July 17, 2025 | Issue #44 | Past issues

Superintendents’ lunch

Former Boyne City Public Schools board member Ken Schrader thought it would be fun to get all the superintendents he worked with in his 20 years as a board member together to reconnect - so they met for lunch Tuesday at the Boyne City Taproom. Those in attendance, from left, were Schrader, board member 2000-2020 when all were hired; Mark Eckhardt, former Char-Em ISD superintendent who helped hire all three superintendents; Bob Alger, superintendent from 2006 - 2010; Peter Moss, superintendent from 2010 - 2016; Pat Little, superintendent from 2016 to present. Former superintendent Jim Cooper couldn't attend at the last minute and “was sorely missed,” Schrader said.

Also inside this issue

Food Truck Rally coming to Veterans Park July 24
Stroll the Streets lineup for Friday night
Pride of Baltimore II tall ship returns July 25 -27
Five candidates expected to file for City Commission
Nathan Bates continues innovative school food program
Tractors to face off at Flywheelers show in Boyne Falls
Friends of Boyne River: “Fishermen didn’t cause instability"
Registration opens for State of Community Luncheon
Patrick McCleary history: the Boyne City Tabernacle
News briefs, Obituaries, and Municipal News
Thanks to the donors who keep the news coming!
Music and entertainment listings

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Five candidates expected to file by Tuesday City Commission petition deadline

By Jim Baumann, jim@boynecitizen.com

The deadline is 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, for Boyne City Commission candidates to turn in petitions to get on the ballot to fill three seats in the Nov. 4 election.

This process is somewhat of a rerun of the previously announced April 22 deadline that was overturned after Mayor Tim Nemecek had some of his signatures disqualified. He hired a law firm that appealed the decision and convinced the city to implement “the true legal deadline” of July 22. (Details on that decision in the May 16 edition of the Boyne Citizen.)

So it is expected that the same five candidates who filed petitions in April will probably file again. That would result in these choices: Nemecek and City Commissioner Marty Moody running for reelection, joined on the ballot by three women who turned in their candidate petitions in April - Bridget Foltz, Becky Houser, and Jennifer “Beano” Hampton.

City Clerk Treasurer Jessica reports that as of July 16, only Foltz and Houser had turned in petitions.

City Commissioner and Mayor Pro Tem George Lasater announced in February that he would not be seeking reelection when his term ends.

Official petition forms are available at City Hall for anyone interested in running. Here are the key steps for the nomination process:

Petitions must include no fewer than 20 and no more than 40 signatures of registered voters within the City of Boyne City.
Candidates must submit an Affidavit of Identity along with their petitions.
The filing deadline is Tuesday, July 22, at 4 p.m.

City Hall is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and staff are available to assist candidates with any questions they may have about the process. Find more information on running for City Commission, the nominating process, and more online - https://www.boynecity.gov/services/clerk/elections/index.php.

County buys new marine patrol boat; Getting to Beaver Island “can get nasty”

By Carole Shane, cjshane@charter.net

Charlevoix County Board of Commissioners Chair Scott Hankins quoted Charlevoix County Sheriff Chuck Vondra, who said “I need the boat. I hate to spend this money,” during discussion of the purchase of an additional marine patrol boat. The board voted unanimously to approve the purchase of a 26 foot, 2024 Robalo 266 Cayman at their July 9 meeting. The boat will be purchased from Dry Harbor Marina of Charlevoix at a cost of $166,432.

Undersheriff Nate Kominski explained the need for the purchase saying, “We have a county surrounded by water with the third largest inland lake in the state. We need to be able to get to Beaver Island in a timely manner. In a 22-foot boat, it can get nasty in a hurry.”

The county has used a 22-foot Boston Whaler for marine patrol for decades. That boat will remain in service when the 400-horsepower Robolo joins the fleet. The Sheriff’s Department did apply for a federal grant to help fund the purchase, however the application was denied.

Jamie McNabb, CEO of Networks Northwest presented the agency’s 2024 Impact Report. Founded in 1974, Networks Northwest facilitates and manages various programs and services for the 10 counties of Northwest Michigan. The three-tiered program (talent, business, community) is headquarters to more than 40 different programs, and pools administrative costs to enable more resources to flow directly to services.

Workforce development programs, provided through Northwest Michigan Works, support job seekers and prioritize services to military veterans. Local small businesses get help filling vacancies and growing their firms. The organization also supports local governments and economic development organizations with planning, grants and regional alignment.

