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SAUGATUCK (MI) MAY 31, 2006 -- A
free, docent-led walking tour reviewing Saugatuck's history and notable
examples of early architectural styles will highlight Saugatuck-Douglas
Historical Society's June 14 meeting. The tour will depart at 7pm from the
new Culver Street parking lot next to the Saugatuck Center For The Arts
and will conclude there around 8:30pm. Starting with comments on the
town's founding and growth, the tour features more than two dozen homes,
churches and commercial buildings extending from the waterfront to
"Captain's Row" along the hill overlooking the town. A free trolley will
be available to accommodate those who anticipate difficulty walking.
This special tour also will visit the historic Hoffman Street childhood
home of Daniel Ludwig, who became a shipping magnate reputed to have been
"richest man in the world" during the 1970s, and will pause for free
refreshments at All Saints Episcopal Church on Hoffman and Grand,
recognized as a prime example of Carpenter Gothic architecture standing
since 1879.
A popular summertime mid-afternoon attraction since 2001, conducted by
Historical Society volunteers under the tutelage of Harold Thieda, the
tours are normally offered for a $5 fundraising contribution during July
and August, on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday of each week.
Another public event coming soon is the Historical Society's Town Meeting
on July 12 (7:00pm, Saugatuck High School auditorium theater) slated as an
update on the Society's campaign to buy the Old School House in Douglas
and to preserve and rededicate the building as a unique new Discovery
Center. This campaign -- a cooperative effort with the area's District
Library and Public Schools known as "The Old School House Project" --
envisions a community resource where children and adults alike can explore
the area's history, culture, ecology and architecture through recreational
activities, educational programs, special events and access to a unique
archive of objects, photos and records.
For more information about the June 14 free tour, contact Ms. Jane
Underwood at 857-2268. For information about other Historical Society
programs and events, visit
www.sdhistory.com or call Ms. Kristin Gebben, S/DHS Development
Director at (269) 857-5751. |