2007

CELEBRATE THE SEASONS

Welcome to the 2007 exhibit Celebrate the Seasons- Through the Years.  Grand Ledge is fortunate to be in a state where all four seasons aredistinct and represented.  Each area in the Museum depicts a season and its activities.

As you enter the Museum, you are in the Living Room.  To your left, you will see summer in Grand Ledge.  Grand Ledge, in the late 1800's, was a Mecca for summer travelers.  The railroad would bring in over 10,000 people to town in the summer to enjoy the islands and their activities.  There are many photos of picnics on the Island, paddleboat rides, canoeing, swimming, and fishing.  At Fitzgerald Park, the Spiritualist campground was a draw.  For a number of years, the Seventh-Day Adventists ran a two-week camp bringing hundreds of people to town.  Little League baseball, ice cream socials, and summer stock theatre are all represented.

To your right, winter in Grand Ledge is dominated by the large cutter/sleigh.  In the early days, the Grand River would freeze, and skating and cutter races were frequent events.  Christmas and Santa are portrayed in many photos.  We have had only a handful of Mr. and Mrs. Claus' over the years in town.  Please notice the Santa suit and the antique ornaments on the tree.  Other activities in winter included:  parades, band concerts, home game nights, and organized school sports.  Grand Ledge has been fortunate to be chosen twice to give the State Christmas Tree for the State Capitol lawn.  Photos of this are in the display case.

In the center room, springtime is represented.  Please notice the fine collection of hats.  An Easter parade of fashion, a spring bride, and a 1902 graduation gown are all on display.  Photos and posters represent Easter egg hunts, Memorial Day events, and entertainment at the Opera House.

Fall is on display in the kitchen area and back porch.  All the joys of autumn:  school, Labor Day, picnics, Color Cruise Island Festival, football, bobbing for apples, harvesting, corn shelling, apple cider pressing, and Thanksgiving dinner, are depicted in photos and objects.

Any season is a great time to visit Grand Ledge.  During the spring, summer, and fall, enjoy our kitchen garden off the back porch.  Thank you for coming, and please come again! 

Tours for school groups and bus tours can be arranged by calling (517) 627-5170.