Oceana All Access 2024 - The Oceana Echo

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COME TO

By Caleb Jackson Oceana All Access Writer

S

omewhere along the eastern shores of Lake Michigan lies the unassuming county of Oceana. If Michigan were compared to a mitten, then Oceana may be the first or second knuckle on the little finger.

You may have never been to Oceana, but you have probably tasted it. The locals there are quick to tell you that this tiny corner of the world is one of the nation’s top producers of asparagus. The residents there eat the veggie in every way imaginable, from pickled asparagus to asparagus ice cream.

If you have been to Oceana, you probably spent a blissful summer afternoon on the scenic Silver Lake Sand Dunes, swimming in the lake, lounging in the sun or cruising over the sandy hills in a dune buggy. And the odds are you did it all without once even hearing the name Swift Lathers, the man who famously built an entire miniature village among the dunes more than half a century ago. The man who’s son, William Lathers, started Bill’s Dune Rides, an event that was instrumental in turning the relatively unknown Silver Lake Sand Dunes into the tourist destination that it is today.

The man who once wrote, printed, and distributed “the smallest newspaper in the world.” Lastly, if you’ve heard of Oceana County but never been there, then chances are you were reading about Electric Forest, the three-day long EDM festival that brings 50,000 tourists to Rothbury once a year, a 4 • OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2024

number which doubles the entire population of the county itself.

It’s very easy to pass through Oceana County and write it off as a collection of small midwestern towns, similar to what can be found in other parts of the country. The same old buildings, statuesque silos and rustic barns. But it is a county that rewards those who ask questions. Much of Oceana County was settled and developed during the latter half of the 19th century.

Swedish, Dutch, Irish and Norwegian surnames can still be found among the residents there, preserved from the waves of immigrants who came over in those early days to seek better lives. Even the name of the county itself, Oceana, is a bit deceptive.

On the surface, Oceana seems to be a reference to the many rivers, lakes and tributaries that the villages were built upon. Not to mention that great body of water that borders the entire county on the western side, Lake Michigan. But, looking into it a bit further turns up hints of a more epic story, one that took place over 400 years ago, involving a banned book and a Jesuit missionary who spent the last 10 years of his life preaching to the natives of a foreign land. That man’s name is still preserved in the nearby Pere Marquette River to this day.

Oceana’s loudest feature is probably also her most unassuming. It is the lack of old-growth trees. The Oceana of today is largely a farming community. Local teenagers find their first jobs on the farms in the summer, tourists buy gifts at the farm

OCEANA markets and families eat at the farm-to-table restaurants. All of this, though, is owed in part to the depletion of Oceana’s most valuable resource; her white pine trees.

Oceana County’s vast, untouched forests of pine are what first drew the attention of lumber barons in the early 19th century.

Many of the villages are named after the settlers who first put sawmills in the area.

It was the immigrant laborers in the lumber camps who first threw some potatoes in the dirt and found the yield to be exceptional, something we now attribute to what is known as “the lake effect.” When the trees were all milled and sold, and huge swatches of land laid bare, it was up to the old settlers to find new ways to survive. Finding the climate agreeable, they turned to farming. They burned the trees that remained, the massive hemlocks that were seen as undesirable for lumber. They collected the stones from the fields and used them to build farmhouses. They did so without even knowing that the stones were debris left behind by the same glacial action that carved the great lakes themselves. They planted orchards; they planted vegetables. Eventually, somebody would try their hand at asparagus, and Oceana would find her niche in this world. As for the white pine that birthed this county, you can still find it if you know where to look. Sometimes some unusually thick boards protrude beneath the siding of a house. Some of it probably still stands in

the buildings of Chicago, where it was exported in droves to help rebuild after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

If you are interested in a roaring nightlife, don’t come to Oceana. Go to Detroit. But if you want a locally crafted beer and some of the freshest food you can get, come to Oceana.. If you want to relax in the sand Oceana and swim in the lake, come to Oceana.

Oceana . If you want to visit the Lavender Labyrinth or take your kids to a petting zoo, come to Oceana.

Oceana . If you want to see what an honest-to-goodness small town in America looks like, come to Oceana.

Oceana . I encourage you to talk to the locals and spend time in the historical societies. If you want to see how a unique melding of man, nature and time work together to support a nation, come to Oceana.

Oceana .

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Oceana All Access 2024 Published March 29, 2024

by The Oceana Echo © P.O. Box 192, Mears, MI 49436 theoceanaecho@gmail.com

Art & Editorial: Amanda Dodge Editorial and Photos: Brendan Samuels and Paul Erickson Editorial: Andy Roberts, Sharon Hallack, AnnaMae Bush, Tom Rademacher, Steve Gunn, Madison Lajewski and Caleb Jackson Historical Photos courtesy of the OCH&GS Ad Sales: Jan Thomas

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• Cover photos courtesy of Silver Lake Chamber of Commerce

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Happy 150th Birthday!

Little Sable Point’s celebration planned for August 17

By Steve Gunn Oceana All Access Writer

T

o some people, old Lake Michigan lighthouses may seem like useless relics from another era.

But Oceana County’s Little Sable Point Lighthouse is far from being an abandoned or irrelevant structure.

Thousands of tourists visit the old lighthouse every year, and it’s staffed throughout the summer by volunteer keepers who greet visitors, provide historic information and keep the structure clean.

The beach near the lighthouse is also the site of a popular weekly concert series in the summer.

It’s a special building with a strong connection to the past that remains a vital part of the local recreational scene. It’s located on the southern end of the beautiful Silver Lake State Park, so people can enjoy the natural beauty of the area, like the famous sand dunes, while also getting a taste of our maritime heritage and a great view of the lake from the top of the lighthouse.

That’s why local officials are excited about celebrating its 150th anniversary this summer. A special ceremony marking the sesquicentennial is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the lighthouse.

There will be a special state of Michigan tribute for the role the lighthouse played in Lake Michigan shipping over the years, and for the work that’s been done to maintain it. There will also be a U.S. Coast Guard presence, and lots of family-oriented crafts and games.

“It will be more of a kids’ event,” said Jack Greve, executive director of the Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association, which leases the structure from the state and maintains it.

“We really want to draw the interest of young families.”

OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2024 • 7

• Photo courtesy of Silver Lake Chamber of Commerce

History along the shoreline There is a lot of history behind the old lighthouse, which used to play a crucial navigational role for ships and boats traveling up and down the shoreline.

It was constructed after the completion of two lighthouses further north along the shoreline – the Point Betsie Lighthouse in Frankfort (1858) and the Big Sable Lighthouse in Ludington (1867).

As LighthouseFriends.com explains it, “Take a look at a map of Lake Michigan, and you will see three prominent ‘bumps’ along its eastern shore. Point Betsie, the northernmost of these bumps, received a lighthouse in 1858, and Big Sable Point, the next bump going south, got its lighthouse nine years later.

“In 1871, the Lighthouse Board noted that ‘a simple inspection of the chart of Lake Michigan’ would demonstrate that a third-order, lake-coast light was needed on the third bump.”

One major reason for constructing a lighthouse at the site was the shallow water in the area, according to Greve. That problem was illustrated by the 1871 beaching of a ship called the Pride.

“The lighthouse was a way of saying, don’t go in there, don’t wreck your boat,” Greve said.

The U.S. Congress approved $35,000 to build the lighthouse on June 10, 1872. President Ulysses S. Grant set aside 40 acres of land for the new structure, and construction began in 1873, according to LighthouseFriends.com. ““Atop the tower, a decagonal lantern room was installed to house a third-order Frensel lense, manufactured by Sautter & Co. of Par-

is, France,” LighthouseFriends.com said. “This lens was different than most in that its lower and center sections were fixed, while its upper section, made up of ten bull’s-eye panels, revolved once in five minutes to produce a flash every 30 seconds.

“Every 11 hours, the keepers had to wind up a 90-pound weight that was suspended between the tower’s inner and outer walls and powered the revolving mechanism.”

The finished structure stood 115 feet in the air and became the tallest lighthouse in Michigan, according to the Michigan Bed and Breakfast Association.

The lighthouse cast a constant white light, which flashed brighter at regular interviews and was visible 19 miles into the lake.

One unique feature of the Little Sable Point Lighthouse was the large two-and-a-half story residential structure for the lighthouse keeper, the assistant and their families. That structure was connected to the lighthouse by a covered walkway and was taken down after on-site keepers were no longer employed.

The large residence was very much needed, because the lighthouse keepers and their families lived isolated lives. It wasn’t until 1902 that the first overland route was established between the lighthouse and Mears.

James Davenport, the first Little Sable Point lighthouse keeper, activated the light on top of the tower for the very first time at the beginning of the 1874 shipping season. 150 years ago.

“The first of several shipwrecks recorded in the station’s logbook was entered by Keeper Davenport on August 6, 1875, when the schooner Black Hawk ran aground on the point,” according to LighthouseFriends.com.

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“Keeper Davenport noted, ‘crew all saved.’

Records of shipwrecks near the station were numerous in the late 1880s, when western Michigan provided much of the lumber for Chicago and other growing ports on the Great Lakes.”

