THE MEMORIAL TREE PROJECT CONTINUES

The northern end of Old Mission Peninsula on Center Road was once  lined with magnificent old maple trees some over 100 years until age, salt and disease took them down. The Memorial Tree Project started in September 1999 under the direction of Rebecca and Leo Nothstine. It has continued since with over 650 trees planted and nourished.

If you would like to participate in this project please use this form and mail it with your contribution.  Many are memorial trees dedicated to specific individuals. 
Photos contributed by Brian Brooks
PictureTrees Old and New


Tracking the Sleeping Bear​
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Tracking the Sleeping Bear is a lengthy essay that includes: 1) documented versions of the so-called “Legend of Sleeping Bear” from the 1890s until its heavy commercial popularization; 2) alternative legends relating to Sleeping Bear Dune and the Manitou Islands; 3) authentic Anishinaabe landscape origin stories from the vicinity of the upper Great Lakes; 4) historical accounts touching upon Sleeping Bear and the Manitous; 5) discussion of where the tracks lead. This is a difficult topic, because the popularity of the “Legend of Sleeping Bear” stems from its close resemblance to romantic “fakelore” (see also my essay on Fakelore and the Ethics of Children’s Literature) but the earliest documented versions, although not until the late nineteenth century, did come from within the Little Traverse Odawa community.


Link to Pearl Hill's Grocery store story from Jane Boursaw:
www.oldmission.net/2019/06/pearl-hills-grocery/

Founded in 1992 by a core group of citizens concerned about saving the Hessler Log House, the Old Mission Peninsula Historical Society continues to work toward fulfilling its mission of  preserving historical structures and keeping alive the history of the region.We joined Peninsula Township and the Dougherty Society to raise the money necessary to purchase, and renovate, the Peter Dougherty Mission and its fifteen acre site.  Dougherty founded the mission that gives the Old Mission Peninsula its name.  Now, fully renovated, the house and programs are open to the public.

The replica of the Log Church of the Dougherty mission near the Old Mission General Store has was renovated  in 2019 and new signage was added in 2022.

​Please explore our site, read our newsletters, and other material, and consider joining us.   We meet at 6:00 on the first Thursday, September through May, meeting is (6:00-7:00) at the Peninsula Public Library, Each meeting features a program on topics of local history.