Finding Aid of Peninsula Historic Sites and Church records

Dublin Core

Title

Finding Aid of Peninsula Historic Sites and Church records

Subject

Traverse City, MI

Description

Finding Aid of the Peninsula Historic Sites and Church record. Collection is part of the holdings of the Peninsula Community Library.

Creator

Amy Barritt; Mary Morgan

Source

Local History Collections, Peninsula Community Library, Traverse City, MI

Publisher

Peninsula Community Library

Date

2024

Contributor

Peninsula Community Library staff

Rights

This document is protected by copyright law. Contact the Peninsula Community Library for permission to reproduce, display, or transmit this document.

Relation

Peninsula Historic Sites and Church records

Format

PDF

Language

English

Identifier

LHC007pcl-findingaid.pdf

Coverage

Peninsula Township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan

PDF Text

Text

LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTIONS
PENINSULA COMMUNITY LIBRARY
2893 Island View Road Traverse City, MI 49686

Creator: Peninsula Township residents, Government, and 501c3 organizations
Title: Peninsula Historic Sites and Church records
Inclusive dates: 1820-2022
Bulk dates: 1860-1997
Extent: 8.5 linear feet
Call number: LHC 007 Pcl

Language: Material is in English
Acquisition: Anonymous donation.
Accruals: Periodic additions to the collection are expected.
Access: The collection is open without restriction.
Photographs: Volume 4, Volume 5, Box 1,Box 2, Box 4, Box 5, Box 7, Drawer 2 (Folder 2)
A-V Material: None.
Digital Material: https://localhistory.tadl.org/collections/show/37
Copyright: Copyright is held by the Peninsula Community Library.
Copyright for oral histories held by creators.
Processed By: Amy Barritt 2013, 2014, 2017, Mary Morgan 2020, 2021, Ted Arnold/Mary Morgan 2022, Mary Morgan 2023, 2024


Abstract
The Peninsula Historic Sites and Church records include records created or collected by the Township government, Township residents, and members of 501c3 organizations, to formalize the history of the township’s Historic Sites and Churches and the people that have owned, worked, volunteered, or restored these sites. Series in the collection are: American Legion Post 399, Church Histories, Dougherty Historic Home Site, Hessler Log Cabin, Mission Log Church, Mission Point Lighthouse, Old Mission Peninsula Historical Society, Periodicals, Porter House, and Reports.

History
There are numerous historic sites located on the Peninsula that are owned by the Peninsula Township Government. These include:

The Mission Point Lighthouse - resurrected from 15 years of abandonment by a group of Peninsula residents who collected monies in 1948 to purchase and preserve it. Originally built in 1870. Today it is surrounded by five acres of wooded Township land (purchased after WWII) and hundreds of acres of State land, all with miles of trails.
The adjoining Hessler Log Cabin - a log home that was built in the 1854-1856 timeframe in the southern part of the Old Mission Peninsula by early settlers Mary and Joseph Hessler. It was conceived to be moved to the Lighthouse Park in 1992, and was actually moved, repaired and furnished during 1993-1997.
The Peter Dougherty House & Historic Site – named for Peter Dougherty, a Presbyterian missionary minister who arrived in 1839 to establish a church and school for the Native Americans who inhabited the area. This area became known as Old Mission. The site contained a church, schoolhouse, bark houses, and cabins, as well as a frame house that was built in 1842 by Native Americans to house Reverend Dougherty and his family. Built of hemlock, it was the first frame house in Northwest Lower Michigan north of Grand Rapids.
The Mission Church, which is a reproduction church, built in 1939 to commemorate the Centennial.

These government owned sites have been assisted in their preservation by 501(c)(3) volunteer supported organizations, including the Peter Dougherty Society, the Old Mission Peninsula Historical Society (founded in 1992 by a core group of citizens concerned about saving the Hessler Log House), and the Mission Point Lighthouse Friends (2014-2019).

Other privately owned historic locations include the Old Mission Inn (previously known as Hedden Hall and the Porter House), the Neahtawanta Inn, and the Old Mission General Store (previously known as Lardie’s Grocery).

The Peninsula also is home to numerous churches, including the St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Old Mission Peninsula United Methodist Church (formerly known as the Ogdensburg United Methodist Church). Both churches started out as much smaller country churches but are now housed in more modern structures in order to accommodate their growing congregations. Other churches include the Old Mission Congregational Church, the First Congregational Church, and the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse.


