Dewey Lake

Dewey Lake
morning mist

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Goodbye 2014 from the Irish Hills of Southern Michigan

Here we are, writing this on the very last day of 2014. The sun is shining here at Dewey Lake Manor, making the lake look much like the picture, only it is frozen and the willow tree has no leaves. But there is no snow so the grass is like the picture; quite different than last year.  


I have never really written about the Irish Hills, and we live in the middle of them. The Irish Hills have no formal boundaries or unified government structure. The name designates an informal area that to many, straddles four counties, while to others it is a small historical area along US Route 12.The area is characterized by scattered lakes-52 with names-and rolling hills. There are several historic sites on US12-The Towers(which unfortunately are closed now), St. Joseph Shrine-the beautiful little church- and Brick Walker Tavern-which has just been restored.            The area was settled by the Irish, who came to America during the potato famine, and there is a very large rock- brought over from Ireland -near St Joseph Church commemorating those who came and those who died. 
The corner where US12 and M50 cross was known as Cambridge Junction, or" The Junction", and Brick Walker Tavern, located on that corner, was "the place" to meet and have parties.
A few miles east of the Junction on M50 is Hidden Lake Gardens, MSU's Botanical Gardens, a place you don't want to miss if in the area. To find out more you can check www.IrishHillsRecreation.com, and www.otih.org.                       Goodbye  2014         Hello 2015!