Depression Era House - See how we lived in 1929

What: Sconik House - Historic House of the Depresssion Era
Where: 504 W. Clay Avenue, Muskegon, MI 49440 (Downtown)
When: May 2, 2007 to October 28, 2007
Cost: Free
Distance: This is no more than a 15 minute drive from Bluffton Harbor Cottages or a nice bike ride along the Lakeshore Trail which is two blocks from the cottage.

The house tells the story of a fictious family who lived in Muskegon during the Great Depression, when 25% of the country's working people were unemployed and men sold apples on the street corner to try to earn enough to feed their families.

The inhabitants of the house may be fictional, but the house itself is not. It's a late 1880s "classic Queen Anne-Inspired Folk Victorian style" house, according to the Muskegon County Museum (Muskegon County Museum, The Muser, Winter 2006, Vol. 06, Issue 4, p. 1.) The house has been renovated and furnished with period carpet, paint, linoleum, and furniture, including a working player piano.

The Scolnik House is the common man's counterpart to the opulent houses of Charles Hackley and Thomas Hume, which are now restored as the Hackley and Hume Historic Site, also in downtown Muskegon and close together.

If you ever wondered why some "older" people still say "Put the milk away in the ice box," you'll see the real ice box. By the way, I'm dating myself, but I still call our refrigerator an ice box from time to time, and yes, we had one at my parents' cottage in the 1940-1950's, and a handsome one it was, made out of oak. The huge block of ice was delivered two times a week as I recall.

Copyright 2006 Bluffton Harbor Cottages, Jane Schapka. All rights reserved. Violators will be pursued, so please don't copy my words or photographs (available for purchase).

The Marquette Room - a great place to eat on a week day

The other night - not a weekend - my family went out to eat a really scrumptious meal. I always like a steak once or twice a year, and I especially appreciate one at a reasonable price. So we decided to try The Marquette Room, 1903 Marquette Avenue, located inside one of the buildings at the Baker College campus in Muskegon, MI. This is only 8 miles - 20 minute drive -from Bluffton Harbor Cottages , and a trip I frequently make when attending to the cottage from my home nearby.

Wow! What a treat. The food was delicious, the price about half of a fine-dining restaurant, and the service excellent. The chefs, servers and others are students of the college's culinary arts program, and as far as I'm concerned, they were as good as an established restaurant. No, I'm not promoting myelf as a gourmand, just an ordinary person who likes a really good meal.

The only possible disappointment is that The Marquette Room is closed on weekends and when the college is closed.

Their published hours are:
Lunch: Monday thru Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Dinner: Monday thru Thursday, 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.

As the schedule may change, please phone 231-777-5302 to verify their hours.

Copyright 2006 Bluffton Harbor Cottages, Jane Schapka. All rights reserved. Violators will be pursued, so please don't copy my words or photographs (available for purchase).

New micro winery "pops its cork" in downtown Muskegon

Who: Clay Avenue Cellars
What: New micro winery, the first in Muskegon!
Where: 611 W. Clay Avenue (between 7th and 8th Sts.), Muskegon, MI 49440
When: Grand Opening November 11, 2006
Wine Tasting: November 25, 2006
Hours: Noon to 6 p.m. Fri.; Noon to 5 p.m. Sat. and Sun.
Prices: $8.95 to $17.95 per bottle
Wines:
13 varities made from regional fruit

12% alcohol content, no artificial coloring, no fruit flavors
Sweet-tasting, not dry wine.

Clay Avenue Cellars, a new micro winery, has opened at 611 W. Clay Avenue, between Seventh and Eighth Streets, Muskegon, MI 49440. The cellar is housed in a former 78-year-old service station, which was moved from its original location on Laketon Avenue near Muskegon Lake, to the downtown area (also not far from Muskegon Lake). I passed the former Freres & Sons station at its original location many times when I lived not far from Laketon Avenue.

Two amateur wine makers of Muskegon used their combined 40 years of experience and skills to form their new venture. After obtaining approval from the Department of Agriculture, a winemaker's license from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, and a permit from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Commission, which also approved their wine labels, owners Garrett Anguilm and Bob Rajewski, both of Muskegon, opened up for business. Both hold full-time employment elsewhere and had made wine for personal use and as a hobby.

Clay Avenue Cellars "popped its cork" and opened for business November 11, 2006 with their first wine tasting. Wine is available for on-site tasting - three-tastes-per-person limit - and for purchase by the bottle. No sales by-the-glass are permitted.

Copyright 2006 Bluffton Harbor Cottages, Jane Schapka. All rights reserved. Violators will be pursued, so please don't copy my words or photographs (available for purchase).

Lakeshore Trail completed

The Lakeshore Trail, completed this fall, runs 14 miles along the south shores of Muskegon Lake, from Pere Marquette Park on Lake Michigan at the Muskegon Channel in the City of Muskegon, to the North Muskegon City limits. And, following Lakeshore Drive, it ends at the Creston Street, at Muskegon City limits, less than two miles from the start of the Musketawa Trail, which goes toward Grand Rapids. Lakeshore Trail is popular with walkers, runners, bikers, and other non-motorized transportation.

