The commercial fishing district of Leland(Fishtown) has provided a livelihood for residents of the town for over a century. Fishermen reached the fishing grounds of Lake Michigan by way of the Leland River using small sailboats until the introduction of primitive gas-powered oak boats around 1900. Small fishing shanties and related buildings such as ice and smoke houses were constructed during the peak years of the industry which spanned the first three decades of the 20th century. Now gray and weather-beaten, some still serve their original purpose. Other buildings in the district date back to Leland’s lumbering and iron smelting era in the latter half of the nineteenth century. Leland continues to be a commercial fishing area as well as the headquarters for transportation to the Manitou Islands.

Glen Arbor Township is situated within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Shoreline. Its main community is Glen Arbor, centered between Glen Lake and Sleeping Bear Bay. This area was originally settled by John LaRue, John Fisher, and John Dorsey around 1854. It was given its name after Mrs. Fisher observed a cluster of wild grapes in the tree tops and remarked that it was a "glen arbor" created by nature. Today, Glen Arbor remains a popular tourist spot adjacent to Glen Lake and the Sleeping Bear Dunes, with several specialty shops, resorts and restaurants.

Empire is located on Lake Michigan coastline in the southwest corner of Leelanau County. The area was first settled in 1853 by the John LaRue Family. This town was eventually named after a boat "Empire" which became ice-bound in the harbor in the winter of 1863, and afterwards used as a schoolhouse. The town eventually thrived because of the lumber industry, organizing as a village in 1895. Today, Empire retains its small town atmosphere and is primarily a tourist area. It is the gateway to the Sleeping Bear Dunes, which can be seen from its beach to the north.

Memphis is situated on the banks of the Mississippi River and has a rich history. Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and B.B.King were all getting their careers started in Memphis in the 1950s. They are respectivally called the "King" of Country, Rock-n-Roll and Blues. Memphis is also home to Sun Studios, Hi Records and Stax Records and Graceland.

The city was at the center of civil rights issues during the 1960's, notably as the location of a sanitation worker's strike. Memphis is also known as the place where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968 at the Lorraine Motel. The Motel is now the National Civil Rights Museum.

By the way, it was a dreary day to be taking photos.....

Another trip to beautiful Maine....

In my opinion, Maine is one of the most beautiful states in the US, with the rocky coastline, the mountains and wonderful forests and parks.

My grandmother moved to Maine, from Ohio, in 1970 (when she was 68!) and I have always felt as though it was a second home to me.

These photos are from Portland, Boothbay Harbor, Pemaquid Point, New Harbor, Mt. Battie(Camden area), Ocean Point, Newagen and Hancock...enjoy.