Tag Archives: Vern Linderoth Photo

The Jamestown Ski Tower

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1940’s view of the ski tower located on the sand hills across from Jamestown Slough, Vern Linderoth Photo

     During the 1940’s, in the days before snowmobiles, winter enthusiasts gathered at Jamestown winter sports park on Old-U.S. 2 east of Manistique, to enjoy a variety of winter recreational activities.  Preparatory work began in the fall of 1940 for the construction of a ski jump, ski trails and a toboggan slide on the sand hills opposite Jamestown Slough. The effort was spearheaded by the Manistique Winter Sports Club and relied exclusively on volunteer labor. The poles and lumber used for erecting the ski jump were all donated by local citizens and businesses. By January of 1941 the new winter sports park was ready for use. The new sports park was open to skiers of all ages. The youngest skier to brave going down the new Jamestown tower was nine-year-old John Paul Quick.     Read More...

Manistique’s National Blueberry Festival – 1941

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Blueberry queen Ruth Peterson cuts the ribbon at the dedication of M-94, Vern Linderoth Photo

          In July of 1941, the citizens of Manistique were in a mood to celebrate as the city hosted the 3rd Annual National Blueberry Festival. The event provided a welcome respite from the ominous news of Hitler’s march across Europe and Japanese aggression in the South Pacific.

          Ruth Peterson had been chosen in May by the Chamber of Commerce as the blueberry festival queen. Her ladies in waiting included Dorothy Redeker, Sara Barton, Jean Daury and Dorthy Carefelle.

          The festival featured nationally known entertainers including Don White, known as the “Magic Miller.” White was one of the leading magicians in show business and had appeared on Broadway in “Goin Places.” His act included the amazing needle trick which he learned from Harry Houdini. In another illusion, he appeared to turn ordinary flour sacks into beautiful aprons. Read More...

The Jamestown Ski Tower

Posted on

1940’s view of the ski tower located on the sand hills across from Jamestown Slough.  Vern Linderoth Photo

     Preparatory work began in the fall of 1940 for the construction of a ski jump, ski trails and a toboggan slide on the sand hills opposite Jamestown Slough. The effort was spearheaded by the Manistique Winter Sports Club and relied exclusively on volunteer labor. The poles and lumber used for erecting the ski jump were also donated. By January of 1941 the new winter sports park was opened for use. The youngest skier to brave going down the new Jamestown ski tower was nine-year-old John Paul Quick.     Read More...