In other business last week, the Board approved a resolution opposing a proposed change to the Department of Health and Human Services Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans.

Board members met the new Friend of the Court, Amber Athey. They also learned that interviews are taking place for the position of human resources coordinator following the resignation of Leah McGuire.

Nathan Bates serves up lunch year-round at Boyne Falls School.

Renaissance man Nathan Bates continues innovative Boyne Falls School food program

By Bob Wollenberg, wollenb31@hotmail.com

Nathan Bates is a Renaissance man. Definition: A person characterized by proficiency in a variety of fields, including languages, arts, sciences, and physical skills. A person with diverse talents and intellectual curiosity.

Nathan Bates has been the head of the award-winning and well-known Boyne Falls Public Schools culinary program for 12 years, providing education in the food service industry, along with offering healthy breakfast and lunch items for students and the local community each school day. This program also extends into the summer months. Bates oversees the school’s organic farm on site as well and participates in the Boyne City Farmers Market, presenting student-initiated organic entrees and soups.

He is also a professional musician playing his guitar and singing, mainly at Cafe Santé in downtown Boyne City. Bates teams up many evenings with fellow musician Scott Hall in their duo, “The Shifties.” They have been playing for 12 years.

I spent a recent Wednesday afternoon with Bates, along with the adult volunteers helping with the Boyne Falls Schools’ summer lunch program, which serves approximately 100 students. During the school year, that number goes up to 250. As lunch was served, the volunteers tended to students, helped serve meals, and took care of the cafeteria area so all would run smoothly.

It was 12:45 p.m., and the children and volunteer staff were just finishing up their lunch. They all filed out, looking full and satisfied. Bates immediately served me lunch from the plentiful cafeteria line. What was on the menu? Fresh salmon presented on top of linguini pasta with shredded parmesan, wild greens salad with vine ripened tomatoes and assorted vegetables, shaved sweet beets, a choice of six dressings, a side dish of roasted vegetables, a plate full of seasonal sweet black cherries, chilled water and milk.

Mighty impressive for a small school cafeteria in summer months, to say the least.

As a few staff stayed to put everything back in order, I was able to talk with them. This group included Boyne Falls elementary teacher Kathleen Powers, staff member Laurie Herrman, and Superintendent Cindy Pineda. The first thing I noticed was each one of them continually had a smile on their face. You could tell they loved helping. They stayed to talk to me about the school’s program and to sing the praises of Bates.

These were some of the people he was referring to when he said, “Certainly I didn’t build all of this. It took people in charge to be willing to take a chance, to make it all work, dollar-wise. In the public school realm almost all decisions are made with a dollar sign. They have to be. Taking chances on new or unusual programs can be a tricky endeavor, which is why outlier programs like ours are few.”

It seems staying within the norm is easier, less risky. Public money can be used in many different ways in a school system. Taking chances on something “different" with allocated money - doing something in a new way - is relatively rare. Boyne Falls Public School has moved past that stigma. Case in point: Very few public school food programs in the state look like what the staff and Nathan Bates have put together. Try to find one.

Bates’ duties wound down and he came over to my table to take a break and talk. He moved here from Montana, where he spent much of his time guiding fly-fishing trips down famous rivers. It was difficult to leave, but he had a family, and Michigan offered an opportunity. Family was important and, don’t forget, the fishing is good in northern Michigan too.

Bates first learned his foodie craft in the Chicago area, spending time in culinary school taking classes and working in some of the “West Side” eating establishments. “How many?” I asked. “Too many to count,” he laughed.

Nathan and his wife Kristin had a new baby, restaurant hours can be brutal, and family was more and more a part of his life. As he put it, “Moving – it was the right time.” So, the couple moved to northern Michigan for the clean air, lakes, and trees, and the Boyne area soon became home. Bates started working for American Spoon Foods, one of the top specialty food businesses in the north and “did a lot of fishing.”

It didn’t take long for Bates’ strong resumé to open some eyes, and he landed jobs with different food venues. Finally, the job of running the food program at Boyne Falls Public School opened up, and Bates was off and running. And this tiny school district had landed one of the most inventive and qualified chefs they could have ever found.

Once in charge of the school food program, Bates began to envision one of his private dreams: What food service “could be” for students. What if his students could work in the cafeteria and learn about the culinary arts? What if the experience could be part of a career? What if they could learn about eating healthy and partake of different foods they had never tried before? They could be part of the actual growing process and essentially eat the food they grew. It took two or three years, but they were on their way.