A total of 15 head keepers served at the lighthouse between 1874 and 1954. When electricity was added to the site, the beacon became automated, and a human presence was no longer necessary.

The longest-serving lighthouse keeper was Joseph Arthur Hunter, who lived and worked on the site from 1899-1922. During that time, he collected enough washed-up shingles and lumber along the beach to build his retirement home, according to the website.

The last lighthouse keeper was Henry Vavrina, who served in that post from 1948-54.

He was the assistant keeper in November of 1940 when the “Armistice Day Storm” hit the coast, resulting in the loss of three freighter ships in the area. The William B. Dayock and Anna C. Minch both went down, and 36 crew members perished. Another freighter, the Novadoc, also ran aground near the point, but all but two of its crew members survived.

Near the end of his tenure as head keeper, Vavrina knew that electricity was inevitably coming to the lighthouse and would end the need for a lighthouse keeper.

“It was hard for many to understand why it took so long for electricity to reach the station as nearby towns had power, but whenever anyone mentioned this to Keeper Vavrina, he told them to not stir the pot,” the website said. “He enjoyed his little lakeside paradise and rightly knew that it would disappear when electricity arrived.”

Modern-day tourist attraction The lighthouse still emits a beacon into Lake Michigan every night, under the management of the U.S. Coast Guard, but is no longer considered an official navigational guide.

The light is still useful for boats out on the lake, and a few years back, when an unmanned kayak was spotted in rough waters, officials sent someone to the top of the lighthouse to see if they could spot a person in distress.

More than anything, however, the historic structure has become a popular destination point for visitors.

Every year, about 16,000 to 18,000 people pay to enter the lighthouse, Greve said. There are no guided tours, but historic information is available.

The lighthouse is open to the public Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the summer season. This year, it will open on May 21 and close on Sept. 8.

Admission is $5 for students 17 and under, and $8 for adults. There is a 40-inch minimum height requirement to enter the structure.

The summer concerts are on Wednesday nights and sometimes draw as many as 60 people in good weather, according to Greve.

“It’s a pretty big draw,” Jody Johnston, manager of Silver Lake State Park, said about the lighthouse.

“Here at the park, it is secondary to our ORV area and the dunes, but it is definitely on people’s lists to go to that area and see the lighthouse.”

Some visitors are interested in learning about the past, but many simply want to climb to the top of the tower, which is not easy, considering its 130 steps up a winding staircase.

“I get winded going up,” Greve said. “There are platforms and resting areas along the way, but it’s not an easy task.”

“It’s a little physically demanding,” Johnston added.

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HART

By Sharon Hallack Oceana All Access Writer

T

he City of Hart, located near the center of Oceana County, holds many distinctions: the county seat, Hart Lake, the H-Art Project and a growing business district, just to name a few. The city is home to people of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds. Together, they work for local businesses, teach at area schools and serve in the community.

Founded as a village nearly 140 years ago in 1885, it could be said Hart’s first roots were set 30 years earlier when Wellington Hart opened a trading post on Russell Creek in 1857. In the ensuing years, the tiny burg would grow to include various businesses, 10 • OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2024

churches, schools, the county courthouse, newspapers and a post office. Once Hart incorporated, a fire department, village waterworks, sewer lines and an electric plant would soon follow.

From the book titled, “Oceana County History 1990”, researchers uncovered the following quote listing various attributes of the village in 1921. “The early growth of Hart Village developed because it was situated on good high ground, on a branch of the Pentwater River which provided water power and excellent fishing. Tourists came from long distances during the fishing season and made use of hotels and private homes. It was the location of the county seat, the county fairgrounds and the largest flour mill in the

49420

county. It had two banks, three newspapers, a fruit evaporator and was surrounded by good farmlands producing wheat, potatoes and fruit. By 1895, Hart had, in addition to other mentioned facilities, good churches, a good water system, a Union Graded School, a good fire department, an opera house, canning factory, lumber mills and an extensive fruit and potato market.”

Visitors to this town of nearly 2,200 residents still enjoy many similar amenities. The Oceana County Courthouse and post office are located right downtown, as are full-service banks, insurance offices, realtors, land title offices, and medical services. Unique stores and gift shops, an authentic Mexican grocery store, coffee shops, furniture store, hardware store, and auto parts store, as well

as a full-service gym and numerous restaurants, are all open most days of the week.

A “Social District,” established in 2021, allows patrons to purchase alcoholic beverages and consume them outside within the approved district boundaries.

With the creation of the HEART (Hart Economic and Redevelopment Team) and the hiring of a full-time community and economic development director in 2020, the city has taken huge strides in growing and promoting the entire city. Abandoned properties are being redeveloped, businesses are collaborating for success and new signage across the city helps people navigate through town.

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“Tin Man” sculpture in 2023. He joins several other colorful murals in the downtown area and a Veteran’s Tribute on West Main Street.

Many more are yet to come.

“We were looking to relocate in the Hart area where we’d both grown up,” Hart resident Lauren Fenton said. “A huge part of why we chose Hart were the city utilities.

High-speed internet was an absolute necessity for my husband, who works from home.

And as parents of young children, we can enjoy many close-by amenities, including nice playgrounds available at the school, the library and John Gurney Park, the Rail Trail and the ice cream shop. We are looking forward to being able to take advantage of the many restaurants when our children are older. The new developments at Veterans Park will give us easier access to Hart Lake.

We also appreciate the small community and that local people are running the city government.”

Throughout the summer months, the community enjoys Music on the Commons every Thursday night or shopping in six popup incubator sheds and other open businesses located downtown. The historic Hart Theater is open every Saturday for 1920s silent movies accompanied by live organ music. The Pocket Park, located on State Street, includes benches, lush plantings and a fountain providing a great place to visit or relax.

“We love living just a block and a half from downtown, where we can walk to everything.

On Thursdays, we love going down to the Commons for the concerts. On Saturdays, we might walk downtown for breakfast and run errands before heading back home. Often, when we are enjoying Hart on foot, we run into friends and neighbors as well,” said long-time resident Catalina Burillo.

Two electric vehicle charging stations are available within the city: one downtown at 120 Washington St. and one at the Great Lakes Energy Hart Service Site, 2183 N. Water Rd. For those looking for exercise, the famed William Field Hart-Montague Rail Trail State Park is easily accessible by following strategically placed signage located throughout the city; a full-service gym is located right downtown and the Hart Disc Golf Course is

located at 3681 W. Harrison Rd., just north of town near the Hart Dam. “We are devoted bicyclists, so in the spring, summer and fall, you can catch us on the Hart-Montague Rail Trail almost daily, or as often as our schedules permit. We easily ride over 1000 miles every year on our pedal bikes. Occasionally we explore other trails in Michigan, but the Rail Trail right here in our backyard is definitely our go-to,” Burillo said.

If you love the water, Hart Lake is accessible at the John Gurney Park boat launch.

Enjoy fishing, kayaking, and water skiing during the warmer months and ice fishing in the winter months. “On weekends in the summer, we like to get out on Hart Lake with our boat and enjoy boating and swimming with friends and family. Hart Lake is really a hidden gem,” Burillo added.

To the east of downtown, find the Hart Historic District, Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society, John Gurney Campground, the Oceana County Medical Care Facility, Cherry Blossom Manor and Our

Friend’s House adult day services, as well as doctor and physical therapy offices. To the south and west of downtown find the public library, numerous churches, gas stations, a pharmacy, a grocery store, farm market, golf course, greenhouse, laundromats, dollar stores, fast food, and hotels as well as home, auto and farm supply stores. Local industry includes food processing plants, an auto parts manufacturer and a non-profit kitchen incubator for food-related start-ups.

Travel less than a mile outside of town in any direction and see where some of the area’s local produce is actually grown in some of the area’s fruit orchards, asparagus farms and pumpkin patches.

For the unexpected emergency Corewell Health urgent care clinic located at 2481 N. 72nd Ave. in Hart.

Visitors and residents alike can attest that Hart has a lot to offer to every demographic from January to December. The city extends a warm welcome whether you are here for a day, a week or a life!

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HESPERIA

By Brendan Samuels & Amanda Dodge Oceana All Access Writers

N

atural beauty is in abundance in Oceana County’s most western village, Hesperia. If the sights around you aren’t enough to convince you, a deep dive into the area’s name surely will.

Hesperia’s name is believed to have been inspired by nature in several ways.

When the village was incorporated in 1883, courtesy of John P. Cook and his business partner Daniel Weaver, Cook’s daughter Mary Cook suggested the name due to its resemblance to a garden.

14 • OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2024

Breaking down where the word Hesperia comes from provides even more evidence. Of Greek origins, Hesperia has ties to Hesperus, also known as the Evening Star or the planet Venus. Hesperus’ three daughters, known as the Hesperides, were known as “the nymphs of the west” and tended to Hera’s orchard in the west, which was also called the Garden of Hesperides. There are also tales from Native American lore where Hesperia was given the name for “beautiful gardens” in the native tongue of the tribes that once inhabited the land.

