Books about the Flats
Always wanted
If you know of books about the Flats which aren't listed here,
please let me know
at 'pwmeek@comcast.net'
Major Works
Described as "a series of local histories", these
books by Michael M. Dixon are a mine of information.
They are full of descriptions, old maps, historic photos,
commentary, reminiscences, reproductions of old documents,
and a wealth of other information about the Flats. Issued
both in general and "special patrons'" editions.
- Life at the Flats (1985)
Sub-titled "When Bedore was King", this volume records
the early settlers, the hotels and clubs, and the
excursion boats and parks of mid to late 19th century
on the Flats. (I have the "general" edition of this
volume; I would trade it and "a sum of cash" for
one of the signed and numbered "special patrons'"
editions.)
- The Flats Golden Era (1987)
This volume, "An American Venice," continues
with the histories of the clubs and excursion
boats, and records some of the major families
who were in the Flats at the turn of the century.
It follows with a large collection of miscellaneous
documents and photographs about the surveying,
development and occupation of the Flats.
On page 237 -- These descriptions courtesy of my
cousin Richard:
"Top picture is (l to r) David Lindquist, Harold Lindquist, Ruth Prigge
(nee Ohs), milk boat owner, Henry Ohs, and George Lindquist. Lower left
is John Krause and BW Lindquist. Krause ran a fishing guide service
from the small peninsula on the other side of Decker's cut. In later
years, his wife sold bottled gas. Lower right is BW Lindquist,
Pederson, and Sam Smiley doing their best for conservation."
Top photo was taken from approximately N 42deg 36.125min
W 82deg 40.375min with a bearing of about
320 degrees. Date: mid-1940s.
Lower right photo has good
view of duckboat in left foreground.
- Marshland Memories (1989)
"Sketches from Life at the Flats" with
drawings by John St. Peter. As it says:
sketches, with commentary by Dixon. A
beautiful book.
It may be possible to track down copies of
these books at local bookstores or from:
Mayea Boatworks
PO Box 23040
Fair Haven, MI 48023
Mayea Boatworks provided much of the support
for getting these books published, along
with other people and organizations.
Fun at the Flats
A Kid on the Flats by Robert
B. Coulter. Coulter is a decade or so older
than me, and grew up on the other side of
the Flats. We never met, but I bet we could
have raised some cain together if we had.
Or maybe not; I was a summer visitor and
might rightly have been viewed with some
reserve. This book really serves up the
feel of being a kid on the Flats. His
home-base was Coulter's Grocery on the
Maybury Hwy.
My Flats pages
My Boat page
My Book page
My home page
Created: Fri, May 26, 1995
By: Peter W. Meek
Net-sig: --Pete <pwmeek@comcast.net>
pwmeek@comcast.net