As Bates puts it, “I was incredibly lucky to have a forward-looking administration who were able to envision what the Boyne Falls School food program could actually become.” And, “become” it did. He is now in his 12th year as head of the program.

As we finished our lunch together, Bates said, “The staff at Boyne Falls School has fully embraced my vision and been amazingly supportive,” he added. “They had a need. They had a well-put-together professional kitchen, plenty of space to expand into greenhouses and farming fields, and a staff who were more than happy to lend a hand making our project work. It was all about the people in charge willing to take the chance.”

Walking out the front school door of the school that day in Boyne Falls, what a top educator told me years ago came to mind. He said, “When you look at any top program in the state, look at what type of person is in charge. Whether it’s a huge school or a rural one, whether it’s a top football program, girls basketball team, the best robotics team, or the award-winning school busing program, a special person in charge made the difference.”

Nathan Bates is that special person in Boyne Falls.

Above: Not bad for a school lunch, eh?

Below: Nathan Bates with elementary school teacher Kathleen Powers.

The Boyne Citizen is hiring writers!

We’d like to hear from writers and editors who want to become involved with the Boyne Citizen. Email jim@boynecitizen.com if you're interested.

Antique vehicles of all shapes and sizes will be on display (and working) at the Flywheelers show starting July 24.

Red and green tractors to face off at annual Flywheelers show in Boyne Falls

Reprinted from 9 and 10 News, story by Olivia Fellows

The 38th annual Northern Michigan Antique-Flywheelers show will return Thursday, July 24 through Sunday, July 27, with this year’s theme putting a colorful spin on a longtime tradition.

The 2025 feature, titled “Red vs. Green,” highlights a friendly rivalry between tractor brands, celebrating brands whose machines are painted in various shades of red and green. Organizers expect a strong turnout from brands including John Deere, Farmall, Oliver, International, Massey Ferguson, Massey Harris and Hart Parr.

“This is a fun one,” said club president David Korthase. “We expect a great turnout and a festive appearance at our Parade of Power.”

Oil field engines will be the featured stationary engine of the show, which also includes a wide variety of exhibits and hands-on demonstrations.

Gates open each day at 7 a.m. with buffet breakfast available until 9 a.m. Opening ceremonies begin at 9 a.m. and daily attractions include a 2 p.m. tractor parade, antique autos, arts and crafts vendors, a flea market, sawmill, veneer mill and basket factory demonstrations, a kiddie train, a one-room schoolhouse, live music and multiple food options.

The event is hosted by the Northern Michigan Antique-Flywheelers Club, a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization that educates the public about rural life in Northern Michigan during the early 1900s through its summer show and fall Student Harvest Days. Each September, the club welcomes more than 1,000 fourth graders to the grounds over four days.

The showgrounds are located on US-131 between Boyne Falls and Walloon Lake. For more information, visit www.walloonlakeflywheelers.com, or find the club on Facebook.

Upcoming Boyne area festivals

July 24-27 - Northern Michigan Antique-Flywheelers

July 31-Aug.3 - Boyne Falls Polish Festival

Aug. 7-9 - Boyne City PirateFest

Sept. 27 - Boyne City Harvest Festival

Friends of the Boyne River to FERC: Fishermen didn’t cause river bank instability

By Jamie Baumann, jamie@boynecitizen.com

The Friends of the Boyne River filed a submission to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Tuesday, July 15, stating that the bank erosion around the Boyne Hydroelectric Power Plant was not primarily caused by fishermen, as Boyne Resorts had contended in a previous filing. Read the full submission from FoBR.

FoBR said, "Although we do not want to go through all the signs of the instability at this time, we need to make it clear that the instability is NOT caused by fishermen… When the leaking penstocks were operating, the leak was from below. Over time, the soil above was collapsing into the voids that were being created by the leaks."

FoBR further states, "The foundation of the old powerhouse still exists,and extends for approximately 10 feet to the north, beyond the current powerhouse. When the leaking penstocks were operating, the leak was infiltrating the soil above the old powerhouse foundation and was washing the soil away from below. Over time, the soil above was collapsing. That has led to a very noticeable depression in the soil immediately north of the current powerhouse. That weakness in the soil now appears to be extending into the dam face immediately above the depression."

FoBR acknowledges that a "load of gravel" was dumped into the depression since June of 2022, but that has "no impact on mitigating the damage caused by the leak." They point out that Boyne USA has put a chain link fence that is a barrier to any angler who would set out to climb the slope. Therefore, the internal erosion and soil instability is not caused by anglers. It was caused by the leaking penstocks."