Scope and Content Note
American Legion Post 399 includes a digital talk about the history of the Legion Hall, located in Old Mission, on the corner of Swaney Road and Traverse Street. Originally built in 1898 as a clubhouse for the Knights of the Macabees. It was deeded in 1926 to Peninsula Township School District and used as a Community Building until 1962, at which time it passed into the hands of the American Legion. It was rebuilt in the 1990’s, due to a fire that burned down the original building.

Church Histories include the history published by concerned members of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church to record the history of the institution, and scattered records and photographs of the Ogdensburg United Methodist Church. Also documents associated with Old Mission Congregational Church. Digital talk on these churches, plus the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse and the now defunct Swedish Church, including physical photographs.

Dougherty Historic Home Site includes history about the Peter Dougherty homestead and mission site, as well as information about the Peter Dougherty Pier archaeological site. The Pier, which was located ½ mile south of what is today known as Haserot Beach, was built in the early 1840’s. It opened up trade with fur merchants from Mackinac, as well as provided a means for bringing in supplies that were given in exchange for furs provided by the Indians.

Hessler Log Cabin is a sequential collection of documents and photographs kept by Julianne Meyers, from the Old Mission Peninsula Historical Society (OMPHS). The information spans the timeframe from when the idea was conceived to move the cabin to the Lighthouse Park (1992) to the dedication ceremony of the Historical Marker on August 18, 2001. Includes upkeep duties of the Township vs OMPHS, history of the cabin and history of its restoration, as well as a list of donors and donations.

Mission Log Church deserves its own category due to its history and breadth of information. Initially, this log building, built by missionary Peter Dougherty, was located in Elk Rapids. The building was disassembled and rebuilt as a church in Old Mission, in the early 1840’s. At some point this original building was razed, and the replica church was rebuilt in 1939. A centennial celebration was held on June 30, 1939 to dedicate the replica and celebrate the 100th birthday of Old Mission.

Mission Point Lighthouse is a four-volume collection of compiled photocopied archival materials in January 2010. Compiled by the Old Mission Peninsula Historical Society, these volumes are comprised of photocopies of letters, documents, reports, logbooks, drawing and photographs, documenting the history of the Mission Point Lighthouse. The collection was developed from the holdings of several private comprehensive records of the Lighthouse that are accessible to researchers. The collection is primarily organized chronologically except for materials that appear in the fourth volume. The collection was donated by the Society to the Library to promote use of the collection by community members.

Old Mission Peninsula Historical Society (OMPHS) includes copies of their newsletters, early bylaws, and documentation on tentative Historical Policy and attempts to create a Historic District in the Village of Old Mission.

Periodicals is a scattered collection of periodicals that mention some aspect of Old Mission Peninsula life and Grand Traverse County. Most of these have been collected by the Peninsula Community Library staff and are locally published.

The Porter House was built in 1869 by George and Betsy Hedden and was originally known as Hedden Hall. This 31-room hotel was also home to the Old Mission Post Office from 1869-1889. Sold to Alfred and Ella Porter in 1902, it became known as The Porter House. The hotel welcomed passengers that arrived at the docks at Old Mission Harbor. Purported guests include Babe Ruth and Joe Louis, circa 1936. The Porters also ran the Old Mission Citizens Telephone Company at this location from 1906-1926. The hotel changed hands in 1945 (sold to Norman and Doris Nevinger) and it became known as The Old Mission Inn. In 1998 another set of owners, Bruce and Angie Jensen, purchased the Inn.

Reports include primarily published reports on various topics, including information about artifacts from shipwrecks near Old Mission.


Container No. Description

American Legion Post 399 [series]:

Digital “History of the Old Mission American Legion Hall Post 399” Talk
https://localhistory.tadl.org/items/show/27630

Box 1 “History of the Old Mission American Legion Hall Post 399” Talk - copy of Powerpoint presentation and source materials

Box 1 Rudolph, W. W. (2023, November 12). Old Mission History: Robert C. Tompkins, killed in USS Mount Hood explosion, honored at Old Mission Legion Hall - Old Mission Gazette. Old Mission Gazette. https://www.oldmission.net/2023/11/robert-c-tompkins-uss-mount-hood/

Church Histories [series]:

Box 1 Ogdensburg United Methodist Church (Note: Photographs ca. 1955; Cemetery Association records 20 May 1926-18 June 1928)

Box 1 “St. Joseph’s Catholic Church History, 1850-1996”, by Mary R. Lyon.

Box 1 “The Old Mission Cook Book, compiled by the Ladies’ Aid Society of the Congregational Church,” 1922. Contains one original cookbook and one reprint.

