Little Traverse Bay, Past and Present

Local Excursions

GR & I had constructed a cluster of buildings where visitors could watch Native American crafts being made (and then buy them), enjoy refreshments, swim, and spend time with “Indian guides” Hiawatha Pageant Railroad and steamship companies not only promoted travel but also endorsed selected local activities.To address visitors’ curiosity about Native Americans, the GR & I sponsored the Hiawatha Pageant atWa-Ya-Ga-Mug at nearby Round Lake.Trains took guests a few miles east of Petoskey to Round Lake, where the 14 Introduction Local Excursions (Courtesy of Little Traverse Historical Society} Libretto for the Hiawatha play, 1902. (Courtesy of Clarke Historical Library, Central Michigan University) Local Excursions 15 canoeing or fishing. But the real draw was the actual pageant, where Native Americans recited and acted out Longfellow’s poem Hiawatha to an audience of tourists seated on bleachers. Guests could even purchase a libretto containing the poem and photos of the actors taken by Grace Chandler Horn. (Courtesy of Little Traverse Historical Society} 16 Introduction (Author’s collection) Inland Route The railroads also transported tourists further east, to Crooked Lake, where they could explore beyond the LittleTraverse Bay region on what was known as the Inland Route. At Crooked Lake, participants boarded small steamships and could travel over forty miles north on winding rivers and across three different large inland lakes, ending up as far north as Cheboygan or Mackinac Island. Most did not go that full distance, opting instead for day trips down Local Excursions 17 Topinabee, Mullet Lake, ca. 1905. (Courtesy of Library of Congress) of the ease of transportation and natural beauty, enclaves such as Bay View,Wequetonsing, Roaring Brook, and Harbor Point sprang up around the bay. Briefly staying “day tourists” were joined by seasonal residents, who year after year returned to cottages in one of the associations or on the shore of one of the region’s many lakes and rivers.Those initial pioneers have been succeeded by new generations who continue to enjoy family traditions at the same locations. the Crooked River to Burt Lake and then down the Indian River to Mullet Lake, where they might have a meal before returning to Crooked Lake.Those wishing to extend their visits could stay at one of the resort hotels that dotted the lakes and rivers. The combined efforts of all of these forces changed the region forever. Not only did Petoskey and Harbor Springs grow, but because 18 Introduction Topinabee, loading passengers, Crooked Lake. (Courtesy of Little Traverse Historical Society) Local Excursions 19 Advertisement for the Inland Route. (Courtesy of Little Traverse Historical Society) 20 Introduction What would Hiram Rose think about Petoskey today?While the clothing, technology, and transportation methods are all new, there is much he would still recognize.The local economy still depends on tourism, and “million-dollar sunsets” are still enjoyed (most nights) by locals and tourists alike. Rose would also recognize many buildings and street scenes from his time, though they may have been altered or repurposed. Undoubtedly he would be pleased that his vision has been realized. Oden entering the Crooked River from Crooked Lake. (Courtesy of Little Traverse Historical Society) ...