FoBR also contends that Michigan law requires Boyne USA to provide public access to the impoundment area. FoBR provides a brief history of the dam ownership from when it was originally built through now The dam and land was owned by private companies, yet all allowed public access to the impoundment, following Michigan law. Boyne is the only owner that has not provided that access.

Boyne USA provides public access to the river downstream from the dam, but would like the impoundment area to be private without public access. Stacie Harris, vice president for communications for Boyne Resorts, has said, "As private property owners, Boyne Resorts' position is that private property rights should be respected and upheld."

When the property was originally sold to Boyne USA from Consumers Power, there was a restrictive covenant, or restriction put into the sales agreement saying that the dam could not be operated for power generation "in perpetuity." FoBR maintains that this restriction was placed in the document, because of the damage the leaking penstocks would cause. Boyne USA has said it was placed in the document as a noncompete clause.

Later, when Boyne USA intended to generate power, Consumers Power gave Boyne a document that seemingly removes that restriction. FoBR has consistently maintained that a restrictive covenant for the public interest can't be removed just between the two parties without going through District Court. The issue has not gone through the court.

"Boyne USA needs to honor the restrictive covenant, but now they also have to address the damage that has been done and only maintain the reservoir at a safe level," FoBR states. "If they really want to have the property be private, surrender the license to generate hydroelectricity. That problem could be solved in the twinkling of an eye."

Boyne USA is in the application process to FERC for a multi-decade license to generate power at the dam. FoBR has requested that FERC deny the license application.

Boyne USA has done extensive renovation of the dam. J.E. Tiffany and Sons did engineering analysis and design to address degradation of both left and right streambank slopes downstream of the powerhouse and spillway. Owner Jim Tiffany hired the geotechnical engineering firm of Golder Associates Inc. in July of 2021 to develop the project’s basis of design, including complete computer modeling of the proposed slope remediation designs. From February through July of 2022, plans were submitted to FERC, revised and finally accepted. "The problem at hand was mitigated with a construction project that implemented a comprehensive solution," Tiffany said.

Registration opens for State of Community Luncheon

Registration is now open for the Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce State of the Community Luncheon, planned for Friday, Sept. 12, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event will be held at Boyne Mountain Resort in the Vienna Room. Guests will enjoy a plated lunch with their choice of entrée.

The chamber newsletter states, “A dynamic lineup of speakers will present their unique perspectives from their areas of the Boyne community, highlighting local progress and upcoming initiatives.”

Speakers will include Zach Sompels of the Housing Ready Program, Erika Van Dam of Van Dam Custom Boats, Dr. David Roland Finley of North Central Michigan College, Pat Little of Boyne City Public Schools, Sara Ward of the Charlevoix County Community Foundation, and Sheriff Vondra and Sienna Wenz of the Charlevoix County Sheriff’s Department.

The luncheon is open to everyone. Click here to register.

Boyne Area News Briefs

VEHICLE - SCOOTER ACCIDENT - A Boyne City child was seriously injured in a vehicle vs. scooter accident on Court Street Tuesday, but he is expected to make a full recovery. The boy was air-lifted to a Grand Rapids hospital, according to Boyne City Police Chief Kevin Spate.

EVENINGS AT THE GAZEBO concerts are back. The Boyne Area Chamber’s free summer concert series on Wednesdays is returning to the Gazebo in Old City Park in downtown Boyne City. The chamber has also reserved the Veterans Park Pavilion in case of rain. Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket, as well as food and drinks. Here is the remaining schedule, with concerts held from 6:30 - 8 p.m.:

July 23 - The Hazel James Band
July 30 - Melissa & Jake
August 6 - Dags Und Timmah
August 13 - Billy McAllister
August 20 - Delilah DeWilde
August 27 - Laura Crowe

WALLOON LAKE LIBRARY is planning a program on “Walloon Writers Review: a celebration of local authors,” from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, July 24th. Then at 4 p.m. Thursday, July 31, the library hosts an Author Book Chat with Lauren Macintyre, who will discuss fun facts from her newly published “Walloon Forever," which will be for sale at the event for the price of $55 (checks or cash). Proceeds benefit the Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy.

CONSERVATION DISTRICT - Help the District celebrate Conservation District Day on July 17th with two fun events. Volunteer from 9am-noon at the American Beach Grass Nursery, located south of Charlevoix. Lunch and beverages will be provided.

