Valerie van Heest of Holland-based Lafferty van Heest & Associates repaints the Phoenix firehouse sign.
By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP — Visitors attending Historic White Pine Village’s 50th anniversary celebration on Friday, July 3, will be the first to experience two new permanent exhibits and a new Heritage Trail, representing the largest investment in visitor interpretation at the village in decades.
The celebration marks the opening of Historic White Pine Village on July 3, 1976, during the nation’s Bicentennial, while also recognizing America’s 250th anniversary. Admission has been made free through a sponsorship from West Shore Bank, and House of Flavors Restaurant will sponsor a complimentary ice cream social from noon to 3 p.m.
Among the day’s highlights will be the unveiling of new exhibits in the Phoenix Fire Barn and Blacksmith Shop. The exhibits explore the people, trades and institutions that helped shape Mason County during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the county’s agricultural, industrial and civic heritage.
Visitors will also have their first opportunity to explore the new Heritage Trail, featuring 25 interpretive markers placed throughout the village. The signs include historic photographs and stories explaining the significance of the site’s buildings and the people who once lived and worked in them. They were designed by Valerie van Heest of Holland-based Lafferty van Heest & Associates, an internationally recognized museum exhibit design firm. Van Heest, an award-winning museum designer, author and Great Lakes maritime historian, also led the exhibit design for the Mason County Historical Society’s Port of Ludington Maritime Museum and Rose Hawley Archives, in addition to developing the master interpretive plan that guided the new Heritage Trail and other interpretive improvements at Historic White Pine Village.
The celebration will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Historic White Pine Village, 1687 S. Lakeshore Drive. Complimentary coffee and donuts will be served from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by a 10:30 a.m. anniversary program featuring remarks from community leaders, a presentation on the history of the village by Mason County Historical Society Board President James Jensen, recognition of community partners and supporters, and a look at future plans for the site.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11:20 a.m. will officially open the new exhibits and include the presentation of a Legislative Tribute by State Rep. Curt VanderWall. At noon, members of the Custer Veterans of Foreign Wars and the West Michigan Patriotic Choir will conduct a flag-raising ceremony at neighboring Pere Marquette Township Hall in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.
Living history demonstrations will continue throughout the afternoon, including blacksmithing, candle dipping, weaving, farmhouse cooking, laundry, sawmill operations, railroad interpretation and activities at the Marchido School.
Historic White Pine Village is operated by the Mason County Historical Society and features more than 30 historic buildings and exhibits preserving Mason County’s history. Since opening in 1976, the village has welcomed generations of visitors and remains one of West Michigan’s premier heritage tourism destinations.
Although reservations are not required, organizers request those planning to attend RSVP by contacting Michelle DeKuiper at 231-843-4808 or michelle@mchshistory.org to assist with planning.
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