CHARLEVOIX WATERFRONT IN 1894

At this time a period of deterioration was setting in that would continue well into the 20th century. The waterfront was becoming cluttered and the wooden docks were starting to rot out. These docks were privately owned. Repairs were made only when absolutely needed, which was not often.

The decline in lumbering was paralleled by the decline in shipping, especially by the old type schooner, and by the end of the first decade of the century neither was much in evidence. Larger vessels, both passenger and freight carriers, such as the CITY OF CHARLEVOIX shown above, were taking over. Because they were much more cumbersome these ships found it easier to maneuver to and from the dock at the channel entrance (now the city dock). Consequently the other docks along the waterfront fell into disuse.

The CITY OF CHARLEVOIX was later renamed the KANSAS, and was painted black. She plied the Great Lakes until the early twenties.

Note: When this picture was taken the water was at a low level.

YOUNGSTERS ICE SKATING

A group of younsters enjoying themselves on a small ice-skating rink that was established by the city fathers in an effort to keep children from skating on the ice of Round Lake, which was most treacherous at all times.

The rink was located just north of Clinton Street, on what is now the Charlevoix County State Bank parking lot.

WATERFRONT SCENE

A waterfront scene at the foot of Clinton Street. To the right the small steamer WALTER CRYSLER, which ran between Charlevoix and East Jordan.

CRAM & WHITFORD LUMBER MILL

Above is the CRAM & WHITFORD LUMBER MILL as it looked in the mid Nineties. It was located on Lake Charlevoix north of the present launching ramp. The site is now a bathing beach and recreational area. Tracks of the newly opened railroad can be seen in the foreground.