Charlevoix Historical Society marks 50th anniversary

CHARLEVOIX — Over the course of 50 years, the Charlevoix Historical Society has become the touchstone for historical preservation in the Charlevoix community.

It has amassed a vast collection of historic photographs, with a collection that includes unique examples of paper photographic prints and negatives dating from the late 1870s to the present day. Among the museum's key holdings are a collection of 19th century glass plate negatives and prints produced by Charlevoix's first generation of professional photographers, the photographic archives of Bob Miles and of noted Charlevoix photojournalist Fran Martin, among other important collections. Preserving these photographs physically and digitally is a key objective and ongoing work of the society.

The Charlevoix Historical Society was originally founded in 1879 as a cultural organization for locals interested in history, and members continued meeting well into the early 1920s. Activities faded over time, until a group of forward-thinking individuals recognized that it was time that Charlevoix's own history needed to be protected and preserved. On May 18, 1972, the 'modern' Charlevoix Historical Society was incorporated, and the organization was recognized as a 501(c)(3) by the federal government in 1986.

The society is announcing a couple of events in May and June to mark the occasion and celebrate the accomplishments of the last 50 years, as well as showcase contributions to historic preservation in the City of Charlevoix. During this time, as a special promotion, new members to the society will be able to join for the 1972 rate of $2. To take advantage of this, simply stop by the museum and complete a membership form before June 30.

At 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18, society curator, historian and author David L. Miles will present a fully-illustrated program titled "The History of the Charlevoix Historical Society" at the Train Depot, 305 Chicago Ave.

The program will trace the beginnings of the society in 1879 through the first few decades, and then cover the motivation for reorganizing the society in the early 1970s.

"The early years were lean, but an energetic group of people managed to establish the society that we know today, and gain a foothold, especially once they had a place to call their own with the donation of the Harsha House in 1978," said society president Denise Fate.

Thanks to proceeds from the book "Bob Miles' Charlevoix," published in 1976, a museum annex was added to the society's Victorian-style headquarters house which was built in 1892. The house and the museum provided offices and exhibit space for the new society. Then, in 1992, business executive Robert Pew and his wife Mary donated the Train Depot to the society, which provided more space to have programs and exhibits. With both of these came much needed restoration as well, which was accomplished over a number of years, with the support of the community.

The society was also instrumental in saving the South Pier Light, and took on the responsibility to raise funds for its restoration and oversee the work, much of which occurred between 2005-2009. The society has continued to seek grants and oversee the maintenance of the lighthouse, in partnership with the city. The U.S. Coast Guard operates the lighthouse.

The public is welcome to attend the May 18 program at the Train Depot. Admission is free for members of the society, and donations are appreciated from non-members.

A special fundraising "Golden Jubilee" will be held at the Train Depot and Heritage Gardens at 4:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, June 16. Individual tickets are $50 per person, or '1879 sponsor' level tickets are $143 and admit two people. There will be experiential displays and live music, wine and hors d'oeuvres in the Heritage Garden. To order tickets, call the society at (231) 547-0373 or go to www.chxhistory.com. Support preservation of Charlevoix's history by attending the event, or making a donation.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Charlevoix Historical Society marks 50th anniversary