Living in the Pinky, an introduction

I was born at Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital in Frankfort, Michigan. I attended Benzie Central schools from kindergarten through graduation. Learned how to swim at Crystal Lake and the mouth of the Platte River. I went to church at Grace Bible, Blaine Christian Church, and Frankfort Wesleyan Church. Lots has changed over the years, but I still love my home.

There is much about Benzie County to love. All the rivers and lakes, for one thing, The views, for another. Cresting archway hill into Frankfort. Stratton Hill. The overlook on M 22 just above Arcadia. The view from Eden Hill.

How about the history? The Catton books about the Civil War. Archibald Jones and the draining of Crystal Lake. Trains, lumbering, ghost towns, mysteries. The rumors of Al Capone and others who summered here, and those who fought prohibition and earned a living the hard way.

The people catch my interest the most.

My southern relatives in Beulah, MI 1965

What used to be familiar stories are fading away with time. What about the old soldiers who used to stand at attention as straight as their backs would allow on memorial day, saluting and soberly hearing Taps play once again, after hearing it too many times before. What war did they fight in those uniforms?

The foundation of Benzonia was the college, and all that remains of that is Mills Community House. What about the students, the instructors?

What part did Benzie County play in the wars? This was the national soaring and hang gliding capital, but there was much more than that at wartime. How about signal hill? The car ferries, the Lake Michigan coast?

Here is where I want to dig deeper, find the stories that aren't getting told enough anymore, and remember those who are gone, who we still miss, and to whom we owe much.

As well as our history, I also want to remember old times, how we played and shenanigans we were involved in. First jobs, first cars, movies we remember seeing at the drive in, the Garden, or the Crystal Theater. Some may even remember watching movies outdoors behind Hoadley's store, now the Wesco at US 31 and Hoadley Road intersection.

I would love to put of photos and memorabilia. Keepsakes and treasures that were kept for a reason, faded though they bee, they are worth remembering again.

If you are from Benzie County or nearby, or have family or friends here, please share your memories. If you are interested in being interviewed (a fancy word for telling stories), please email me at LinMartin02@gmail.com.