Or, stop by our office in Boyne City for an Open House, 4-6 p.m., where you can meet and chat with the district board and staff and local conservationists. Light refreshments will be provided.

BOYNE SENIOR CENTER - Hours for summer are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. with lunch served from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. On Wednesdays the hours are 11a.m.-7p.m. and the center only serves dinner from 5-6 p.m. This schedule will continue through the end of August. Here is the Senior Center July lunch and dinner menu, and here is the July activity calendar.

DINING 4 PAWS - The Charlevoix Area Humane Society’s annual Dining 4 Paws fundraising event has been scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 7, at Castle Farms. The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, followed by a plated dinner at 6:30 p.m. For more information call 231-582-6774 or email pets.charlevoixhumane.org. Tickets are $125, including cocktails. Details and reservations.

PEACE, LOVE & PHILANTHROPY – A 1970s-themed fundraiser for the Boyne Arts Center, Thursday, Aug. 21 from 5:30-9 p.m. at The Farm at Frog Hollow, Boyne City. Please join us for a fun evening celebrating the arts at a top-quality venue with dinner and live auction. Dress in your 70s attire, if you wish. For information call (231) 622-2073 and you can register here.

City of Boyne City Municipal News

JULY 22 PETITION DEADLINE - Official petition forms are available at City Hall for anyone interested in running for City Commission in the Nov. 4 election. Key Steps for the Nomination Process:

- Petitions must include no fewer than 20 and no more than 40 signatures of registered voters within the City of Boyne City.

- Candidates must submit an Affidavit of Identity along with their petitions.

- The filing deadline is Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.

City Hall is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and staff are available to assist candidates with any questions they may have throughout the process. Find more information on running for City Commission, the nominating process, and more online - https://www.boynecity.gov/services/clerk/elections/index.php

BOYNE CITY HOUSING COMMISSION is seeking a dedicated individual to fill an opening on its five-member Board of Commissioners. This is a volunteer role with a chance to make a significant impact on housing opportunities in Boyne City and Charlevoix County.

Things to know:

- Meets once a month (currently 4th Wednesdays at 8 AM)

- Must live in Charlevoix County (preferably Boyne City)

- 5-year term ending Jan 1, 2030

- Help shape the future of local housing

Apply here by Monday, August 4 at noon: www.boynecity.gov/government/boards_commissions/vacancy.php

Questions? Contact Executive Director Bethany Hedgepath at 231-582-6203 or bhedgepath@boynecityhc.com.

UTILITY FLAGS - As part of the approved sanitary sewer improvements, crews will be out across the City identifying service line “pigtails.” In preparation for this work, our Water/Sewer Department will be marking lines in impacted areas. If you see paint markings or utility flags in your yard, please do not remove them. These markers are important for ensuring safe and accurate work. If you need to temporarily remove a flag for lawn care, please return it to the exact same spot once you’re finished.

WARM WATER - Lake Charlevoix temperature at the Boyne City Marina was 77°F on Wednesday, July 16, up four degrees in the past week.

CITY MEETINGS – Click here for board information, agendas, and minutes.

> City Commission's next regular meeting is at 12 p.m. Tuesday, July 22. Agenda page.

Obituaries

Marta Friedrich

March 18, 1929 ~ July 7, 2025 (age 96)

Richard "Dick" Lee Fish

September 2, 1937 ~ June 24, 2025 (age 87)

Gary Henry Brisson

July 19, 1934 ~ July 7, 2025 (age 90)

Irene Victoria McClure

March 18, 1947 - July 7, 2025 (age 78)

Mary Jo (Dunne) Chipman

July 3, 1936 ~ July 2, 2025 (age 88)

Joanne Delores Granning

January 18, 1935 ~ July 9, 2025 (age 90)

Interior of the tabernacle built by the men of Boyne City for revival meetings held for five weeks in 1915. Photograph courtesy of the Patrick McCleary Collection.

THROUGH THE HISTORIAN'S LENS

The Boyne City Tabernacle - a religious revival

An excerpt from a History of the Wolverine-Dilworth Hotel, being compiled by Patrick McCleary at the request of current hotel owner Robert Grove.

By Patrick McCleary, Throughthehistorianslens@gmail.com

The Charlevoix County History Preservation Society

The early 1900’s was an era of traveling medicine, circuses, traveling magicians, wild west shows and other entertainment spectacles that are now long gone. It was a grand period of time while it lasted, though, and one that witnessed some of the most remarkable community events, projects, and gatherings in the city’s history.

