• Sunday-What'sUP July 12 - 06:20 pm

In the first summer of World War II this moment of time was preserved by an observant photographer, then uploaded to the Pasty Gallery about 75 years later by Rob Wetton. He labelled it "Hilltop Cabins and gas station, Van Orden's Hill, Houghton, 1942". I saw the photo for the first time this morning, though it has been in the Gallery since 2008.

This brings back pleasant memories of overnight stays in small sleeping cabins in our family's travels. Most recently, Edie and I have spent the last few months in a cabin at Gitche Gumee here in Eagle River, while repairs and remodeling were done on our home to make it more handicapped accessible. We actually moved back in to our home in time for 4th of July. In fact, when Edie transferred from her wheel chair to the bed in our new ground-level bedroom, immediately out our picture windows fireworks erupted over the Lake. It was the amazing pyrotechnic show provided by Eagle River Inn, and the timing couldn't have been more perfect. It has been such a blessing to be back in our home these past few days.

Any memories of nights in the U.P. in 'modern' sleeping cabins?

Have a good week :o)

So glad you are now both back in Eagle River and that Edie progresses well.
Roll on the end of October, when I'll be over from Cornwall staying with Jack and Carol Treganowan.

I remember 'modern' cabins like that, Charlie, but not in Michigan. When my family made our first vacation trip to FL, that was the type of 'motels' that were available in the '40s. Memories!
So happy for you and Edie, to be back home in familiar surroundings.

These places look like palaces compared to our tents, but we were vacationing back in the 1960's. Maybe places like this were already closing down.

What perfect timing with the fireworks! Can just imagine how good it is to be home again. May our Lord watch over and bless you and your 'new home'.

I wasn't born yet in the 40's, but those cabins sure look cozy!
Charlie, that sure was perfect timing - a nice welcome home for you and Edie. You both must be on top of the world to be home.
Blessings!

Oh to have that gas pump!!

My mother operated the cabins while dad took care
of the gas station. $3.00 per week to stay in the
smaller cabins. There was a 2 room cabin (not in
picture) went for $5.00 per week. Today, the
cabins are used for storage and gas station turned
into a garage.

Thanks for filling us in on the details, Grace! Very interesting history and updates on the cabins. Is it still in the family?

Yes, jbuck, the property is owned by us. My mother
passed away in 2000 and father in 2003.

Love this picture and thanks for filling us in,
Grace. Such fun to hear from the people who ran
them. Wonder what it would cost to rent them a
week now?? Can't even imagine!!

So happy for Charlie and Edie. Those fireworks
must have brought such a huge smile to both of
their faces..

Glad to hear that the Hoppers are finally back home in their own place in Eagle River.

The car in the picture looks a lot like our '49 Nash . . . I think it took the auto industry several years following the end of WWII to retool and gear up for civilian production, with little change in design initially.

The Fitz did a great 4TH of July bash this year,
and the fireworks were outstanding! Welcome home
Edie and Charlie.

What a treat to see these pictures of Mason's
Hilltop Cabins! This gas station and the cabins
were owned and operated by my grandparents,
Albert and Eva Mason, and their daughter,
Diadama Mason, for many years. They lived
across the road.
The two men in the picture are my grandfather,
Albert, and my dad, Merrill, with the old Nash
owned by my father. My brother, David, has the
original picture framed and hanging on the wall
in his home in Oregon.
Many of the people who stayed with them returned
summer after summer, and corresponded with my
grandmother and aunt for years afterwards.
Nice memories!
Barbara Mason Goedjen