• Sunday-What'sUP September 27 - 11:16 pm

As I look out on the early streaks of daylight over Lake Superior this morning, I can only imagine a family 100 years ago, getting ready for church and packing the picnic basket for a drive to Fort Wilkins afterwards. The Fort had been abandoned some years earlier, and was years away from becoming part of the park system. Folks would gather around the old buildings on these nice Fall days, to enjoy some food and relaxation. We did a Pasty Cameo series about Fort Wilkins last Fall, and thanks to Art Brabbs we have a follow-up with these scans discovered through the Michigan Iron Industry Museum. Art also included some more recent photos of the Fort Wilkins Auto Show.

The subject goes well with today's "Day in History", which mentions the beginnings of the Model T, as well as the citing of Brockway Mountain Drive as a Number #1 fall color destination. Edie and I will have the opportunity to experience it firsthand this afternoon, on our way up to the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge for the Annual Meeting of Keweenaw County Historical Society. But it won't be in a Model-T.

Have a good week :o)

Great stuff today Charlie.

Looks like a very relaxing time, but I wonder what topics of the day those gentlemen were discussing. The price of gas, the outrageous clothing styles or music that the younger generation was into?

Give us the color report after your trip to Copper Harbor, Charlie! I'm coming UP Thursday to Aura and will pick one day to come to the Harbor to eat at the Harbor Haus.

Historic.

Nice, Charlie!!!

Wonderful pictures, Charlie! Have a great trip to Copper Harbor today. Love that area!

Go check out NPR.org as they did a piece on us today for thier Weekend addition show. The focus was on MQT and State Representative Lahti but in all a good show.

A "Sunday Drive" back then was not for the faint of heart. The 1909 tires and mine rock roads were not a good combination. As my Grandfather recalled, a trip from Raybaultown to Delaware required multiple stops to change tires or repair tubes. There was also the peril of a mechanical failure. But they carried tools, spares, and patch kits. Before his Father owned a car, they had a horse. While the horse was immune to flat tires, he did require 24-7 care and would need rest. The horse also had a mind of his own. On one occasion, the horse decided to return home without the burden of the buggy and its human occupants. This resulted in a merry foot chase over the road from Delaware to Eagle Harbor. My Great-grandfather knew how to delegate and felt that horse retrieval was the son's duty. It left a lasting impression - we heard the story almost every time we drove the Delaware road with my Grandfather.

My hubby and I listened to the UP radio show on Npr, by the way my favorite station, here in Illinois. Being Yoopers by birth found it very interesting.

Charlie,
Here is a wicker Model T that is perfect for a picnic