It’s funny how certain places weave in and out of your life—ebb and flow—only to anchor themselves more deeply than we ever expected. My first memories of Fishtown aren’t sharp images so much as feelings. Nostalgia seems to work that way—sometimes the emotions come back stronger than the details.
When I was growing up, my dad lived in Fife Lake. My sister and I got to spend two full weeks with him every summer. To tame our preteen boredom, he’d take us on spontaneous road trips—choosing a direction from his house and just going. I remember more than one of those trips bringing us to Fishtown. It was one stop on a long day of wandering, but it always stood out.
I remember those rickety docks, the smell of the smokers penetrating everything, and that the buildings were “different”. My dad tried so hard to get us to eat the smoked fish—but being city kids, there was no way that was happening.
In the early 2000s, I found myself back in Fishtown on another road trip—this time with my then-boyfriend, now husband. A road trip stitched together from childhood memories—showing him all the places my dad used to take me. Watching someone see Fishtown for the first time is its own kind of joy. It’s the kind of place you naturally want to share.
When our son reached school age and we chose to move north, Fishtown found its way into my life once more—this time not as a memory, but as a daily presence. Working for Fishtown Preservation, I have the privilege of knowing many of the people who make this place special: the folks who live here, work here, wander through, shop, fish, and support FPS so it can continue to be what it is—a place entrenched with history, to make memories, and to share with others.
Somewhere along the way, I finally tried the smoked fish—and I love it! Just like the place.
On this day devoted to giving, I hope you’ll let your mind wander back to your own first memories of Fishtown—the one quietly rooted in your heart. These memories, big or small, are part of what we work to protect.
Fishtown depends on those who love it. Your generosity is what allows Fishtown Preservation to care for this rare, weathered, beautiful place so it can continue offering first-time moments for generations to come.
Thank you,
Summer Meyer
Fishtown Preservation