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Turning back the clock: A history of the Brammer Mill
Historical FeatureBy Edna Brammer Sun contributor Mr. Fisher built the millpond in the 1800s. He dammed up the Crystal River north of Glen Arbor. The millpond was made by damming the water up but also letting the remaining water continue on to Glen Arbor and then come back to the bridge. The river ran under the […]
Friendly serves best burgers around
Business FeatureBy Carly Brady and Helen Westie Sun contributors Carly Brady is a reporter for TV 7&4 News) Joe’s Friendly Tavern in Empire recently received the most votes in local television station 7&4 News’ poll for the best hamburger in northern Michigan. The full story is available on 7&4’s website at www.tv7-4.com under the icon “Your […]
Dunegrass Festival springs from one unique family
Upcoming EventBy Nadine Gilmer Sun contributor Empire is home to many colorful and interesting families, and a walk down Front Street reveals as much. But the Vanderberg family, the founders of the Dunegrass Festival, just might take the cake. Nestled between the town’s eclectic shops and popular library, their front yard has featured eye-popping sites through […]
Brazilian Capoeira dances into Leelanau County
Upcoming EventBy Corin Blust Sun contributor The word Capoeira (pronounced KAP-oooo-ERA) can be defined as two separate things in Portuguese. It can refer to a small, remote clearing in a field of grass or sugarcane, or it can mean a style of ritualistic, playful dance that emerged in Brazilian culture during slavery. These two things are […]
Tom Fordyce rocks
Local PersonalityBy Pat Stinson Sun contributor Call it cabin fever or, as Tom Fordyce recalls, “I wanted something to do to keep myself busy and thought it was really cool.” After building his last contracted home through Thomas Fordyce Construction a couple of years ago, he discovered he had some idle hours beyond the 40 to […]
A Day in the Life of a family at Le Bear Resort
Local PersonalityBy Jacob Wheeler Sun editor For Marty and Judy Ulrich, Le Bear Resort seemed too good to be true. How else could the couple from downstate Grand Blanc, with three busy daughters between the ages of eight and 13, buy a luxurious second home in the Glen Arbor area and enjoy vacations “up north” without […]
Sylvan Inn on cutting edge of reducing ecological footprint
Food/Organic LivingBy Ian Vertel Sun contributor Several businesses in Glen Arbor are making efforts to reduce their impact on the environment, thereby contributing to the evolution of commerce that is concerned with effect on the planet as well as profit and customer service. For instance, Great Lakes Tea and Spice Company does not use air conditioning; […]
Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall Visits Peshawbestown
Historical FeatureBy Pat Stinson Sun contributor Three members of the Grand Traverse Band who died during the Vietnam War were honored recently when a traveling replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall made a July 13-15 visit to nearby Peshawbestown. The Grand Traverse Band sponsored the memorial known as the American Veterans Traveling Tribute (AVTT). Local organizations […]
Glen Arbor’s crowned prince tickles the ivories
Local PersonalityThis story, about the late Andy Anderson, who passed away earlier this month, originally ran in the Glen Arbor Sun on June 19, 1998 Here in Glen Arbor Andy Anderson’s suave demeanor makes him the local icon. This is the man who owns not one, but five cars that most locals consider luxurious. And he […]
A Dogcart, a Flag, and the Slippery Jims
Historical FeatureBy Jacqueline Tompkins-Weede Sun contributor The Old Settlers Picnic My cousin Jack Sundling sent me a faded picture of two little girls in a dog cart — a picture of his mother Edna and her younger sister Nan. I took the faded picture to Blue Photo on Eight Street in Traverse City. “Yes,” the clerk […]