So, we know those who founded Hes-

49421 peria recognized its natural beauty, but what is there to explore today in that same vein?

The first and most popular is likely the Hesperia Dam, located on the northern part of downtown Hesperia while traveling down Maple Island Road. The dam breaks up White River and Hesperia Pond and features several points to overlook the flowing water. It is a popular spot for kayaking and tubing for locals and visitors alike. It also has a “love lock” bridge over the dam, similar to the one in Paris.

Parks are also a big part of the area.

Oxbow Park, Weaver Park, Vida Weaver Park and Webster Park are all located right in the heart of Hesperia and offer scenic views of the trees and water that make the area rich in nature. They are well maintained and offer picturesque views for picnics and social gatherings.

Last year, the Village of Hesperia was awarded a $45,000 Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) grant for its Vida Weaver Park pavilion restoration project. The Right Place Inc. directed grant funds of $6.2 million from the MEDC for 17 projects located across West Michigan.

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Anyone looking for more than just sights can get involved in nature. Hunting and fishing are abundant, with prime spots for anglers located along White River and at Hightower Lake.

Those who aren’t interested in getting close to Mother Nature should check out the local businesses that service the area. At the top of that list is Ed’s Orchard Market, Hesperia’s locally owned grocery store, which celebrated 80 years of business in 2023.

“The thing that matters most to us is people, so you see there are our customers, and we’ve served generations of families. Those people have supported us for 80 years. It’s not typical to find a store of this size in a place the size of Hesperia. The only way we stay open is by taking care of our customers that have been loyal to us all these years,” Ed’s Orchard Market owner Scott Rumsey said of the store’s anniversary and of the community. “Our employees have gone on to do some pretty amazing things too, and we couldn’t do anything without those people. So, we value those that are here and try to take care of them as best we can.”

Residents of Hesperia also frequent businesses such as Hesperia Hardware, Hesperia Antique & Curio, Hesperia Sport Shop and Bob’s Drugs. Good eats can be found at Hightower Bar & Grill, Angelo’s & Riccardo’s, Hesperia House and The Pig Slice Pizzeria.

The Hesperia Community Library is also bustling with activity, as it offers almost daily activities and lots of different programming for patrons of all ages.

Right nearby the library are Hesperia Community Schools for students from pre-K through 12th grade. This school year, the district utilized a number of early-release Wednesdays each month

to focus on staff professional development. Hesperia also offers a full range of sports opportunities, extracurriculars and partners with Ed’s Orchard Market in its Tools 4 Schools program.

Hesperia also has lots of events all year long to celebrate the holidays, from the annual Easter Egg Hunt with a visit from the Easter Bunny and Spring Chicken to its annual Light Up the Park on Black Friday.

This Christmas celebration features food, caroling and live music, along with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus.

There are lots of booths set up around the park to enjoy, including: commemorative ornaments, Christmas cookies, hot cocoa and popcorn, an interactive elves workbench, horse-drawn wagon rides, the Deater Light Show, art from students at Hesperia Community Schools, lots of photo opportunities,

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and the evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks show.

Another event to not miss in Hesperia is its annual Family Fun Fest, which takes place in the days leading up to and including the Fourth of July. There is a 5K River Run, petting zoo, sand volleyball, craft fair and market, food vendors, RC car races, mini and full size tractor pulls, arm wrestling, horseshoe tournament, raffles, pedal pull, bike decorating, kids games, a car show, a foam party, a fireman’s water battle, a duck race, a street dance and the ever-popular parade, featuring dozens of entries. Oh, and Hesperia’s famous fireworks are, again, not to be missed!

Whether it’s nature that you love or the atmosphere of a small town, Hesperia is the perfect place to pay a visit whenever you find yourself in Oceana County.

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MEARS

By Paul Erickson Oceana All Access Writer

“Vacationers are Ripe in the Land of Mears.”

T

hat was the phrase Swift Lathers used in his “Smallest Newspaper in the World.” The header changed with each edition, reflecting the seasons and the news within. Swift published the little paper in Mears after polling the community for news worth reporting. The paper was 5 by 7 inches and was usually four pages. Swift founded the paper in 1914 and published it until 1970. He worked as the reporter, writer, 18 • OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2024

editor and bottle washer. He printed on a foot-operated press and would hand-deliver locally.

Lathers had a paid subscription list of over 2,000 worldwide. When the paper hit 2,700 subscribers, he summarily cut the list in half to a manageable number by cutting those whose names began before the letter D and those after the letter S. The cost of the subscription was 50 cents per year and $1 for six months. The Mears Newz was in production for 56 years, and the subscription cost never changed.

Swift’s home is the centerpiece of the Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society’s Mears Museum Complex. The growing collection houses many exhibits

49436

curated by the Society, and is a pleasure to visit. A model of the “Lost Village” is displayed in the house. Swift homesteaded the dunes with a miniature village he built by hand by carrying the lumber across the dunes to erect a church, store, school, jail, and other outbuildings. Swift, his wife Celia, and the Lathers’ children summered in the dunes at the village. Locals made it a point to hike the dunes and find the “Lost Village.”

In the gardens, you will find a bronze statue of Swift on a walkabout reading his beloved Mears Newz. This beautiful sculpture was commissioned by the Lathers as a tribute to Swift and his little paper.

Within the gates is the Swedish Church,

a beautiful little white chapel that was moved to its present location. Mears had many Swedes from the Lumbering Era, and this little church sits serenely amongst the maple trees and the other exhibits.

The Boynton Cottage, a “Honeymoon” cottage, was moved from the shore of Lake Michigan to Mears by the Society. It is a beautiful little one-room cottage with a loft, having been used for generations by the Boynton family from the Little Point Sable Association.

Trapper Ralph’s Cabin is next door. Ralph Fenton lived in this little cabin his entire adult life. Ralph trapped furs and hunted the woods around Mears. He could be seen walking with his knapsack and rifle. A very OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2024 • 19

talented trapper, he taught many men the way of the woods and prepared the pelts for fur sales.

The Robinson Building houses a dentist of, Bicycle Sales fice, a post office, and other exhibits of loService & Parts cal interest. This gift from the Ken Robinson Open Tue.-Sat. family to the Society has rotating exhibits 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as the need arises, so be sure to visit them.

The main exhibit building is the William R. New & Used Lathers Transportation Building. Bill LathBikes for Sale! ers once operated Bill’s Dune Rides in SilComplete Stock ver Lake. Bill used the land his father, Swift, of Comfort Bikes homesteaded to offer rides on specially built At the Rail Trail in Mears • 1669 N. 56th Ave. dune cars. First cars, then specially modified For more info & pick-up, call 231-873-4338 trucks ferried passengers about the dunes.

Bill’s thrill rides were the best, especially if you had the rear-facing seat.

• Hybrids • Fat Tire • Systems • Brakes The Transportation Building houses a vast • Recumbents - Inspected • Bearings collection of dune cars and vintage auto• Tandem Bikes - Adjusted • Spokes mobiles. Bill had a love for our dunes and • Adult 3-Wheelers - Lubricated • Cables wanted visitors to see the progression of • Sun Aluminum - Repairs • Derailleurs dune cars. The museum has Flathead Ford Cruisers • Tires & Tubes mid-engine dune scooters called “Flying thewoodshedbikeshop@gmail.com www.woodshedbikeshop.com Saucers” on display, as well as the more modern “air-cooled rails.” They also have a Mac Wood’s Dune Scooter. The Wood family has supported the Society and played a very rich role in the growth of Mears and Silver Lake. There is much to see in this museum, • Tree Trimming & Removal so plan on taking your time.

• Stump Grinding New this year is their Agricultural Barn.

• Firewood There is a large collection of tractors and early implements on display. It is a beauti• Lot and View Clearing ful new red barn, built by the Wm. Lathers We Are Fully Insured Trust for the Society. If you are a John Deere fan, you are in luck. Many other makes are also on display, along with implements and early hit-and-miss engines. This is a fine addition to the Complex, and a dedication will take place this year.

The Complex also boasts a newer “Guide

by Cell” feature. The Society purchased this service to help tell the story of the exhibits. Dial a main phone number, press the number of the exhibit, and hear a recording made by members of the Society explaining the item one is looking at. This has helped facilitate visitors’ learning and free up vol(231) 873-4645 • Mears, Mich. unteers.

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A year later, he purchased land near White Lake, built sawmills, and marketed his lumber in Chicago. In 1872, he built a mill at the mouth of Silver Creek. With that, he built a boarding house that still stands. In 1873, he and others platted the village of Mears. The train from Montague arrived daily in Mears on its way to Pentwater, with a spur to Hart from Mears. By then, Charles Mears was a lumber magnate, a visionary and developer of other platted villages, such as Lincoln and Hamlin in Mason County. At 59, he wed Miss Carolyn A. Middleton, 23, and they made the White House at Silver Lake one of their summer homes. Their daughter, Carrie E. Mears, divested this fortune before her death in 1957 at Pentwater. His mark is left on Oceana County with the creation of Charles Mears State Park in Pentwater.

