Welcome to the Leelanau Historical Society
Since 1957, we’ve been preserving and sharing the history of Leelanau County, MI and it’s islands through exhibits, archives, events—and exciting community collaborations.
A Taste of History: Collaboration with Locals Lake Leelanau
In 2025, our collaboration with Locals Lake Leelanau began when owner Tony West stopped into our Research Center with an idea. His vision? A restaurant that honors the local characters, places, and rich stories of this region.
From historic images on the walls to menu items named with local flair, this partnership brings the peninsula’s past to the table—literally.
A Storied Location – 112 E. Philip Street Lake Leelanau, MI
The building housing Locals Lake Leelanau has long been a village landmark. Originally the Thunderbird Gift Shop, operated by the Plamondon family, it was known for souvenirs, local crafts, baskets, Moccasins and other unique regional items. Some locals remember the nickname, Jip Joint—ask around and you’ll hear a few colorful stories. Northern Latitudes Distillery later occupied the space until In 2024, when they moved to a new building just down the road.
Did You Know? Quick Bites of Leelanau Lore
- Lake Leelanau—Leelanau County’s largest Lake (22 mi. long) was previously named Carp Lake until 1901.
- The Narrows—where the village of Lake Leelanau sits—is where the north and south lake meet. This narrow channel made for a natural crossing point.
- The town of Provemont named so on May 10, 1871 as a play on the word “improvement” was renamed Lake Leelanau in 1924.
- Lake Leelanau holds many secrets, like the Sunken Island in the northern lake basin—watch out, boaters! The dam in Leland was built in 1854 raising the lake by 12 feet.
- Once a tourism slogan in the early 1900s, ‘Land of Delight’ still accurately describes the area’s rich blend of seasonal activities, from scenic landscapes to charming local experiences.
- Emelia Schaub, born in 1891 near Lake Leelanau, didn’t follow the expected path of her time. Bright and determined, she became Michigan’s first female prosecuting attorney, among other notable accomplishments.
- Richard Plamondon organizer of the Lake Leelanau Walleye Tournament brought anglers together starting in 1995—who caught the big one?
- Bruce Price was a well-known and respected figure in the community, spending his entire life in Leelanau County. Best known as a strawberry farmer, he was also deeply involved in local politics and community causes.
- In Empire, locals and visitors alike visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to trek up the Dune Climb for epic views of Lake Michigan.
- Miss April Priest, a club sandwich connoisseur, is a valued community leader whose notable work nurturing area youth is deeply appreciated.
- The Walter Farm of Suttons Bay, is the oldest registered centennial farm in Leelanau County.
- Steamboats once traveled the full length of Lake Leelanau, connecting remote parts of the county. Locals may remember names like The Sally, The Tiger, and Steamer Leelanau carrying both people and goods up and down the waterway.
- Polka Fest, a nationally recognized celebration of Polish heritage in Cedar, began in 1971 and continues to honor the food, music, and dance of the area’s early immigrant families.
- Perrin’s Landing, first known as Fouch at the southern tip of Lake Leelanau, was once the jumping-off point for travel by water. The train from Traverse City ended here, where steamboats picked up passengers. The Perrin family operated summer cabins and worked with the DNR to put Lake Leelanau on the map as a premier fishing destination beginning in 1927.
- Fountain Point Resort, still welcoming guests today, is one of the oldest summer resorts in the county. Its natural spring was discovered when early prospectors were drilling—not for water, but for oil.
- Leelanau County covers 2,532 square miles—remarkably, 2,184 of those are water, leaving just 347 square miles of land.
Love Local History? Help Keep It Alive!
Consider donating to support the digitization and care of the LHS Collection. -or- Become a Leelanu Historical Society Member and enjoy added benefits like free museum admission all year!
Just an Appetizer!
This image gallery is a sampling of historic photos from the LHS collection, valued by community members and graciously brought to LHS to care for and preserve.
Oscar Price in Fishtown, Sept. 1921 
The “Sleeping Mother Bear” at Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore. 
Rogers family eating corn on the cob at camp site near Porter’s Landing. 
Dune Cars fueling up at the gas station in Glen Haven. Circa 1930s. 
Postcard of a summer street scene in Leland, postmarked 1915. 
Party at the Hutsler Farm on South Manitou Island during the 1920’s. 
Provemont Boys – Joseph Gauthier, Dominic Couturier, Noah Gauthier, Philip Drow, Henry Plamondon, Alfred Richard, Evangelist Duperon, Philip Richard, George Gauthier, William Mosier, O.J. Plamondon and Frank Kirt. 
Sugar Shack belonging to the White Family of Solon Township, circa 1900. 
Watching a schooner loaded with lumber leave the dock at North Manitou Island. 
Leland River Powerhouse and Fish Tug. 
Roy Buckler unloading his tug in Fishtown. 
Gauthier Family Homestead. 
Fountain Point Resort 
Lumber being hauled by horse passing the Provemont Auto Co. 
Street scene in Lake Leelanau. 
View of the narrows leading to the north lake. 
The Hahnenberg Hotel, in Provemont. 
Leland Scene circa 1880-1890s. 
Ice Harvesting on north Lake Leelanau. 
Leland “Zebras” Basketball Team. 
Nuemann Schoolhouse. 
Shore scene at Greilickville 
Pleva Meats in Cedar. 
Street scene in Cedar. 
“The Hermit” of Suttons Bay and his fiends, downtown Suttons Bay 
Loading trucks at Frigid Foods, Suttons Bay. 
Peshawbestown residents displaying their split ask baskets. 
Cherry trees in full bloom in Omena. 
Grand Traverse Lighthouse 
Airplane at the Woolsey Airport north of the Northport village. 
South Fox Island Lighthouse. 
Early bridge at the Lake Leelanau narrows with a steamer passing under. 
Coast Guard Crew standing on the deck of the North Manitou Shoal Lighthouse. 
Lake scene at Northport. 
Life Saving Crew with their surf rescue craft at North Manitou Island.
Hungry for More History?
Explore these resources offered by the Leelanau Historical Society. There are over 20,000 artifacts and images within the LHS Collection, 11 local newspaper titles to search, and a variety of permanent and rotating exhibits on display.
LHS Collection – Online Database
Digital Michigan Newspaper Portal
Museum Exhibits – 203 E. Cedar St. Leland.