Other trails in Muskegon County, Michigan include the Musketawa Trail to Grand Rapids and the Hart-Montague Trail.

If you've stayed at Redbird Cottage, 2 1/2 blocks from the beach and trail, you'll recognize this photo, taken by owner Jane Schapka. Lake Michigan and the sugar-sand beach is to the right.

Copyright 2006 Bluffton Harbor Cottages, Jane Schapka. All rights reserved. Violators will be pursued, so please don't copy my words or photographs (available for purchase).

Need a genealogy researcher for Muskegon County?

This month of October is Family History Month. In case you are in Muskegon doing research or simply reading about it, it's an appropriate time to let you know about my services as a Muskegon, Michigan genealogy researcher. Full details about me and the family history researcher services are available at the website. Thank you for letting me make the announcement.

New Dockers Restaurant Coming in Time for Summer 2007

Good news for vacationers in Muskegon, Michigan!

Dockers Restaurant, located at Pere Marquette Park in Muskegon, on the south side of Muskegon Channel where Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake meet, will be reopening in the summer of 2007. This had been a favorite place to dine in the summer time, either inside or out, until its complete closure in 2006.

The new Dockers is being redesigned and requipped. It will feature fresh fish and seafood and will continue to have the outdoor deck and Tiki bar for summer. Vacationers at Pere Marquette Park at Lake Michigan beach and boaters will enjoy the convenience of being close, and the atmosphere will be casual.

How lucky for guests at my nearby vacation rental cottage, Redbird Cottage. They'll have another great place to eat out without leaving the mood of summer fun.

Copyright 2006 Bluffton Harbor Cottages, Jane Schapka. All rights reserved. Violators will be pursued, so please don't copy my words or photographs (available for purchase).

"Redbird Cottage" is named at last.

From over one hundred names I wrote down on a piece of paper, "Redbird Cottage is the winner. I know you can't imagine why it has "red" in it. (grin)

I had called the cottage LePage Place in honor of its original owner, Rudy LePage. You'll see the "before" and "after" photos of the cottage when you're there. Rudy LePage was a "master card player" and "roller skater perforer" who lived in the famous Bluffton Actors' Colony. Our area between Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake was known as Bluffton town, and later became a part of the City of Muskegon. Rudy LePage was a friend of the famous comedien and director, Buster Keaton, from the early-mid 1900s.

We restored the cottage porch to its original, but the inside we completely made over and modernized. It now is insulated, has central air-conditioning and heat, and the pot-belled stove is gone.

Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival

The famous Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival held annually in Grand Haven (20 minute drive from Redbird Cottage) will have entertaining bands July 28 - Aug. 6.

According to the Muskegon Chronicle, the entertainment and dates of performance will be:
Soul'd Out -- local band, Sat., July 29, $5.
Scottville Clown Band -- a perennial favorite. July 31, $7.
Grand City Skiers -- water skiing show, Tue., Aug. 1, $4.
Truth in Jazz Orchestra -- "Big band" group, Wed., Aug 2, $6.
Abbamania -- Songs planned are: "Dancing Queen," "Knowing Me, Knowing You," "Fernando"
Stayin' Alive -- they'll wear 1970s-era white suits. They play all over the U. S. and overseas
33rd Street Band
Freedom and The Contours
Kathy Troccoli

Abbamania tours across England and Ireland with songs by Swedish group, Abba.

Our new logo. You'll see the lighthouse at the beach.

Restaurant Spotlight--Brann's Steakhouse & Grille

Brann's Steakhouse & Grille
5510 Harvey St., Muskegon, MI 49444
Located at The Lakes Mall--10 miles/19 minutes from Bluffton Harbor Cottages

I ate at Brann's Steakhouse last night with family. It's famous for "sizzling steaks," reasonably priced, I thought. I was surprised to see so many families with young children, teenagers, and couples eating there. After I looked at the menu I saw why: They offer everything from Starters, Soups & Salads, Ribs, Steaks, Chicken, Seafood, Pasta, Burgers, Sandwiches, and fancy adult "fun" drinks, as well as beer. The Kids Menu is great for young children, adults can enjoy their favorites, and everyone is having fun together on this outing.

My only disappointment was that on this cold night, they didn't serve hot chocolate.

I'll have a sample menu at the cottage for your convenience.

One last thing--bring cash or your credit card, because they don't take personal checks.

This is what the company has to say about itself:
"Brann’s offers a wide variety of USDA Choice Steaks along with fantastic Burgers, Salads and Sandwiches. We also feature an upbeat Sports Bar with numerous large TV screens in each location. Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille is truly unique, offering the great steaks of a steakhouse and the exciting grille food such as sandwiches, salads and burgers. All under one roof."

Copyright 2006 Bluffton Harbor Cottages, Jane Schapka. All rights reserved. Violators will be pursued, so please don't copy my words or photographs (available for purchase).