Manns Family Funeral Home

11/11/2025

11/11/2025

11/05/2025

I always enjoy the drive along the Lake Superior shoreline from Brimley to Paradise. One of my favorite stops is the historic Point Iroquois Lighthouse. It was built in 1870 and is now a museum in the summer months. The grounds are open all year and it is a beautiful place to stop and take a walk on the boardwalk and watch the ships heading to and from the Soo Locks.

📕 If you love lighthouses, I hope you will take a look at my Lighthouse book on Amazon HERE https://amzn.to/46og9pG

11/02/2025

Situated in the base of the Thumb, approximately thirty miles north of Port Huron, the town of Croswell lies along the banks of the Black River and is known for it's Swinging Bridge. This 139-foot-long suspension bridge was erected in 1905 by the Michigan Sugar Company with the practical purpose of facilitating the safe passage of its workers across the Black River.

The original design of the bridge was rather rudimentary, consisting of only two supporting cables for the wooden planks and, surprisingly, no handrails for balance. Traversing such a structure must have been a precarious undertaking, and one can easily imagine the potential for missteps and an unexpected plunge into the river below. Adding a touch of local character, signs were installed at each end of the bridge. On the west side, a sign humorously advised, "Be good to your Mother In Law," while the east side offered a more sentimental message: "Love Ye One Another." These signs likely served as a gentle deterrent to prevent playful or mischievous individuals from swinging the bridge.

Recognizing the inherent instability of the original design, two additional cables were added a few years after its construction, providing much-needed handholds for pedestrians. In 2006, the bridge underwent a significant restoration project that included the replacement of all 135 planks, ensuring its safety and allowing visitors to continue enjoying this historic footbridge. It is a fun and weird experiance crossing the bridge as it sways and bounces. I think everyone should cross it at least once.

11/02/2025

Fort Street looking east. (1979)

Photo by Tom Hagerty

11/02/2025

This old farmhouse stands near Boyne Falls. I don't know its history or anything about it but it looks empty and lonely. It also is an amazing looking old farmhouse. If walls could talk I am sure it would have some interesting stories to tell.

10/22/2025

Lake Superior washing up beautiful stones on a brisk autumn evening - Crisp Point Lighthouse. Thanks for sharing folks.

10/22/2025

10/17/2025

If you are looking for someplace different to visit that few people know about you need to stop by the old western town of Coopersville. You won’t find it on a map of Michigan since it’s not an official town. It was built by Spike Cooper who is a big fan of westerns and John Wayne. Over the years he has built an old west style town and welcomes people to come visit. It’s full of interesting antiques and funny signs adorning its many buildings. the town has a general store, livery, jail, and a cemetery. Spike Cooper passed away a few years ago but his friends and family keep his little town alive.

the address is:
1860 Fire Tower Road
Lewiston, MI 49756

It has a Lewiston address but its located between Lewiston, Grayling and Mio.

P.S. do not confuse it with the actual town of Coopersville near Grand Rapids.

If you love exploring Michigan, I hope you will take a look at my book LOST IN MICHIGAN'S GHOST TOWNS, link is in the comments

10/17/2025

The small town of Silverwood sits in the Thumb between Mayville and Marlette. I always thought the name sounds like something from a TV western or movie. It was not the first name of the town. When the railroad was built through here in 1882, the residents applied for a post office. One suggested naming it something easy to remember, and the post office named “Easy” and opened on 13 April 1882. I am not sure why but in 1890 The name changed to “Rollo” and changed again in 1892 to “Silverwood”, after the nearby stands of white pine.

If you love exploring the Thumb or reading about its unique places take a look at my new book "Lost In Michigan's Thumb", link is in the comments