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Read the Current Monthly Letters (click on a month to read a letter) March 2002 February 2002 January 2002 March 16, 2002 - Leland, Michigan Dear Friend of the Leelanau Historical Society, Conventional wisdom suggests that the month of March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. Halfway through the month, we can attest to the accuracy of this statement. The last two weekends have been snowy and windy, but the sun and calm of today may signal the month's better half, which includes the official start of spring. I want to take this chance to mention a couple of items. First, as somebody concerned with the natural and cultural resources of Leelanau County, you may want to consider attending the 22nd Annual Michigan Preservation Conference at the Park Place Hotel in Traverse City, April 25-26. The theme of the conference is "Historic Preservation and Smart Growth." The conference highlights some important preservation issues and efforts in our region and also creates an opportunity to meet others from around the state engaged in similar activities. From farmland to lighthouses, historic neighborhoods to "green" building, there is something for nearly every preservation-related interest at this conference. Second, I want to remind you that county-wide auditions will be held May 4, 5, and 6 at the Leland Library for this year's benefit, "The Leelanau Follies," scheduled for Saturday and Sunday June 29 and 30. So brush up your harmony and get ready to sing old favorites --"April Showers," Makin' Whoopee," "When It's Cherry Blossom Time in Leelanau," and many more. We encourage the widest possible participation and are looking for performers from ages 10 to 100! In addition to singing talent, we need plenty of happy helpers backstage -- costumes, props, lights, and sound. Thank you for your ongoing support. Please feel free to contact me at any time should you have any questions or concerns. All the best, Mark Livengood Director Back to top February 12, 2002 - Leland, Michigan Dear Friend of the Leelanau Historical Society, Winter has returned to Leelanau County; cold, strong winds have been blowing the last few days. Our thoughts, however, are beginning to turn to the spring and summer and the many events on the slate. It is not too early to mark your calendars for this year's benefit, "The Leelanau Follies," scheduled for Saturday and Sunday June 28 and 29. Susan Peace Oliver, one of the driving forces behind the Follies, wrote in a recent email: "The Leelanau Follies are back in the Old Art Building after an 80-year hiatus. The Museum is excited to present a fund-raising evening of turn-of-the-century tunes and sketches chosen to reflect life in Leelanau County. The hosts' of the festivities, Mrs. Best and her husband Maro the Magician, will transport you to a time before television and computers, when Leelanau families made their own fun. County-wide auditions will be held May 4, 5, and 6 at the Leland Library, so brush up your harmony and get ready to sing old favorites -- "April Showers," Makin' Whoopee," "When It's Cherry Blossom Time in Leelanau," and many more. We encourage the widest possible participation and are looking for performers from ages 10 to 100! In addition to singing talent, we need plenty of happy helpers backstage -- costumes, props, lights, and sound." For further information on how to get involved with the Follies, please call the Museum. We are not simply hibernating this winter, however. Neither are the folks at the Friendship Community Center in Suttons Bay (where Society Trustee and Board Secretary Peggy Core is the Director) with whom we have partnered to bring you "Winter Willies Wingding 2002" and "All About Bears." The main hall at the Center will be filled with Teddy Bears of all shapes and sizes; the popular piece of Americana was named a century ago in honor of Theodore Roosevelt. Hours for the Wingding are Saturday and Sunday, February 16 and 17, from noon to 5 P.M. and Monday through Wednesday, February 18 to February 20, from 11 A.M. to 5 P.M. In addition, at the Museum on Thursday, February 21, from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. we will be having a collections project workday. All interested persons are invited to spend all or part of the day working with collections staff on an archival project. No experience is necessary, but a brown bag lunch is. Finally, look for your winter issue of the Society's newsletter, LeeMuse, to arrive soon. We are open throughout the winter. Office hours continue to be Monday through Friday, and the Museum is open on Fridays and Saturdays 10 A.M. - 4 P.M. All the best, Mark Livengood Director Back to top January 4, 2002 - Leland, Michigan Dear Friend of the Leelanau Historical Society, December was a superb month for the Leelanau Historical Society. The unique combination of the Yesterday's Tomorrows: Past Visions of the American Future exhibit and related programs and complementary presentations, the annual Museum Store holiday sale, the "In Remembrance of Christmases Past" concert at the Omena Presbyterian Church, and nearly a foot of snow just in time for Christmas generated and sustained a fine momentum. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who helped make December a great way to end the year. There were many new faces at the Museum last month. Those who came looked, asked a lot of questions, and lingered pleasantly. One Saturday morning, a couple pulled chairs in front of the television set up in the corner of the main exhibit space and watched the Yesterday's Tomorrows video for nearly an hour. Later the same day, a couple arrived from the Crystal Lake area to photograph their son posing with his winning entry in the "Transportation of Tomorrow Design Contest" display. And one snowy Friday evening, at about seven, four generations of one family came to see the historical photos in the companion presentation "LeelanauScapes: Views of Future." Yesterday's Tomorrows is now en route back to Washington, leaving us some much needed workspace for a variety of collections projects this winter. We are open throughout the winter. Office hours continue to be Monday through Friday, and the Museum is open on Fridays and Saturdays 10 A.M. - 4 P.M. We are looking forward to a very productive year at the Society. Best wishes to you and yours for the new year, Mark Livengood Director P.S. The Vistas del Campo website, on the Society's site, was voted 2001 Northern Michigan Site of the Year. The site was a collaboration between the Society, Leelanau Communications, Andrea Stupka of the Glen Arbor Art Association, and children photographers throughout the county. Visit the site at www.leelanauhistory.org/projects/vistas/. Back to top Read the 2001 Letter Archives Read the 2000 Letter Archives | |||
