FPS is pleased to announce new book about Fishtown. Fishtown is a rare and vibrant maritime landscape of weathered fishing shanties and fish tugs, tucked in along the Lake Michigan shoreline in view of the Manitou Islands. Fishtown has witnessed the heyday of fishing and the trials of the changing Great Lakes, but above all, it has continued to be an active place for commercial fishing.
In her new book, Fishtown: Leland, Michigan’s Historic Fishery, author Laurie Kay Sommers tells the story of this beloved place’s past and present through the remembrances of the commercial fishermen and ferry captains who have worked out of Fishtown for well over a century. There are harrowing tales of rough seas, near misses and devastating losses, and the reasons why so many fishermen would choose this life all over again. She also shares the story of a community determined not to lose this historic and picturesque attraction, and the successful efforts of a non-profit organization to purchase and care for a key portion of Fishtown. Numerous photographs of Fishtown illustrate the text.
Many members of the community know and love Fishtown, but this book sheds light on a Fishtown that few but the fishermen and ferry captains know. It seeks to provide a deeper understanding of an historic and endangered way of life that has profoundly shaped shoreline communities throughout Michigan. Above all, these stories and images underscore why Fishtown matters and why it is important that it continues as a living legacy of Michigan’s maritime history.
The book is published by Arbutus Press and available for $19.95 in Fishtown and at local bookstores in the Grand Traverse Region.
This project is funded in part by the Michigan Humanities Council, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this project do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
 About the Author
Laurie Kay Sommers is a freelance folklorist and historic preservation consultant based in Okemos, Michigan. She has been writing about Michigan history and culture since the 1970s.
Greetings,
How can I get a copy ?
I am in St. Paul Mn
Thanks
Glad to hear you want a copy of the book! Since you’re out of our area, the simplest way to find it would be on Amazon.com, where it is available in either printed (highly recommended!) or ebook (Kindle) format. We hope you enjoy it!
Paul,
You can purchase a copy of our book directly from our website! https://www.fishtownmi.org/shop/. The book is also available for $19.95 at local bookstores in the Grand Traverse region, in the FPS office, and through online booksellers. The book will be available in Fishtown in summer 2013.
I remember the times when I was a growing up my day would take family to visit his dad at WK Hatts summer home 1959 -1962. My dad was grandson of WK Hatt.
I remember walking from the house down Main Street, when Main Street had wooden walk ways
I know that woman on the cover with the dark hair. My mother, Eloise Fahs. Hasn’t changed in fifty years.
Hi Tim
I thought I would try this to get in touch. We never met. I am the owner of the schooner Lita built by the Telgards back in 1957
So sad to hear about Eloise passing. Such a wonderful woman. I really wanted to get to meet her in the flesh. We kept in touch over our project of restoring a part of her and I suppose your heritage. I had no idea of her age though. It always flet like I was corresponding with someone much younger!
I suppose the spirit rules.
Would love a good picture of Eloise as we are about to start up the http://www.schoonerlita.com site.
It will show all those involved and also her heritage which goes back to Northport and the Telgards.
I don’t suppose you have any photos of the old ship yard and stuff? You can reach me on [email protected]. Love to keep in touch with the family and maybe even a little involvement on the web site stories!
Cheers to Eloise!