One example of such extravagant community zeal was in the year 1915 when all of the churches in town concluded that the community needed religious uplifting and made the decision to stage a revival.

The Methodist, Episcopal, First Presbyterian, and Baptist churches were behind this revival campaign, although it was given support by all of the local denominations. These congregations combined their efforts and their work force to come together and to secure the services of a well-known and quite prominent evangelist of the time, the Reverend Elmer C. Miller.

On March 12, 1915, the Boyne Citizen reported that, “Evangelist Miller of South Bend, Indiana is the evangelist decided upon and from the testimony of those who have heard him, he is a marvel. At the Soo he drew thousands to the tabernacle for each evening and farmers filled the barns of the city with their vehicles.”

This same issue of the Boyne Citizen reported these details of the events to be held. “The meeting will begin one week from Sunday night, March 21st, and will be held mornings, afternoons and evening. That this will be the greatest religious revival that this city has ever experienced. It is the foregone conclusion of everyone interested and those who have known of Evangelist Miller’s success in other cities.”

The first problem to arise was where to find a suitable building for the event to be held. The Executive Committee of the churches involved first considered the Garland Hotel, then located on South Lake Street. Dances and other special events had been held in this location for several years prior and it was a well-known meeting location. Some favored the skating rink, owned and operated by Antoine Joseph “Anthony” Trudeau, and located on the corner of E. Main and Grant Streets. However, neither of these locations were deemed to be large enough. The possibility of inclement weather in March made all outdoor locations out of the question.

Industrialist William H. White and his attorney, John M. Harris, were among the members of the Methodist Evangelical Church. Both men were also stockholders in the newly established Wolverine Hotel (corner of East and Water Streets.) It just so happened that there was a vacant lot on East Street - just behind the hotel. Using their influence, they secured the use of this lot - the first step to an extraordinary undertaking!

From the Boyne Citizen: “Our Tabernacle will be built with a stated capacity of 2,000. To be erected Tuesday. Union Evangelist Meetings will open one week from Sunday evening within the tabernacle built especially for that purpose on the vacant lot in the rear of the Wolverine Hotel. ONE HUNDRED WORKMEN WANTED ON TUESDAY MORNING. It is planned that on Tuesday, 100 workmen will put on the roof of the building, the sidewalls, paper, seats, etc. This will doubtless not all be accomplished in one day, but the great share will be. We are certain that contractors will not be without plenty of help on Tuesday when the call is made.”

It is hard to imagine this type of undertaking being accomplished in such a short time. However, it was. Not only was it accomplished, but in a manner that was designed to specification. As a result, the largest and most well-attended religious revival to ever take place in Boyne City, happened right on schedule.

Reverend Duffey of the United Methodist Church took charge of opening the first meeting, his welcome culminating with the introduction of the Evangelist, Mr. Miller. The tabernacle campaign lasted five weeks. Meetings were held in the morning, afternoon and evening. Many of the town’s male populace were unable to visit the tabernacle due to their jobs. To remedy this, Evangelist Miller made arrangements with mill owners to visit these locations during the noon hours to speak to these men.

Ladies and children who attended WCTU Night, which began at the Wolverine Hotel followed by a march to the tabernacle structure where this photograph was taken. Photograph courtesy of the Patrick McCleary Collection.

There were a number of novelty ideas, such as a “dime night” with announcements stating, “No one has to bring more than a dime. If you don’t have a dime, come anyway!” There was also a WCTU Night, which began at the Wolverine Hotel. The ladies of the city met at the hotel and marched together to the tabernacle structure. Upon their arrival, a photograph was taken of this impressively sized group of women and children.

The Methodist Church appears to have maintained most of the data on the revival events. They reported that “after just ten days, attendance had reached 1800. After five weeks of enthusiastic meetings, the campaign ended… with conversions totaling 1,217 individuals.” The results were felt within the various churches for many years to come. New memberships were made into all of the churches - men, women and children. Bible study classes, large scale Sunday School classes and Community Bible Classes were organized. The Tabernacle activities were considered a complete success with a mass revitalization of religious spirit felt throughout Boyne City.

Boyne City’s impressive tabernacle structure, which stood for only five weeks on the lot that today is the Bob Mathers Ford car lot behind the hotel on East Street. Photograph courtesy of the Patrick McCleary Collection.