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• Photo courtesy of New Era Chamber of Commerce

NEW ERA

By Andy Roberts Oceana All Access Writer

T

he village of New Era has an unusual name, the origins of which seem to have been lost to history. Very much current, though, are the main attractions in New Era, both farms—Lewis Adventure Farm and Zoo and Country Dairy.

Both are tourist favorites, Lewis because of its wide-open spaces and dozens of attractions on its farm and Country Dairy because of its popular restaurant on the premises. The Country Dairy farm is well-known for supply22 • OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2024

ing dairy products throughout the area.

Unsurprisingly, given those top two attractions, New Era is an agriculture town, boasting plenty of farmland and a Tri-County Feeds store near downtown as well.

Scott Meyers, a lifelong resident, the dealer principal at his family’s Meyers Chevrolet in New Era and the president of the village’s Chamber of Commerce, said the village was founded in 1872 and its population was “around 570” in the 2020 census. He said he’s never felt the need to leave due to the close-knit nature of the village.

49446

“As I see crazy things happening in the world all over the place...it just feels good to be here,” Meyers said. “Every business in town is up and running.

There are no vacancies.”

Lewis, whose annual visitors number in the six figures, is the area’s most popular attraction - so popular, in fact, that discussions have taken place regarding the installation of an underground tunnel underneath M-20, which would allow safe passage for visitors who have to park across the street due to high traffic.

New Era has access to Lake Michigan

through nearby Stony Lake as well as access to US-31 just a couple of miles down from the intersection with M-20.

As Meyers noted, several businesses are located in the area. In addition to the tourist attractions, the Chevrolet dealership highlights the block-and-a-half downtown business district. Downtown also includes the Artisan restaurant, the currently-being-renovated Trailside Restaurant, the Computer Refinery, Veltman Hardware, Tri-County Feed, a Wesco station and more. A former Huntington Bank building is now the corporate headquarters of Rivers Ace OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2024 • 23

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Hardware, which owns stores in nearby Shelby, Rothbury and Whitehall. There’s also more growth potential possible.

“The corner just north of town, at M-20 and Oceana Drive, will potentially be a nice growth area too for business,” Meyers said; a new McCormick’s station and a Dollar General store both recently opened in that area. That corner is also home to the headquarters for Hometown Pharmacy. They own dozens of pharmacies across Michigan and in other states and employ a number of area residents. Another major employer in New Era is Burnette Foods, a locally and nationally sourced distributor of fruits and vegetables.

Four churches are located in New Era, as well as the New Era Christian School, a K-8 school that’s grown enough that Meyers said there’s been talk of future expansion.

The Christian school is home to several recreational fields, said longtime area resident Alan VanDuinen. That provides visiting and local children alike with wide open spaces to run off summer energy.

“The (biggest) thing I can think of to highlight would be the ball field, basketball courts and pickleball courts by the Christian school, as far as recreation,” VanDuinen said. “There are people who use that.”

Across the street from the Christian school is a community baseball field, as well as pickleball and basketball courts.

The village housed a public elementary school in the Shelby district until one was built in Shelby; the building’s future use is still being discussed, but Meyers said he’s hopeful a fruitful, community-focused use can be found for it.

In addition to the Christian school, four churches call New Era home - Bible, Lutheran, Reformed and Christian Reformed.

“As far as I know, every one of them is healthy too,” Meyers said.

The area hosts several popular events each year, the biggest of which, Meyers said, is the Fall Fest, which takes place Sept. 21 this year. The festival includes an arts and crafts fair and a number of kids activities, including a bounce house, entertainment from local musicians, an antique car show and more. Annual events surrounding Easter, Halloween 213 Lincoln Street and Christmas also dot the village’s calHart, MI 49420 endar, and it’s hosted a Memorial Day 200 N. State Street • Zeela parade as long as Meyers can remember.

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PENTWATER

By AnnaMae Bush Oceana All Access Writer

T

he heart of Pentwater Township is the quaint Village of Pentwater, cozily nestled around the north and south sides of Pentwater Lake. The waters of Pentwater River flow through the scenic marshes south of Longbridge Road to form Pentwater Lake, which then flows into Lake Michigan by way of a navigable channel.

The lake, covering over 430 acres and reaching 50 feet in depth, is an all-sport lake with three marinas and a large nowake zone. It accommodates safe swimming, a variety of water sports, and ex26 • OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2024

cellent fishing for over a dozen species of fish, both large and pan size. Many features support fishing for folks of all ages and abilities: several Lake Michigan fishing charters operating from the Village Marina, an accessible fishing platform on Longbridge Road, three public boat launches (one on the river), channel seating and a public fish cleaning station. Twice-weekly sailboat races offer colorful views for spectators.

Charles Mears State Park (175 campsites) is located on the north side of the village on the shore of Lake Michigan. It is a popular camping destination

49449

because it is within walking distance of downtown Pentwater, where campers can find mini-golf and favorite places to eat and shop. The beach has an accessible path to the water’s edge. The Hill & Hollow Campground (200 campsites, limited cabins), close to AJ’s Family Fun Center on Business 31, is another popular camping spot with access to Lake Michigan.

Fast food restaurants and big box stores do not exist in this town. Small family-owned ice cream parlors, restaurants, boutique shops and multiple art galleries inhabit the main street and

side streets. Cosmic Candy specializes in treats from years past and contemporary flavors of popcorn to satisfy kids of all ages. Storybook Village is an award-winning children’s bookstore with regular children’s activities in the Imagination Theater. In recent years, art competitions have resulted in intriguing art installations in the shopping district to add visual interest to the walkable district.

The Village Green downtown bustles with activities all summer long. It hosts Farmers’ Market booths twice a week, Art and Craft Fairs three times a sumOCEANA ALL ACCESS 2024 • 27

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mer and free Civic Band Concerts every Thursday night. It also offers occasional movie nights with a big screen and popcorn.

Pentwater also boasts an impressive Historical Museum with knowledgeable docents and recordings for self-guided tours. A water taxi offers historical tours by boat regularly and provides sunset tours by reservation. Channel Lane Park on the north side of the channel offers free parking, picnic tables, and restrooms with no requirement for state park stickers. The Pentwater Township Library and beautiful Park Place community center share a parking lot adjacent to the Community Garden.

Originally populated by Native Americans, Pentwater was founded in 1867

by Charles Mears. The town grew when wealthy Chicago businessmen initiated a lumber industry, a brick factory, a fruit canning plant, a shingle mill and a furniture factory. The Eldred Shingle Mill, the largest shingle mill in the state and possibly the country, burned down in 1872 and was not rebuilt.

Although fires in 1889 and 1920 destroyed many original buildings, the village still has many historic homes and brick buildings dating from the 1800s.

The original one-room Frenchtown school building built in 1868 still stands.

The cemetery just outside of town dates to 1860.

According to records of the former B&B Association of Michigan, Pentwater can lay claim to the longest continuously-operated (by the same owner) Bed & Breakfast in the state of Michigan. The Abbey, close to both the Yacht Club and the Post Office, was sold in 2020 and no longer functions as a B&B. Airbnbs have replaced most traditional B&Bs in the village as well as elsewhere.

Pentwater Township has 1,600 regis-

tered voters, half of whom live in the Motel Lodging with village, and twice that many homes Kitchenettes & Suites due to vacation and rental homes. The in Pentwater, Mich. village has a year-round population of SUITES and MOTEL KITCHENETTES Just a  PENTWATER, MI  about 500 people that swells to several short stroll times that many summer residents who to the own vacation homes or who rent cotvillage tages and camp at the state park. shops & There are events and festivals through- beach!

Just a short stroll to the village shops and beach! out the year, but the event that draws 231-869-5766 • www.ChannelLaneInn.com 231-869-5766 the most participation by far is Home- Open Year ‘RoundAll • Reservations Open YearRecommended • Reservations Recommended www.ChannelLaneInn.com coming, the second weekend in August. It is called Homecoming because it draws three and four generations of families to their family-owned homes Weddings, Events and Sympathies for four days of family fun that culminates in a wildly popular parade and 215 S. Hancock St., Pentwater, Mich. fireworks.

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• Photo courtesy of Village of Rothbury

ROTHBURY

By Andy Roberts Oceana All Access Writer

R

othbury is a small area, but still offers a lot - even if you’re not visiting for the annual Electric Forest music festival, which brings 40,000 to 50,000 visitors to the Double JJ Resort and Lucky Lake Campground each June to witness one of the biggest parties of the summer each year.

Rothbury, in its current name, dates to 1879, when a post office in the village took the name. The name ultimately ended up being applied to the entire village. It covers just under 3.5 square miles in Grant Township, and as of the 2020 census, it had a population of 462.

30 • OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2024

The village is home to a stop on the William Field Hart-Montague Trail, which provides miles of paved bicycle riding among beautiful West Michigan scenery. The trail connects to other trails going south to Muskegon, giving riding enthusiasts of all skill levels an option to flex their muscles.

The stop includes a small park with a playground, as well as basketball hoops and tennis courts. The park has a plaque dedicating it to Glen Squires (1890-1968), a community leader who championed sports and other activities for young people in the area.

