Reader Views reviews Points North by Mikel Classen

Mikel B. Classen
Modern History Press (2019)
ISBN 9781615994908
Reviewed by Robert Leon Davis for Reader Views (04/2020)

Points North by MIkel B. Classen

Points North by MIkel B. Classen

Mikel B. Classen is an explorer and adventurist specializing in exploring many places in the United States, with a specialty of visiting locales in the Michigan Upper Peninsula area. He’s visited ghost towns, museums, various wilderness areas, and many other fascinating sites. In his book, “Points North: Discover Hidden Campgrounds, Natural Wonders, and Waterways of the Upper Peninsula,” he’s personally visited at least 40 locations which he shares with the readers. Color photos are included highlighting the areas and adding visual appeal.

Many locations are America’s hidden jewels and express various specific meaning due to their locations. Some reflect rich history, while others reflect the natural wonders of the Upper North Peninsula of Michigan. In addition, “Points North” explores various walking trails, waterways, and various parks. Trails that can actually be walked and waterways that one could actually paddle. Light houses, camping grounds, and old mining towns round out the many sites.

First of all, I had not realized the many number of hidden jewels and exotic places that Michigan had to offer, particularly the northern peninsula area. The author’s deep love and awe for this particular area radiates from each page! His use of the color photographs “brings the areas to life”. The forty places outlined are sequenced so that one could actually use the book as a guidebook if desired to see all the sites on a visit. This would especially be helpful to adventurist retirees!

Various obsolete mining towns and old, still existing light houses are beautifully surreal, like a throw back in time! “Points North” isn’t just a pictorial book; the author masterfully and elegantly explains the origins and meaning of every site. Great syntax and smooth wording highlights this book. Nothing is boring and in fact, the entire book was exciting until the very end. “Points North,” by Mikel B. Classen should definitely be in every gift shop, library, bookstore, and touring company. Once again the pictures, oh those pictures! 5 stars.

Lumberjack

SKU 978-0965057738
$21.95
Inside an Era in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan - 70th Anniversary Edition
1
Product Details
UPC: 978-0965057738
Brand: Modern History Press
Binding: Paperback
Edition: 70th Anniversary
Author: William S. Crowe
Winner--Best Biography/Memoir of 2002, Midwest Book Awards (St. Paul, MN)
A firsthand account of the lumbering era during the white pine boom years of the late 1800s - early 1900s in the northern U.S. Millions of board feet of logs were cut in deep woods camps, driven down the rivers to the sawmills, and shipped by schooner and barge to build a nation. This edition includes 78 historical photographs and illustrations, a glossary, editors' notes, maps, and much more.

“The lumber barons, the lumberjacks, and the town people who worked in the mills—as well as the happenings of that period… are recalled by one who lived among them. I hope it will be an inspiration to others to set down their memories of the days of falling pine and belt-driven sawmills. Already too much of this story has passed beyond recall... a valuable addition not only to the history of Manistique, but to the state as well.” --Ferris E. Lewis, Michigan History, Lansing

“An authentic first-hand account… which tells the whole story of big-scale lumbering during the 1890s and early 1900s. Chapter by enthralling chapter, Crowe recounts the times involved in the ‘big pine’ operations… it rivals anything so far written… rich in description and alive with thrilling episodes.” --Marquette Mining Journal

"First-hand accounts of the dramatic 'big cut' by participant-observers are always illuminating. William S. Crowe's reminiscence of his years in the woods and the early days of Manistique, at the north end of Lake Michigan in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, was a classic in the 1950s. His granddaughters Lynn McGlothlin Emerick and Ann McGlothlin Weller have done a real service by republishing his book with ample photos and notes." -- Mary Hoffman Hunt, Midwestern Guides

"Focusing on Manistique and meticulously researched, Lumberjack explores the early days of logging and the lifestyles of the countless loggers that filled the woods in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. William Crowe, the author, was a logger himself who collected and relates real stories from the men who were there. This is a mandatory book for anyone interested in the history of the Upper Peninsula. --Mikel B. Classen, author - Historian, True Tales: The Forgotten History of the U.P. and Faces Places & Days Gone By: A Pictorial HIstory of the U.P.

From Modern History Press www.ModernHistoryPress.com
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