Tag: Michigan

This card shows the tour boat that transports visitors along the river and provides a unique view of the river and surrounding park during its travels.

The description states:
RIVER BOAT TAHQUAMENON
Making daily excursions on the beautiful Tahquamenon River to Tahquamenon Falls  in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Wildlife, historic places, and unspoiled beauty are seen en route. The boat is boarded via the Toonerville Trolley at Soo Junction, Michigan.

Here is a wide aerial shot of the Upper Falls and a considerable extent of the river that feeds the falls. The area is still very wild and preserved as a state park.

The description on the back states:
UPPER TAHQUAMENON FALLS AND RIVER
In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
The rushing blue waters of the Tahquamenon River winds its way for miles through broad swamps, thickly forested ridges, and between stone cliffs over 100 feet high, where it widens to 200 feet at the top of the Falls, and transforms to a “Golden” color as its turbulent waters plunge approx. 40 feet over a sandstone cliff.
The card is is not dated but is likely from the 1950s.

In this image we see the main cascade nearly from the side, and it highlights the deeply colored water as it flows over the precipice.

The description states:
UPPER TAHQUAMENON FALLS —
In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
The impressive angle from which the falls are viewed here shows to greatest advantage the full 48 foot height of these mighty falls — the second largest east of the Mississippi.
The card is dated 1952.

A third view of the impressive waterfall of the Tahquamenon River, this time from river level close to the cascade.

The description on the back of the card states:
UPPER TAHQUAMENON FALLS
In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Second only to Niagara east of the Mississippi the beautiful Tahquamenon Falls and River are famous for their primitive settings. Seeing them is truly a worthwhile experience.
This card is dated 1953.

Next image in the Tahquamenon Falls series is this one of the upper falls from an elevated vantage point nearby, looking further upriver as well.

The description on the back of the card states:
UPPER TAHQUAMENON FALLS
In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
The Tahquamenon River winds its way for miles through broad swamps, thickly forrested ridges, and between stone cliffs over 100 feet high, until at this point, it pounds its turbulent waters over a 48 foot sandstone cliff — The Falls of the Tahquamenon.
The postcard is dated 1954.

This image begins a two week series featuring views of the spectacular Tahquamenon Falls of the same river, located in Tahquamenon State Park, in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This view shows the upper falls from some distance downstream.

The description on the back states:
THE RUSHING TAHQUAMENON
In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Made famous as HIAWATHA’S RIVER in Longfellows epic “THE SONG OF HIAWATHA” the Tahquamenon River and Falls are new one of the prime tourist attractions in Michigan — indeed in the entire mid-west.
The card is dated 1954.

The final view of the Legs Inn is a 90 degree rotation from the previous view, showing the main bar with the operator and his son tending. This image shows how extensive the woodwork is throughout the structure, including both structural details as well as functional and decorative ones, including the tables and benches for the guests.

The description states:
LEGS INN, CROSS VILLAGE, MICHIGAN 49723
Tel. (616) 526-5087
View of the main bar with intricate woodcraft created by Stanley Smolak (Chief Whitecloud of Chippewas) presently operated by brother John and sons Alex and George.
The postcard can be dated from the description as being from the early 1970s.

This image shows the large open space called the main lounge, with operator John Smolak in the left rear and his son Alex on the right. Prominently displayed are more of the founder’s elaborate woodwork, both ornamental and functional.

The description states:
LEGS INN, CROSS VILLAGE, MICHIGAN 49723
Tel. (616) 526-5087
View of the main lounge showing ornate woodcraft created by the late Stanley Smolak (Chief Whitecloud of Chippewas) presently operated by brother John and sons Alex and George.
–This card is a 90 degree rotation of the card that featured John with his violin, as the wooden serpent and circular table on the left are present in both photos. This picture dates from the early 1970s.

We move into the more architectural views of the Legs Inn. The ornate woodwork was a hallmark of the founder’s efforts at decor for the entire facility. Note the Polish Imperial eagle proudly displayed over the hallway.

The description states:
LEGS INN, CROSS VILLAGE, MICHIGAN 49723
View of the west lounge with John & Alex Smolak, operators of famous Legs Inn, which was hand crafted by Stanley Smolak (Chief Whitecloud of Chippewas) over a period of 47 years.
–The description, stating that the sons of John Smolak (and nephews of Stanley, the founder) are now the operators, places this postcard in the 1970s, as they took over after their father’s death in 1972.

This image shows the brother of the founder, John Smolak, during his brief tenure as operator of the Legs Inn. He came to the US after being a symphony conductor in Poland, and took over the business from his brother Stanley in 1968. John died after only four years in this position, leaving the business to his sons.

The description states:
LEGS INN
CROSS VILLAGE, MICHIGAN 49721
John Smolak, former symphony orchestra leader in Poland, now operator of Legs Inn.
— The short tenure John Smolak had as the operator of the business allows this card and others in the series to be dated to the 1960s.