Features

President of Grand Trunk Railroad was among those who perished on the Titanic

April 11, 2026

  This Great Lakes History Log is presented by Filer Credit Union and the Mason County Historical Society By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief Charles Melville Hays, one of North America’s most powerful railroad executives, spent his final days moving confidently through the polished corridors of the RMS Titanic, a ship that symbolized the very industrial progress he helped build — and…

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Mental Health Matters: Getting help when you need it

March 30, 2026

By Lori Schummer, Director of Public Relations and Customer Service, West Michigan Community Mental Health Seeking help for mental health or substance use concerns can feel overwhelming, often leaving individuals unsure where to begin. West Michigan Community Mental Health has expanded services in recent years to improve access to care for residents in Lake, Mason and Oceana counties, including the…

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Historical Society to host Mason & Oceana Railroad bus tour May 30

March 23, 2026

PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP — Back by popular demand, the Mason County Historical Society will host another abandoned railroad tour this spring. “Touring the Mason & Oceana Railroad” will take place from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 30. The event begins at Historic White Pine Village, where participants will start with a presentation by historian and Mason County Historical Society…

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History Talk to explore Mason County school consolidation

March 17, 2026

SCOTTVILLE — The 20th century brought major changes to education in the United States, and Mason County was no exception. At the beginning of the century, Mason County had 69 public school districts. By the late 1960s, that number had been reduced to four and eventually to three today. On Thursday, March 19, Rob Alway will discuss the history of…

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The Butlers: Three generations of Great Lakes captains

March 16, 2026

This Great Lakes History Log is presented by Filer Credit Union and the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum. Masters of the PM Steamers Family histories needed Editor’s Note: This is the seventh article in the “Masters of the PM Steamers” series. I am seeking historical artifacts and stories from people whose family members worked as ship captains or in Ludington’s…

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Area Churches