Czarny Park, just down the road on Winston Road, next to a building that once housed a school, includes baseball fields and more open space to explore. The village is in the

49452

process of applying for state grants in order to modernize the park.

The village’s most well-known attraction is the aforementioned Double JJ Resort, which offers horseback riding, an indoor and outdoor water park, Thoroughbred Golf Course and other amenities on its over 1,000 acres of property. The origins of the current name come from the Jack and Jill Ranch, which opened in 1937. It was started by George Storm as a place for young adults to camp and vacation outdoors together. The resort maintains the same old west dude ranchstyle motif that has been a hallmark since its inception.

Those looking for a quieter time in the small village can take a long walk; much of

the village is walkable, with tranquil neighborhoods and plentiful sidewalks. There’s also a dock on 80th Avenue that offers a chance to fish.

The village is home to three locally owned businesses: Rivers Ace Hardware, Rico’s Tamales and the Rothbury Shop. There is also a Wesco gas station and a Dollar General for convenience.

Rothbury is also home to the Grant Township Hall. Like several other Grant Townships nationwide, including at least 11 others in Michigan, the township was named for former president Ulysses S. Grant, who was very popular at the time many municipalities were being named in the latter part of the 1800s.

OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2024 • 31

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OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2024 • 35

• Photo courtesy of Dylan Zuniga

SHELBY

By Amanda Dodge Oceana All Access Writer

T

ravel to the land “where the north begins and the fine fruit grows.” For almost 100 years, Shelby has welcomed visitors with this slogan at the south end of the village in central Oceana County. It is an area full of the bountiful goodness of apples, cherries, peaches, asparagus and more.

Though Shelby may be a somewhat common name for tiny towns and cities alike, it should not be confused with Shelby Township on the east side of the state. As much as that is a bustling metropolis, Oceana County’s Shelby is a family-friendly village and township with parks, schools, shops, churches and sidewalks wide enough for people to stop and say hello to each 36 • OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2024

other each day.

Originally, Shelby was named Churchill’s Corners in 1866 after its first postmaster, Walter H. Churchill. Just a few years later, it was platted as Barnett to connect the town to the railroad in 1872. According to “Michigan Place Names,” by Walter Romig, Barnett was a brakeman who ultimately failed to pay the agreed upon recording fees for the new name. The next year, the adjacent area was platted as Shelby, and the two were incorporated together under the latter in 1885.

In the history room of the Shelby Area District Library, there is a Certificate of Tribute celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Village of Shelby and states, “The village of Shelby was named for frontier soldier and first governor of Kentucky, Isaac Shelby, who with his Kentucky Rangers

49455

helped reclaim Detroit from the British in the War of 1812, earning him acclaim with the residents of Michigan.”

Lifelong resident, veteran and Shelby Village Council President Paul Inglis was happy to share why he lives in and loves this place. “Since I retired as Oceana County Administrator in November 2008, I have occasionally been asked why I would continue to live in the Village of Shelby rather than relocate to a more ‘upscale’ community. From my perspective, the answer has always been an easy one.

“I was born and raised in Shelby, attended Shelby Public Schools, and was fortunate enough to experience the joys and rewards of living in what was once a busy and thriving small town wherein everyone understood the true meaning of community.

“After my graduation from Alma College, I attended Wayne State University Law School but was soon drafted into the U.S. Army and sent to Vietnam. It was never my intention to return to Shelby after four years of college and two years of military service. Initially, I planned to return to law school and assumed that I would move on to a larger community to practice law.”

Inglis added that once he returned from Vietnam, the appeal of small town life triumphed over the more big city path he had previously been on. “In the fall of 1970, I made a significant life-changing decision to return to the Village of Shelby, whereby I felt that I could have a greater sense of fulfillment by immersing myself in the community in a number of impactful ways.

Several former residents/students of Shelby returned in the early 1970s as well. We all felt an OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2024 • 37

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obligation to assist in helping Shelby return to its once-booming status—to help gain some momentum for the village to grow and develop rather than decline and become a pass-through for folks who ‘were on their way to somewhere else in order to spend their time and money.’

“During my 37 years in public administration on the county level, I resided in the Village of Shelby in the same house that I live in today.

“It has always been instilled in me by my parents, teachers and religious leaders that we have an obligation to offer our time, talent and treasure to make life better for others. As a result, because of my memories of the collective community energy that kept the Village of Shelby so vibrant for so many years, I made it my own personal crusade to become an advocate for the village and the surrounding area.”

With that mentality, Inglis began four decades of leadership within the Shelby Recreation Club, which is still going strong to this very day.

“Through a great deal of persistence and spirited effort…dedicated volunteers provided and supported soccer, swimming and baseball/softball programs for thousands of youths. The local parents and community leaders stepped up to volunteer in several capacities in order to provide and maintain fun and competitive recreation opportunities for our young people.”

A recreation-based mindset is another thing at the forefront for both the village and Shelby Township, with the former working hard to upgrade Getty Park with uniform playground equipment for children of all abilities to enjoy, and the latter creating the Shelby Township Community Park on Buchanan Road near 72nd Avenue. Both are set to be completed this year.

“Oceana County and the Shelby community will become a destination for travelers and visitors looking for opportunities to remain active and healthy,” Inglis noted.

Shelby also has a number of ways for locals to get involved, including the Shelby Optimist Club, of which Inglis has been a member for 50 years, and the Shelby Rotary Club. Both support many worthy causes.

Shelby is also home to the only hospital in Oceana County. Trinity Health Lakeshore Hospital is located near downtown and offers an emergency room, inpatient and outpatient care, a lab and more. It has recently gone through a number of upgrades to better serve the community.

One of the newest additions to the village is Shelby Elementary School, which is part of Shelby Public Schools. The school opened in January 2024 for students in grades K–5 and combined Thomas Read Elementary and New Era Elementary under one roof. The state-of-the-art facility is located near Shelby High School on Oceana Drive.

“Shelby students have had the opportunity to obtain an excellent elementary, middle school and high school education because Shelby Public Schools has some of the finest educators, school facilities and technology making it a desirable option for parents to consider when choosing a school for their children,” Inglis said.

In terms of housing, “the new Shelby Acres Development is a vision come true for Earl and Linda Peterson and will provide dozens of families an affordable place to live and work and form new and busy neighborhoods. The development will contain 82 homes for sale, and they will all be located within the Village of Shelby limits and served by village water, sewer, DPW and police services,” Inglis said, adding that the village has made a number of improvements to its own streets and water mains.

A unique feature of Shelby is its Industrial Park, which includes a number of manufacturing businesses of various types, including custom furniture, custom clothing and custom machine equipment.

Any visitor to Shelby, though, would be remiss not to spend some time in its downtown. With a pizza place, bank, government offices, a bakery, post office, mini mall, Love INC resale shop, pharmacy and antique store dotting the east side of Michigan Avenue to restaurants, a salon, real estate agency and more on the west side, there is a lot to see and do. There is also a lovely pocket park to relax and enjoy one’s lunch in the shade. Directly behind the downtown is the William Field Memorial Hart-Montague Trail State Park, affectionately known as the “Rail Trail.”

“Shelby will survive and continue to prosper if its citizens, community leaders and public officials do not become individually centered and, if we are not consumed by social media,” Inglis said. “If we all make the effort, we can engage our neighbors in a communal society wherein we all look out for each other. That can be a powerful and meaningful way to make our community shine once more.”

OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2024 • 39

• Photo courtesy of Silver Lake Chamber of Commerce

SILVER LAKE

By Brendan Samuels Oceana All Access Writer

M

ention the words Silver Lake to anyone who has ever visited the area, and you’re likely to find yourself immersed in conversation revolving around the massive hills of sand that separate the shores of Lake Michigan from those of the town’s namesake.

The rolling dunes and roaring of engines dominate the streets of Silver Lake once the summer months hit, but over a century ago, that wasn’t the case. In fact, the dunes really didn’t become the spectacle they are today until the 1950s.

Carrie E. Mears – the daughter of Charles 40 • OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2024

Mears, a lumber baron – donated 25 acres on the east side of Silver Lake to be used for park purposes. That was in 1920, and the legacy of the Silver Lake Sand Dunes has only continued to grow.

Sand Dunes State Park first became active in 1949, after the federal government gave 900 acres of land to the state of Michigan nearly 20 years prior. In 1951, that park merged with Silver Lake State Park to form the first boundaries of the dunes that are enjoyed by locals and visitors from all across the country.

Today’s dunes are made up of nearly 3,000 acres, with just under 1,900 considered public land. The sand deposits that make up the dunes are considered to be one of the larg-

49436

est living dunes in the state.

Using the word ‘living’ is a bit ironic, considering the amount of dune dwellers’ homes that have been swallowed up by the ever-changing hills of sand. Alongside several homes, the dunes have claimed an apple orchard and a cemetery as well.

While the sand is what brings people to Silver Lake, they often stay for the joys of the attractions around the dunes.

Want to spend your day exploring the mountains of sand in any way possible?