> Patrick McCleary is a Certified Genealogist affiliated with the Charlevoix County History Preservation Society (CCHPS), 12555 Taylor Road, Charlevoix, MI 49720. The CCHPS promotes the understanding and appreciation of the heritage of the people of Charlevoix County and its townships by seeking out, collecting, preserving, and interpreting artifacts of historical and cultural significance. For further information, contact Patrick by email: Throughthehistorianslens@gmail.com.

Thank you to the generous donors who are supporting local journalism and the Boyne Citizen!

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2025 Donors

This week's new donors are listed in bold.

Founding Donor $5000+

Charlevoix County Community Foundation

The Hill Donors

$1000 - $4999

Kirk and Lynne Jabara

Cortright Family Community Fund

Avalanche Donors

$500 to $999

Stowe Family Fund

Chris and Frank Carleton

Lynne Ross

Bud and Nancy Shear

Lake Charlevoix Donors

$100 to $499

Bekah Rutz and David Osterhouse

Karen Colburn

Monica Peck

Karen S. Mertz

Betsy and Steve Schnell

Gary Coffer

Robin Stanley

Brett Binkley

Andy Schmittdiel

Gow Litzenburger

Ken Schrader

Terry and Marilyn Neilsen

Leslie Neilson

Lawrence Organek

Kyle Roberts

Gregg and Dee Smith

Ward Collins

Jo Ellen Rudolph

Gayle Harbaugh

Kristine Brehm

Christine A. Judd

Kevin and Marci Lavin

John Hoffman

Glen Catt

Beverly Neville

Jim and Kathe Carter

Penny Hardy

Jeanine Larsen

Cindy and Bill Binder

Richard Wright

Bill Aten

Jo and Ron Danczak

Marilyn A. and Jock Rader

Marcia and Howard Newkirk

Velma and Wes Dilworth

Gail and Ron Van Horn

The Frykberg Family

Tom Schraw and Pam Cislo

Richard M. Hodgson II

Miriam Hollar

Don Ryde

Catherine Bowers

Carl and Sally VanDomelen

Nord and Pat Schroeder

The Tosch Family

Jodie Adams and Bruce Janssen

Carol Ross

Roger and Pat Jacobson

The Tripp Family

John and Jan Bennish

Steve and Carole Drake

Caren Peltier

Al and Susan Newville

Linda Knibbs

Donald and Laurie Owen

Judith Gardner

Linda Burnham

Cynthia Boal-Janssens

Ann Knutsen

Dawn Ebersole

Yvonne Looze

Heaton Veterinary Hospital

John Princing

Jeff and Kari Streelman

Mike Sheean

Julie Hermann

Lynn Smith

Cynthia Tonkavich

Bruce Krauskopf

Ashley Cousens

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DONATE

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MUSIC, ARTS, AND ENTERTAINMENT

Please email your special events and music information to jim@boynecitizen.com.

AMERICAN LEGION Post 228 - 302 S Lake St., Boyne City, (231) 459-4188.

Bingo every Tuesday, open to the public, refreshments provided. Doors open at 3 p.m., play starts at 5, ending at 8.

BARREL BACK - 4069 M-75, Walloon Lake, (231) 535-6000.

> Sundays in July - Live music with Hanna Von Bernthal, 4-7 p.m. at the Dock Bar.

BC LANES/THE VENUE BAR & GRILL - 1199 M-75 S, Boyne City, (231) 582-6353.

> LIVE MUSIC, Bike & Car Night, 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays on our outdoor stage

Tuesday, July 22 - Spur the Moment

Tuesday, July 29 - Country Thunder

BOYNE ARTS CENTER - 1 Water Street, Suite 203, Boyne City. (231) 622-2073.

> Upcoming classes and exhibits:

Glorious Geraniums - August 1
Beginning Watercolor - August 16 - September 5
Peace, Love & Philanthropy - Dinner & Live Auction - August 21
See all upcoming classes here.

BOYNE CITY FARMERS MARKET - Veterans Park, 207 N. Lake Street, Boyne City. (231) 582-9009. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

> LIVE MUSIC:

Saturday, July 19 - Rhett DuCouer

Wednesday, July 23 - Laura Thurston

Saturday, July 26 - Kevin Wolff

Wednesday, July 30 - Melissa Welke

BOYNE CITY TAP ROOM - 220 S. Lake St., Boyne City, (231) 459-4487.

> MY CLUE TRIVIA - Mondays at 7 p.m.

> SINGO BINGO - Tuesdays at 7 p.m.

