Unmarked Cemetery, 5340 West River Dr, Comstock Park MI

A cemetery is broadly defined as a burial ground so this little space, although unmarked, qualifies. I pass by the small, wrought iron fenced-in area every week while volunteering at Feeding America West Michigan, which is about a mile down the street. A little internet searching gave me some of this information, which is conflicting and incomplete but here's what I found.

The Michael Smith family acquired the property from the government sometime between 1838-1850. Michael died around 1863 and his wife Ellen sold/gave the property to their son, Hiram, who was probably already living here. Ellen died around 1868 and was buried here with Michael.

Sadly, two of Hiram's children (Ellen & Hiram) both died young and are buried here with their grandparents. FindAGrave lists the four of them as follows:

Michael, died 1863

Ellen, died 1868

Ellen, 1862-1867

Hiram 1868-1872

Hiram sold the property in 1874 with an exclusion clause of this burial site; it would always remain separate from all future sales of the acreage.

It's located off a parking lot belonging to  DJ's Landscape Management Company; the closest google maps address is 5340 West River Dr. So check it out and pay your respects to the Smith family and this little piece of history in Comstock Park. 

The Mushroom Houses ~ Charlevoix, Michigan

If you've ever been to Charlevoix, you've probably seen some of these houses. Earl Young (1889-1975) designed and built these unique homes from 1918 into the 1950s. He wanted to design structures that fit into the landscape so they appear to be natural extensions of the land. The buildings are also known as "Gnome" or "Hobbit" houses.

The homes are made from various kinds of stones and boulders with cedar shake roofs.

 We didn't see them all but here are the ones we did find and photograph 😊

The fantastic stonework and low, undulating roof lines make each of these homes one of a kind, and each is beautifully placed onto the land. Take a tour, rent one for vacation, or enjoy a walk/drive around to see them while enjoying a visit to Charlevoix. And don't miss the lighthouse!

Huron Lightship, 1115 Sixth St, Port Huron MI

There are only 13-15 lightships still remaining in the U.S. and this one in Port Huron is still fully functional, although moored. It was built in 1920, commissioned in 1921, and retired from the Coast Guard in 1970. The ship was the last operating lightship on the Great Lakes. It was subsequently presented to the city of Port Huron and is currently open as a museum. Here are two old photos from the internet:

It's a fascinating little vessel, just 97 feet long and it held a crew of eleven. It wasn't built for speed or luxury. It had only to float in a spot that was dangerous for other ships.

There are docents on board who will talk your ear off but are truly full of all kinds of information. Thankfully, one is free to tour around on one's own. Here are some photos from the interior.

Even a Lightship had a brig.

In 1958, Robert Gullickson lost his life attempting to deliver mail and paychecks to The Huron from another ship. His small boat was swamped and his body was never found.

There are a few of these ships turned into museums around the country and Michigan is fortunate to have The Huron here as a living piece of history.