You’re in luck, as there is no shortage of businesses in the area that offer ATV and buggy rentals.

Not looking for a thrill as much as a tour of the dunes and their rich history? Mac Woods

Dune Rides will take you up the dunes on a private trail in one of their signature vehicles. Allow a tour guide to speed through winding turns while keeping you informed on all things Silver Lake.

History buffs may enjoy the short trip down the coast of Lake Michigan, where Little Sable Point Lighthouse resides. Built in 1874, Little Sable Point is one of the state’s tallest lighthouse towers at over 100 feet tall. A walk along the beach with the lighthouse nearby is picturesque and can be done no matter the time of year one decides to visit.

Speaking of history, how about a little something for lovers of classic rock n’ roll?

Just northeast of downtown Silver Lake is OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2024 • 41

Val-Du Lakes, a campground resort that’s a lot quieter than it was 50 years ago. In fact, crowds gathered in droves from 1970 to 1990 to hear major acts perform. Artists such as Aerosmith, Metallica, Bon Jovi, Guns n’ Roses and Stevie Ray Vaughan rocked the stage before Val-Du exited stage left on the music business. Concerts made a short resurgence in 2011 when a lineup headlined by country Client: Silver Lake Sand Dunes & Hart Visitors Bureau music stars Gretchen Wilson and Big & Rich Designer: Rightside Design Group Project: 2022 Travel Guide - Ad design services/updates made an appearance, but the venue has been mostly quiet since.

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Whether you’re just in town for the weekend or planning on staying a while, Silver Lake is sure to keep you busy.

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Saddle Up: Shoreline Ride on the Dunes

By Silver Lake Sand Dunes-Hart Visitors Bureau

A

s the season comes to an end for ORV users, November brings a unique opportunity for a completely different experience riding the Silver Lake Sand Dunes. Michigan Shoreline Horse Friends and Michigan Equine Trails have worked in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Silver Lake State Park to create a new horseback riding season.

Imagine riding along miles of sandy shoreline or cresting the majestic dunes atop your horse with a spectacular view of Lake Michigan. Silver Lake State Park is offering this new season in the hope of exposing the majesty of the dunes to a new audience of riders. With access for the entire month of November, this is a great way to attract horseback riding enthusiasts from all over Michigan and the Midwest to gather and take advantage of this unique opportunity. Those interested in participating can text “TROT” to 80888 to be notified of upcoming opportunities.

BYOH

These rides are for those who are able to bring their own horses. There are currently no horse rentals available; however, the Michigan Horse Trails Directory online can help you find horse rental opportunities throughout Michigan and horse trails, camping, events, and volunteer horse friends groups: http://michiganhorsetrails.com/

Bringing an Idea to Life

Jenny Cook, and members of the Michigan Equine Trails Subcommittee, had been seeking an opportunity to create a horseback riding opportunity along the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Cook identified Silver Lake State Park as a potential site for these rides and she and her committee worked with the MDNR performing several private and public pilot rides to give the idea a try. The trial was successful, and the 2021 season was the first official posting of horseback access Supporting to the dunes for the first two One weeks Another of November. In 2022, the With season was extended to include Sportsmanship! the entire month of November.

Dunes Horseback Season Details:

• Link for reservations and more information: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/ horseback-riding/shoreline-riding • Parking Reservations will be offered from the MDNR for a limited number of participants.

• Participants will be allowed to travel the most direct dune route across the ORV dunes starting at the ORV Dune Exit Ramp, 1.1 miles of ORV dunes to approximately 3 miles of Silver Lake State Park Lake Michigan shoreline.

• Please be sure you have a Recreation Passport on your vehicle: https://www.michigan. gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/rec-pp • If you do not have a horse parking reservation, please park (without horses) in the Silver Lake State Park Pedestrian Parking Area when you volunteer.

• The ORV dune route and shoreline will be kept barefoot ready with dune route manure maintenance.

• Vault toilets will be available in the ORV parking area and along the dune route.

• Horseback riders must bring their own water for both themselves, and their horses.

• Participants are asked to bring their own manure forks and muck buckets to clean up after their own horses in the ORV parking area.

• The dune route will be maintained by volunteers. Please consider joining the Michigan Shoreline Horse Friends volunteer group to support with donations and/or to volunteer in person. Please email: mihorsefriends@gmail.com

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• Photo courtesy of Calvin Roskam

STONY LAKE

By Tom Rademacher Oceana All Access Writer

A

sk anyone in the know, and they’ll agree that Stony Lake in southwest Oceana County is as much a state of mind as it is a dot on the map.

Call it an elixir or a special sauce, but any way you slice it, Stony Lake elicits a timeless feel reminiscent of the way that life on a small inland lake used to be and arguably ought to remain.

Think cozy cabins and cottages with breezy porches sprinkled around the shoreline. Nights defined by campfires and marshmallows amid pastel sunsets. And being lulled to sleep against the backdrop of wind-whipped whitecaps and 46 • OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2024

the call of everything from crickets to common loons.

It’s as if E.B. White himself were staring at Stony Lake when he wrote his essay “Once More To The Lake” in 1941: “Summertime, oh summertime, pattern of life indelible, the fade proof lake, the woods unshatterable, the pasture with the sweet fern…summer without end; this was the background, and the life along the shore was the design, the cottages with their… tiny docks with the flagpole and the American flag floating against the white clouds in the blue sky, the little paths over the roots of the trees leading from camp to camp…”

Located where M-20 dead-ends to the west into Scenic Drive, Stony Lake (SL) lures with everything from a handful of proud businesses

49455

to a gem of a golf course to a smattering of summer camps that draw youngsters from all around the world.

The lake itself measures 282 acres, is about 43 feet at its deepest, and is listed as the 399th largest lake in Michigan. It offers good to excellent fishing, boasting everything from bluegill to bass to perch to pike to trout. Some 200 dwellings rim its shoreline.

The main catalyst for promoting and preserving SL rests with the Stony Lake Property Owners Association, which sponsors more than a half-dozen annual events designed to celebrate community.

“We host a picnic in the park, weekend sailboat races, a Fourth of July fishing tournament, a boat parade, an ice cream social, the popular Stony Lake Sparkler 5K Run, a kayak poker run

and many other ways to meet your neighbors,” says Sharon Zoller, a cottager who also serves as Benona Township Deputy Clerk.

“Stony Lake is such a friendly place,” she says.

“Whether you are fishing, sailing, windsurfing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, swimming or just floating on a pontoon boat, there are always people to meet and visit.”

Golf? It’s just up the road, where Benona Shores Golf Course offers an 18-hole par 60 challenge that is recently under new ownership by Jason Wenk, and always presenting in sterling condition. Claybanks Pottery is just a few miles south of the lake. And within whistling distance of the lake itself is the Stony Lake Market, Stony Lake Cutlery – and two popular eateries – the legendary Stony Lake Inn, and Farmhouse Kitchen & Market, the latter being OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2024 • 47

Raising the Bar on Car Care he Bar on Ca

part of the Benona Golf Course enterprise.

r Ca&rBalance g t • Tire Repair • Rotate e RaisOilinChanges The Stony Lake Inn is famous for its lake perch,

Oil Changes • Tire Repair Rotate w/Vacuums & Balance deep-fried asparagus in season, certified Angus Self Serve Car• Wash Self-Serve Car Wash w/Vacuums Technicians beef products and cozy atmosphere. The FarmSkilled Technicians • No• Skilled Appointment Needed house is the latest iteration of a restaurant loM-F 8-5 cated along Benona Golf Course’s 17th fairway, Sat 8-Noon and features a prominent chef who offers fine *No Appointment Needed* farm-to-table fare. The brisket is a fave.

M-FFor 8-5 tools, hardware, lumber, household Sat 8-Noon traditional and recreational fuel, limitgoods, ed groceries and much more, there’s the Stony Depot - formerly Keehne Hardware.

2359 N. Comfort • Hart, MIDr. • (231) 873-2349 2359 NDr.Comfort | Hart, MI Lake If you’re seeking a relaxing way to spend (231) 873-2349 part of the day, you can float your way from Stony Lake to Lake Michigan on Stony Creek, k o a meandering trip that can take either side of o B ! w o N an hour, depending on conditions. Stony Lake itself boasts a swimming area complete with docks and a small grassy beach, located at the Campground & Cabins northwest corner of the lake. A boat launch Celebrating Over 25 Years for Stony Lake is located in Stony Lake County Alcohol & Drug Free Christian Camping Park on the south side of the lake, via Stony 8079 W Stony Lake Rd • New Era, MI 49446 Lake Road. www.campstonyhaven.com • 231-861-5201 There are no hotels in Stony Lake proper, but you can score a campsite at Claybanks Township Park to the south or Stony Haven Campground & Cabins to the east.

Where the creek empties into the Big Lake is the Benona Township beach or “Oval” as the locals call it, with a boat ramp, limited parking, a portable toilet, and boardwalk for fishing or just plain sightseeing.

A few miles to the east, you’ll find horseback riding options at Stony Lake Stables. And depending on the season, there are fruit, vegetable and firewood stands located along Stony Lake Road, Scenic Drive and pop-ups elsewhere.