Box 1 “George Lamb Roberts, 1821-1905” by James G. Roberts, January 20, 1909. An accounting of Mr. Robert’s life. He was responsible for the building of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Mapleton, as well as Secretary of the Old Mission Farmer’s Club.

Box 1 Old Mission Congregational Church (includes copies of 1879 Constitution, 1885 Election of Trustees, 1890 mortgage, 1891 deed and abstract of title, deed, 1891 Trustees document, 1896 appointment of Calvin Hulbert as minister).

Digital “The Church Chronicles” Talk (Ogdensburg United Methodist Church/St. Joseph Catholic Church/Unitarian Universalist of Grand Traverse County/Swedish Church/Old Mission Congregational Church)
https://localhistory.tadl.org/items/show/27624

Box 5 “The Church Chronicles” Talk (Ogdensburg United Methodist Church/St. Joseph Catholic Church/Unitarian Universalist of Grand Traverse
County/Swedish Church/Old Mission Congregational Church) - copy of Powerpoint presentation

Box 5 Photographs of the Swedish Church, which was located off of Island View Road near Peninsula Drive. The 8 ½ x 11 photos are from the collection of Elsie Edmondson.

Dougherty Historic Home Site [series]:

Box 1 Dougherty Historic Home Site: The Mission House, by the Peter Dougherty Society, Printed slide presentation concerning the history of the Mission House, the Society’s restoration efforts, and donor information to restore the House, 2015

Box 1 Jaroh, Kristina, et.al. An Archaeological Survey of the Structure known as the Peter Dougherty Pier. Northwestern Michigan Archaeological Society, Nautical Archaeology Society, March 2015. (restricted use, not to be photocopied)

Box 1 Memories of the Dougherty-Rushmore Icehouse by Nancy Rushmore, born September 3, 1927 (typed copy of original letter)

Box 1 Peter Dougherty Society, by Bill Cole. An account of the formation of the non-profit 501(c) (3), its goals, mission and administration (6/2010)

Box 1 Background of the Dougherty Mission House, by Bill Cole, February 2019. Printed account of the significance of the house because of its role in the original settlement of the Grand Traverse region and its recorded history.

Box 1 Interpretation and Artifact Guide, Dougherty/Rushmore House, Old Mission, Michigan by Quinn Evans, Architects. A report presenting an approach to furnish and interpret the individuals rooms of the restored Dougherty/Rushmore House, January 2010.

Box 1 Dougherty/Rushmore, by Nancy Warne. A printed copy of a talk that Nancy gave to the Questor organization, whose mission is to educate by research and study of antiques and to donate funds to the preservation and restoration of memorials, historic buildings and landmarks, October 2018. (Items that are crossed out in this document were not included in her talk due to time limitations). Includes excerpts from Peter Dougherty’s diary, and information about the various owners of the house.

Box 1 History of the Dougherty House, by Bill Cole. A brief account, with high level dates, November 2019.

Box 1 Reconstruction of Dougherty House Timeline, 2006 – 2018, by Bill Cole. An overview, by year, of the restoration work completed by the Peter Dougherty Society, July 2020

Box 1 Minutes of the Old Mission and New Mission (Grove Hill)
Church, 1843-1871 (includes names of natives who were baptized and their Christian names)

Published Works [subseries]:

Box 1 The Michigan Historical Review, Volume 43, No. 1, by Central Michigan University, 2017. Contents include Mary Ann Heidemann, and Ted J. Ligibel. “Preserving and Interpreting a Shared Mission: Peter Dougherty, Chief Ahgosa, and Northern Michigan's Old Mission.” pp. 29–56.

Hessler Log Cabin [series]:

Box 4 Sequential photographs of the cabin’s move and restoration and
miscellaneous newspaper articles

Volume 6 Miscellaneous documents, minutes, drawings associated with saving the
cabin

Digital “Hessler Log Cabin” Talk (two videos showcasing the relocation and dedication of the Hessler Log Cabin. Includes photos of documents identifying a list of contributors and volunteers who contributed to the restoration and relocation of the cabin)
https://localhistory.tadl.org/items/show/30395

Mission Log Church [series]:

Box 6 Original drawings and descriptive materials from the Log Church display
that was undertaken as a Community Improvement Program by the Old Mission Women's Club, 1973/1974 and removed in 2023. Artwork by Victor and Patty Hogg (obituary of Patricia Hogg included in this box) and Dirk Gringhuis. The display was organized under the headings: Agriculture (6 dwgs), Early Settlers (4 dwgs), Indians (5 dwgs), and Schools (4 dwgs). A jump drive containing photos of the drawings is also included.

