone at the Gate House is super friendly. Especially the man behind the bar, Jesse Bader! He introduced himself, asked our names (which he REMEMBERED throughout the evening --- I still don't know HOW he did THAT!), wanted to know where we were from, about our trip, what we'd seen so far, and what our favorite places were!
Jesse Bader tells us all about Gate House in this 3:34 minute video --- Click here!
In less than 5 minutes, we felt like old friends!
As a Bartender-Extraordinaire, Jesse was known for making the BEST MOCKTAILS on the island. He offered to make us any kind we could think of so, I asked for a Pina Colada. It was just like a fancy coconut/pineapple slushie - without alcohol. DEE-LISH!
What is a 'Mocktail?' Click here to find out!
The menu was full of great choices.
I mean REALLY GREAT choices!
I'm going with a fried chicken sandwich with avocado, bacon, and smoked 'gouda' on a pretzel bun, how about you?
Click here to find out what 'gouda' is.
It was starting to get dark when we said 'Goodbye' to Jesse and got into our carriages.
The Grand Hotel was just up the street. So we didn't have to go far.
Tomorrow we still have more things to see and do, but right now, we just want to sleep!

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We hope you enjoyed the second installment of our Virtual Mackinac Island Adventure! See you soon for our third installment in the upcoming issue of the DISABILI-TEA Newsletter!

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