If you’re looking for sophisticated commerce, urban culture and things to do after dark, Stony Lake is probably part of your drive-through. But if you savor life at its own pace, well, maybe Vicki Davey says it as well as anyone: “I was driving with my sister the other day, and we came around the west side of the lake, and I said, ‘The thing I love best about Stony Lake is how so much of it never changes.’”

Indeed, Stony Lake is a throwback, and nobody who lives or vacations there apologizes for it. Says Davey, who has lived all over the U.S. but calls Stony Lake home, “It’s like a warm, comforting hug.”

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CRAWL, WALK OR RUN: The Stony Lake Sparkler delivers!

A highlight every summer in Stony Lake is the annual Stony Lake Sparkler 5K Run and One Mile Fun Run/Walk, held every Fourth of July weekend. Proceeds go to the Crystal Valley Care Fund, which reaches out to families who suffer catastrophic circumstances tied to house fires, illness and more.

“The Stony Lake Sparkler has done wonders for us,” says Judy Kokx, president of the Crystal Valley Care Fund, which started small in a tavern and has developed over the last two decades into a registered non-profit that helps scores of people yearly throughout Oceana County.

“The run is the biggest fundraiser we have,” Kokx says, noting that in recent years, the event has raised in excess of $20,000 annually for the Fund. The Fund operates on multiple levels, arranging for everything from fruit

baskets to gasoline cards to utility payments for people who are suffering from challenges whose costs aren’t covered by insurance.

More than just a run/walk, the Sparkler encourages lots of red, white and blue, and the atmosphere is uplifting and patriotic, with an after-party featuring food, beverages and music prior to the awards ceremony. The pageantry emanates from the parking lot of the Stony Lake Inn at 4722 Scenic Drive, just uphill and around the corner from its namesake Stony Lake.

The course is a fairly flat out-and-back affair that takes runners and walkers down a certified Natural Beauty Road, then through open farmland, and then back through the same canopy of trees that marks the first half.

For more information on the Sparkler, visit stonylakesparkler.com.

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• Photo courtesy of Jerry Frick

WALKERVILLE

By Sharon Hallack Oceana All Access Writer

T

he very beginnings of Walkerville can be traced all the way back to 1868, when Fayette Walker, who had moved to Leavitt Township from Warsaw, N.Y., felt Section 8 of Leavitt was a good place to start a village.

Despite being located on the edge of a bad swamp and without a creek or river for water or transportation, he had the new village of Walkerville platted.

As more people moved to the area, they built homes and opened businesses, and the village began to grow. One of the many businesses to spring up in those early years was the “Walkerville News,” published and printed 50 • OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2024

in Walkerville by Oliver Bunting and his brother Emerson. Copies of this historic paper are now archived at the Old Town Hall in Mears, Michigan, a part of the Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society.

Many residents living in Oceana County today can trace their family roots back to this historic town. Increased lumbering of the abundant pine, hemlock and cedar brought lumber camps and eventually necessitated the need for railroads. There were many ups and downs as the little village expanded.

Fire was a constant threat and has changed the landscape many times over the past 140 years. When the railroad left town, it left a void that would take some time and ingenuity to fill.

49459

Nearly 50 years ago, in 1976, the year of the country’s bicentennial, a local group of people organized to join in the celebration. The first “Pioneer Days” would become an annual event, held on the first Saturday before Independence Day, every summer until the mid1980s. The very first celebrations included a parade, pioneer games, a pig roast and an old-fashioned street dance.

In 2016, another group formed to seek project funding and promote businesses while growing and maintaining the community’s assets. The non-profit community development group “Walkerville Thrives” represents six different townships, including Colfax, Crystal, Elbridge, Leavitt, Troy and Beaver. Recently, they brought back Walkerville’s historic Pio-

neer Days and renamed it “Farm Fun Days.”

Walkerville Thrives has been instrumental in bringing several new amenities and events to the village, including, the Walkerville Thrives website (www.walkervillethrives.org), spring cleanup days, and “Meet the Candidates” nights. This passionate group has also written numerous grants for village improvements, including a ga-ga pit at the park, a fitness room at the school, “Walk the Ville” walking trails and brochure, a new roof and windows for the historic Pioneer House, and supplies/ manpower to have the village hall and welcome sign repainted. Residents and visitors alike are welcome to attend Walkerville Thrives monthly meetings. Please visit their website to find out more about meetings, ofOCEANA ALL ACCESS 2024 • 51

Hart, Michigan The Oceana County Council on Aging is a nonprofit agency that promotes and safeguards the independence and well-being of individuals 60 years of age and older by providing services, information and support to the residents of Oceana County.

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The “Pioneer House,” now located at 133 E. Main St., was originally built in the 1900s by the Davis family and was located on the corner of Franklin and Willard Streets. For many years, the Leonard Reed family owned it; later, it was owned by the school district and rented to local teachers. The Pioneer House is open by appointment and serves as a local museum, showcasing many of the area’s historical items.

From the “Welcome to Walkerville” sign on the west side of the village by the cemetery to the four-way stop on the east side of the village, Walkerville is full of history. As you enter downtown from the west, one of the oldest surviving businesses, Walkerville Well Drilling can be seen on your right. The Frick family just celebrated 80 years in business in 2023. Across the street, you’ll find a charming village park featuring children’s play structures, a pickleball court, basketball hoops and a covered picnic area. Continuing down East Main Street, the Pioneer House Museum and local bank are located to your right, with the Walkerville Fire Department just behind it on East Street, along with the post office located on Laurel Street.

Back on the northside of Main Street, you’ll see Walkerville Public Schools, where 250 of the area’s Kindergarten through 12th grade students spend their days from September to June. Along with regular academic studies, the school offers auxiliary services, a library, year-round sports programming, and a robotics team. The Walkerville (School) Boosters, a group of dedicated community members, provides classroom support as well as many fun activities for schoolchildren and families throughout the school year. Whether hosting regular spirit activities, fundraisers, or their annual Community Gingerbread House Making Night, the Walkerville Boosters work hard to provide extras for everyone. “We try to be the boost for teachers, kids and families,” Boosters President Sue Budde said.

At the four-way stop two dollar stores and another historic business, the Kwik Mart gas station convenience store offers just what

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you need before you head out to explore this beautiful and secluded part of the county.

Moved from Hesperia in 1937, the small gas station/garage was large enough to repair cars. In 1981, the building was completely remodeled and renamed Kwik Mart.

Two active churches are also located within the village. The Walkerville United Methodist Church and the Walkerville Wesleyan Church both offer weekly services and a chance to gather and worship, as well as participate in local events and service projects throughout the village and around the world.

Enjoy camping at Black Lake Park north of Walkerville, Campbell Lake Campground, Enchanted Pebawma Lake Campground located on their respective lakes, or the Sunrise Campground on School Section Lake .

“If you like the outdoors, the Walkerville area has a lot to offer. We are located close to so much federal land. There are plenty of places to hike, fish, ride ATVs or just observe wildlife, said longtime Walkerville resident Sue Budde. The Walkinshaw is a part of the

Huron/Manistee National Forest and is located on 198th Avenue, about four miles south and east of town. Follow 176th Avenue South out of the village and watch for the large Forest Service sign on the north side of the road.

Several small businesses are located adjacent to the village and adjoining townships, providing locals and visitors alike with technology support, mini-storage, a maple sugarbush, a sawmill, trucking and landscaping services. Additionally, several agricultural production operations and processing facilities provide jobs for many area residents.

Once in Walkerville, you are just a short drive from Branch, Crystal Valley and Bitely.

The Village of Walkerville extends a warm welcome to all. Here you’ll find a slower pace and a friendly community, with plenty to offer those looking to get away from it all.

Oceana All Access wishes to thank Walkerville resident, Jerry Frick, for providing the historical information included in this article.

Merten’s Farmhouse Market Homemade Baked Goods Made Daily

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Black Lake County Park

5701 N. 176th Ave., Walkerville, MI

Cedar Point County Park 4799 N. Ridge Rd., Mears, MI

Oceana Cou

Gales Pond County Park 54 • OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2024

49 E. Filmore Rd., Hart, MI

Marshville Dam County Park

6075 W. Marshville Dam Rd., Shelby, MI

Crystal Valley County Park 1280 E. Madison Rd., Hart, MI

Doolittle County Park 100 W. Filmore Rd., Hart, MI

unty Parks • Photos courtesy of the Oceana County Parks & Rec Dept.

Mill Pond County Park 3222 S. 136th Ave., Shelby, MI

Stony Lake County Park

ACCESS 2024 • 55 7962 W. Stony OCEANA LakeALL Rd., New Era, MI

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Destination

FROM VIEWS TO HUES:

Oceana boasts popular wedding venues

By Madison Lajewski Oceana All Access Writer

Picture-perfect views from lush trees, sparkling lakes, beautiful beaches and more, make Oceana County a prime destination for weddings and receptions. With so much to offer, there are a number of popular venues right in our own backyard for locals and visitors alike to celebrate their big day.