> LIVE MUSIC on the patio stage, 7-10 p.m.:

Wednesdays - Patrick Ryan

Thursday & Saturday - The Cabana Boys

Friday - Patrick Ryan and Josh Raber

BOYNE MOUNTAIN - 1 Boyne Mountain Rd., Boyne Falls, (855) 688-7024.

> Weekly schedule of events and entertainment at all Boyne Mountain venues.

BOYNE VALLEY VINEYARDS - 05325 US 131 S, Petoskey, (231) 373-2090.

> LIVE MUSIC

Friday, July 18 - Jelly Roll Blues Band (4-7)

Saturday, July 19 - Two Track Mind (2-6)

Friday, July 25 - Chase & Allie (4-7)

Saturday, July 26 - Chris Calleja (2-6)

CAFE SANTE - 1 Water St., Boyne City, (231) 582-8800.

> LIVE MUSIC, 7-10 p.m.

Friday, July 18 - Genna & Jesse

Saturday, July 19 - Genna & Jesse

Friday, July 25 - Chris Calleja

Saturday, July 26 - The Lavender Lions Duo

CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER - 461 E. Mitchell Street. Petoskey, (231) 347-4337.

> See website for updated art shows, entertainment, and children's activities.

GREAT LAKES CENTER FOR THE ARTS - 800 Bay Harbor Drive, Petoskey, (231) 439 -2600.

July 17 - The Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra (GLCO) presents Rite of Spring | Havana Nights at 7 p.m. at the Great Lakes Center for the Arts. Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring shocked the world at its 1913 Paris premiere, sparking a riot with its groundbreaking music and radical dance. Now, GLCO and DEOS Contemporary Ballet bring this legendary work to life with a newly commissioned world-premiere choreography, created exclusively for northern Michigan audiences. Tickets.

SUMMER/FALL CONCERT SERIES:

July 20 - An Evening with Lyle Lovett and his Large Band

July 30 + 31 - Bay View Music Festival Presents: Bizet’s Carmen

Aug 3 - Straight No Chaser Summer: The 90s Part 2

Aug 9 - The Landsharks Band

Aug 15 - Ashes & Arrows

Aug 29-31 - Jersey Boys

Sep 14 - Grand Rapids Ballet Ballet Masterworks

Oct 4 - Canadian Brass

Oct 5 - Manhattan Short Film Festival

Oct 16 & 17 - Cirque Mechanics Tilt!

Nov 1 - Cantus

LAVENDER HILL FARM - 7354 Horton Bay Rd N, Boyne City, (231) 582-3784.

Details and tickets.

July 18 - The Appleseed Collective

July 25 - Lavender Goes Pink with Morgan Myles

July 26 - The Dryes

August 9 - Joshua Davis

August 16 - Ashes & Arrows

August 30 - The Hackwells

MUSKRAT DISTILLING - 121 Water St., Boyne City, (231) 268-0178.

> KARAOKE - 8 to 11 p.m. every Wednesday

> LIVE MUSIC:

Friday, July 18 - Lavender Lions, 6-9 p.m.

Friday, July 25 - Eric Jaqua, 6-9 p.m.

PROVISIONS LOUNGE - 123 Water St., Boyne City, (231) 582-2151.

LIVE MUSIC, 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays.

STIGGS BREWERY & KITCHEN - 112 S. Park St., Boyne City, (231) 497-6100

> August 6 and the first Wednesday of the month - Open Mic Nights hosted by Nelson Olstrom, 6-9 p.m.

> August 9 and the second Saturday of the month - Karaoke with DJ T-Bone Thompson from 8-11 p.m.

WALLOON JUNCTION GRILL AND BAR. 4472 M-75, Walloon Lake, (231) 535-6006.

> Friday, July 18 - Chris Calleja, 6-9 p.m.

> Friday, 25 - Laura Crowe, 6-9 p.m.

> Saturday, July 26 - Exit 808, 7-10 p.m.

WALLOON WATERSHED - 4128 M-75 , Walloon Lake, (231) 535-6048. Live music at 6 p.m.:

> Mondays, Aug 11 & 25 - Tweed Tones.

> Tuesdays through Aug. 26 - Michelle Chenard.

> Wednesdays, July 23, Aug. 6 & 20 - Pete Kehoe.

> Thursdays through Aug. 28 - Laura Crowe.

The Boyne Citizen

P.O. Box 83, Boyne City, MI 49712

Email: jim@boynecitizen.com

Phone: 231-675-8793

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