Historic Petoskey and the greater Little Traverse Bay area possess a wealth
of natural and cultural gifts. The region’s virgin forests, crystal clear waters,
and powerful Native American heritage inspired Henry Wadsworth
Longfellow to write “The Song of Hiawatha.” Its plentiful wildlife and
peaceful natural settings provided Ernest Hemingway with his early hunting
and fishing experiences. Abundant natural resources set the stage for
industries like the fur trade, lumbering, shipping, and limestone quarrying.
Petoskey’s ideal location on the picturesque bay has attracted visitors and
adventurers since the 1870s.
In this unique volume, author C.S. Wright explores the many legacies
of the Petoskey area, from the native tribes that first protected the land
through the eras of industry, transportation, and tourism. A rare collection
of historic postcards illustrates Petoskey’s rich history, providing immaculate
images of pastoral scenes, industrial achievements, striking architecture, and
community development.
C.S. Wright is a writer and editor whose family hails from the Grand
Traverse Bay area. He has earned degrees from Western Michigan
University and Northwestern Michigan College, and is the author of
Traverse City in Vintage Postcards, also published by Arcadia.