17 July 2011

Great Lakes-Great Times: 52 Weeks of Personal Genealogy and History

Week 29:  Water.  Do you have any memories of the sea or another body of water?  Did you live there or just visit?  What did you do there?  You can also describe a body of water by which you live or visit in the present day.

During most of my childhood I lived within easy access to a Great Lake.  The Great Lakes of Huron, Michigan, Superior and Erie border Michigan.  I have lived on Lake Huron(Harbor Beach) and Lake Michigan(Harbor Springs).  It wasn't until I had to drive an hour to get to one of the lakes, that I realized I had taken living on the lake for granted.

Sandy beaches usually go along with most of the Great Lakes.  Harbor Beach was no exception.  The public beach, at the end of Trescott Street, in Harbor Beach was a popular summer hangout.  There was lots of sand for all to enjoy.  A group of friends and I would hop on our bikes and head to the beach.  We would read, swim, sun bathe, look at boys and jump off the pier.  The swimming area here was protected by a break wall, so no rough waves to worry about.  I remember having a red, white and blue two piece bathing suit, and then in high school a green string bikini.  Oh, what I would give to fit into that now!

In addition to the sandy waterfront, Harbor Beach had a pier you could walk out on.  In the summer time staff was available to provide services to the boaters who docked there.  It was fun to walk out and see the various boats.  Those services are no longer available at the public beach, but the pier has been restored and can be walked on.

Harbor Beach has a lighthouse to enjoy also.  It is about a mile from shore, on the break wall.  In fact, this summer, tours of the newly restored lighthouse are available.  It is on my list of things to do this summer.  It was never open during my time in Harbor Beach.

If you are looking for a great time, come visit one of our Great Lakes. 

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