Local author to speak at writers’ series.

LUDINGTON — The Winter Writers’ Series sponsored by Mason County Historical Society and the Sable Points Lighthouse Association continues Thursday, February 18 with a presentation about Lincoln Township, a ghost town that once was the Mason County seat, on the north side of the Lincoln River. The 7 p.m. lecture will be held at the Ludington Area Center of the Arts Gallery, 107 S. Harrison Street.

Local author and historian Jim Fay will present a lecture on his book, “A Ghost Among Ghost Towns-the History of Lincoln, Michigan.”  The series began in January with a presentation from Michael Nagle, West Shore Community College professor of history on his new book about local lumber baron and Ludington philanthropist Justus Stearns.

Fay is a local historian-turned-author whose interest in the past turns infectious when he tells stories about what made Ludington a prosperous and the county seat in the late 1800s. He serves on the board of directors for the Mason County Historical Society. He is an ardent collector of artifacts and will be exhibiting some of those items the night of the event.

“I have always been interested in local history and have been collecting local historical items since my childhood,” said Fay. “Upon retiring I finally had the time to devote to my passion of history by volunteering at White Pine Village as an interpreter at the Maritime Museum.”

Cost is $5 at the door, which will help to offset the project’s expenses. The author will have copies of his book available on site to be purchased and signed.

“We are privileged to partner with the historical society,” said SPLKA Executive Director Peter Manting. “This is another way that we all can continue to meet our mission to promote and continue to keep the rich Ludington heritage alive during our cold winter months.”

“Winter brings opportunities for readers and history buffs to refresh themselves with new books about olden times, and a partnership between two local non-profits will provide three instances of local authors and their talents for public viewing,” said Rick Plummer, executive director of the historical society. “Stimulating and entertaining topics will bring a spark to the doldrums of the season. We are proud, through our collaboration with SPLKA, to have excellent material presented excellently by three very talented and knowledgeable historians. The fact that they are local authors makes the series even more special.”