Box 6 Photos of “Village Life” in Old Mission (these were part of the 1973/1974
Volume 8 display). Includes photos of Old Mission school children from 1910,
Ferry boats, and methods of hauling fruit and snow plowing.

Drawer 2, Oversize drawings from the 1973/1974 display (2 of the 4 Early Settlers
Oversize drawings)
Folder 2

Box 5 Background information utilized in the making of the 1973/1974 display
includes:
- a report binder containing a detailed plan of the display’s organization and identification of the sponsor, architect, and artists (detailed plan attributed to Helen McCall), and
- a loose leaf folder of materials utilized in the creation of the descriptive materials (last owned by Amy Lyman)

Published Works [subseries]:

Box 5 “Glimpses at Old Mission’s Centennial Celebration”. Traverse
City Record-Eagle, 1 July, 1939. (Copy)

“History Turns Back for Early Settlers”. Unknown. (Copy).

“Program Ready for Centennial at Old Mission”. Unknown. (Copy)

“Mission Celebrates Its 100th Anniversary”. The Cherryland
Review: The News of Antrim, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties, 29 June, 1939. (Copy)

“Observe Old Mission Centennial Tomorrow: Rededicate Mission Chapel
on the Site Where Rev. Peter Daugherty Landed 100 Years Ago”. Unknown. 29 June, 1939 (Copy)

Drawer 2, “Mission Celebrates its 100th Anniversary: Centennial Celebration
Oversize to be Gala Event for Old Settlers”. The Cherryland
Folder 2 Review: The News of Antrim, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and
Leelanau Counties, 29 June, 1939. (Original)

Mission Point Lighthouse [series]:

Volume 1 1860-1900

Volume 2 1900-1930

Volume 3 1930-1940

Volume 4 Miscellaneous documents, logbooks, drawings and photographs

Drawer 2, Oversized photograph
Oversize
Folder 1

Box 1 Miscellaneous loose documents (“Light House Property Subscriptions,” the original list of persons who helped to purchase the lighthouse in 1948; a copy of Mission Point Lighthouse by Laura Johnson and Stefanie Staley; a copy of Michigan Lighthouses by John Penrod, 1993; a copy of An Archaeological Study of the Rise, Demise and Resurrection of Mission Point Lighthouse by Nancy Jaroh, 2015 (restricted use, not to be photocopied); Compact Disc of research conducted on the Lighthouse by Candice Clifford at the National Archives, Washington, D.C.)

Box 3 “Record of Passing Vessels”, original logbook kept by Jerome Pratt, the first lighthouse keeper of Mission Point Lighthouse, 1870-1876. Donated to PCL by the Old Mission Peninsula Historical Society on October 11, 2018. Originally donated to OMPHS by the Edward R. Bagley Trust in memory of Ted and Lucille Bagley.

Box 3 Binder that accompanies the “Record of Passing Vessels”. Its contents include an appraisal of the log book by Don Butkovich Antiques & Appraisals, PCL Archival Loan Agreement, Deed of Gift, Newspaper clippings and other documents from the Bagley Estate.

Old Mission Peninsula Historical Society (OMPHS) [series]:

Box 1 Echoes: Newsletter of the Old Mission Peninsula Historical Society, (September 2004; October 2005; March 2006; April 2007; November 2007; April 2008; November 2008;April 2009; November 2010; April 2011; Autumn 2012; Spring 2013; Fall 2013; Year End 2014; Sept. 2016 Spec Edition)

Box 1 Miscellaneous loose documents (early bylaws, tentative Historical Policy, proposal for a Historic District in the Village of Old Mission. Log Cabin Day “thank you” card, listing of OMPHS Presidents 1992 to 2021)

Volume 7 Meeting Minutes and Financial Reports (June 2012 - June 2022)


Periodicals [series]:

Box 1 Newspaper clippings, undated


Porter House [series]:

Box 2 Register of Hotel Guests, 1902 to 1907 (original)

Drawer 2, Register of Hotel Guests, 1908 to 1944 (Note: Photocopy of the original, Volume 5 which is on site at Old Mission Inn)

Box 2 Jensen, Tyler Scott. The History of the Old Mission Inn. May 2002.

Box 2 Photograph of the Porter House (date unknown)

Reports [series]:

Box 1 Jaroh, Nancy. Display Artifacts related to the Shipwrecks of A.J. Rogers and Metropolis: Scale Photos, Identification and Comparison Photos, donated by Donald and Connie Sargent. Northwestern Michigan Archaeological Society, Nautical Archaeology Society, December 2015. (restricted use, not to be photocopied)

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