This week’s column features Grand Island and what it looked like roughly 50 plus years ago. Pictured here is a group of us with the local historical society at Echo Lake exploring relics to be displayed here in Munising, with permission, of course. I believe the building does not exist anymore. These were early snowmobiles (mine was a 8-horsepower Ski-Doo) and I later went for the big guns, a 14-horsepower if I remember correctly. It wasn’t unusual for me to gather up the kids and take them on a day trip across Munising Bay to the island. My husband was usually working or on-call so I learned to manage this on my own, always having an extra spark plug and fan belt on hand. (Photo courtesy of Mary Jayne Hallifax)

I also captured a great photo of the hotel on Grand Island which was always a special place to visit in the summer. Definitely an evening to dress up. To the left of the hotel was the annex which later became a bar and eventually a private residence, if I remember correctly. Center front is one of the many cabins on the island in early years and similar to the one that was transported from the island and now resides at the historical society on Washington Street. We live in such a special place and so easy to take for granted. (Photo courtesy of Mary Jayne Hallifax)

What fun to have saved this 1959 rate schedule for the Grand Island Resort in Munising, boat transportation included! (Photo courtesy of Mary Jayne Hallifax)