Heritage Wedding Barn Within the last few years, historic and rustic barns have become increasingly popular as wedding venues. Heritage Wedding Barn in Shelby offers 27 acres of picturesque scenery, and plenty of indoor and outdoor space that seats up to 300 people for your special day. Additionally, Heritage Wedding Barn offers both a bridal suite and grooms room with air conditioning for preparation of the ceremony, a warming kitchen and different tables and chairs.

A one-day rental starts at $6,500 Friday or Saturday, and $9,000 for a two-day rental. This property has been in the Stitt family since the 1920s. The family has worked hard to maintain the upkeep of the timber frame barns in an effort to preserve the history and “art of the trade.”

“The heritage is in the land and also in the barns themselves,” Jennifer Stitt said. To learn more about Heritage Wedding Barns, call (231) 830-7825.

• Photos courtesy of Heritage Barn Co.

Heritage Barn Co. “The barn has been around for a very long time for quite a few different functions in the area,” Rye Venues Sales and Marketing Coordinator Callie Cherry said. “Previously the barn was called Barn at Town Corners. That was because there were four different (townships) that are all butted up right where the barn is located. It started off as an actual farm with a OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2024 • 57

Be ready for the big moment with younger-looking skin

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Carol & Co. A Place Just For You

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Carol Waller • Owner/Stylist Cindi Fekken • Stylist 33. W. 5th St. in Shelby • (231) 861-0375

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58 • OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2024

barn hosting animals and livestock. Over the years, it has been a few different restaurants.

At one point, it was a church. Rye Venues took over the barn in 2018 and renamed it Heritage Barn Co.” Heritage Barn Co., located in New Era, can host up to 200 guests with on-site parking.

Cherry said ceremonies typically overlook the gorgeous rolling hills of Oceana County. Inside the barn is a reception area for dancing, complete with a bridal suite, prep kitchen and a bar that clients can utilize.

Heritage Barn Co. has no catering requirements, which allows clients to fully customize their food and beverage options. This is the same with decorations.

“Heritage Barn Co. provides a gorgeous DIY space for clients,” Cherry said. “We don’t want to add in all of these additional things that’s going to drive up the price point. We want people to be able to design and execute their own events exactly how they want within their budget.”

Prices start at $2,200. This allows access to the space for 14 hours on event day. The standard rental is usually 10 a.m. until midnight.

Tables and chairs are included, along with whiskey barrels, which allow a unique decorative and functional touch.

Since clients aren’t required to purchase alcohol directly through Rye Venues, they allow alcohol onsite for events. Clients can either partner with a local caterer or bartending service to execute their alcohol service, or Rye allows clients to purchase their own alcohol with a “quick vetting process to decide who’s actually going to be pouring it.”

To learn more about Heritage Barn Co. call (231) 259-3032 EXT. 705.

Michillinda Lodge Michillinda Lodge is one of the few venues nestled close to Oceana County in the White Lake area that is directly on Lake Michigan. The big lake views, convenient lodging and large parking amenities make it a popular choice for summer weddings. Open May through October (with no nuptial bookings from July through the first week of August,) events can

Memories to last a lifetime Let us help you add that special touch, with the natural beauty of flowers.

We make the process easy when booking your wedding, whether it’s close to home or at any West Michigan destination.

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A Stitch in Time

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• Photos courtesy of Heritage Wedding Barn

Call Sharon Briggs for an appointment • 231-894-8753 9494 S. Oceana Dr. 3 miles N. of Montague

Over 1,000 Gowns in stock!

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OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2024 • 59

• Photo courtesy of Michillinda Lodge

Shelby Floral & Gifts

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be competitive to secure. A minimum room booking of 10 is required when scheduling a wedding.

Lea Shampo, owner of Michillinda Lodge, said they offer two wedding packages ranging from $5,000-$5,500. Both include tables, chairs, lights and tents. They do not provide linens, dishes or serving ware. Michillinda Lodge also has a preferred vendor list. The rental party is responsible for set-up and clean-up.

After the reception, people are welcome to continue the party at the on-site bonfire pit, overlooking the water. This is included in their B package. Other activities on site include tennis and pickleball courts, an outdoor heated swimming pool, basketball courts, a playground and more. Usually, there is a no-pet policy, with the exception of service animals.

However, Michillinda Lodge is open to allowing your furry friends to be a part of your special day, per a conversation with management.

Michillinda Lodge is currently booking for the 2025 season. Call (231) 893-1895 for more information.

& BLOS

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Let Happiness Blossom on Your Wedding Day

FL

Home and Gather is a brand new space located directly across from downtown Montague and near the Artisan Market. The space opened in August 2023 and is currently booking through summer 2024. Montague has the unique distinction of being located in both Oceana and Muskegon counties, as it crosses over the county line between the two.

“We take the whole idea of home and we make it into a place where you can get stuff for it, design it, or gather with your loved ones in it,” owner Keri Noom said.

The space can seat 30-40 people and is very versatile. The venue can host weddings, bridal showers, baby showers and more.

They have a Home and Gather package, which comes with tables, silverware, cups, plates, table runners and centerpieces. Their partnership with Debby Does Dishes allows them to offer real, beautiful dishware. Home and Gather themselves don’t offer food, which allows renters to bring in their own spread or partner with outside caterers of their choice. They do, however, offer set-up of the buffet, along with decorations to make it look nice.

Home and Gather does not have a liquor license, so they only allow wine and beer. No hard liquor is allowed.

Weekday events start at $50 per hour, and weekends start at $300 per hour. For more information about Home and Gather, call (231) 7301401.

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(231) 873-8588

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Let us be your Our New Facility Built in 2021 Offers: • Seating capacity 220 Let us be your somethi something New !

• Tables and chairs furnished for your use

• Access to kitchen for Caterer use • Seating capacity • Raised stage220 with podium • Access to the beautiful outdoor gazebo makin • Tables and chairs extended area to your party, ceremony or pict • Access to kitchen • Raised stage & podium N. Oceana Drive H • Beautiful outdoor gazebo5185Our New Facility Built (231) 225-0 • Seating capacity 220

WEST MICHIGAN RESEARCH STATION 5185 North Oceana Drive in Hart

www.westmichiganrese Serving Oceana, Mason & Newaygo Counties • Tables and chairs furnished to kitchen for Catere (231) 225-0443 •• Access Raised stage with podium

• Access to the beautiful outd westmichiganresearchstation.org extended area to your party

• Photo courtesy of Home and Gather

WEST MICHIGAN RESEARCH STATION Serving Oceana, Mason & Newaygo Counties

OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2024 • 61

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SHE’S GOT THE LOOK:

Natural hairstyles on trend this year

By Madison Lajewski Oceana All Access Writer

After the dress, the shoes, the jewelry, the flowers and all the arrangements are made, one of the very last things on a bride’s checklist before they say “I do,” is their hair. Many make appointments far in advance, and some even go in early for practice runs to make sure their locks will be picture perfect. Stylists are well-versed in making sure the bride’s hair looks amazing and stays that way throughout her big day.

While hairstyles change over the years, with many coming back into fashion, the majority of brides want a timeless look.

Last year, many were commonly seen wearing “old Hollywood” waves and more classic hairstyles. Kim Snellenberger, owner of Modern Image Cuts near Oceana County, says that alternatively, this year brides are wearing more natural and “boho” hairstyles.

She and her stylists at Modern Image Cuts keep up with education classes to stay current on the latest hair trends.

“This year has been and will be really casual. In the past, looks have been more elegant. But recently, brides have been doing more casual and natural looks.”

Snellenberger explained that beach waves have been very common, which goes along with how popular of a trend they have become in general in recent years.

The common braided up-dos that were popular throughout the 2010s have recently been replaced with fluffy bubble braids. These make for a fun and alternative look, while also proving to be more convenient, in terms of maintaining and keeping the bride’s hair out of her face.

Flowers, more specifically babies’ breath, have been popular in recent years but have been replaced with what Kim affectionately calls “hair candy.” Hair candy includes little embellishments throughout the hair, such as pins with diamonds or pearls. This typically goes hand-inhand with low-buns and bubble braids.

Similarly, following the same idea of hair can62 • OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2024

dy, brides who wear their hair down or up have taken a liking to tiaras and headbands. This can keep the look slightly more on the casual side, while adding a touch of extra personality to it.

Low buns have taken off within the past year and provide a more sophisticated look compared to the “free flowing” style of beach waves.

Popular “junior bridesmaids” and flower girl hairstyles include braids, and twisting the hair to look like a bow.

BAR & GRILL

CAMPGROUND

great food!

your up north retreat

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THE MANOR

an ideal group retreat

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Relax, have fun, make memories...

OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2024 • 63

It’s a beautiful day to relax & • Free petting barns • beer and wine play at Up North Farm Market! • delicious Food

• Kid’s play area

3890 W. Monroe Rd., Hart • 231-301-8601 •

Proudly serving this community, one project at a time.

3910 W. Monroe Rd. Hart, MI | (231) 873-4361

blackmerelectric.com

64 • OCEANA ALL ACCESS 2024