It was late November 2015, and Joy was heading inland for the latest round of maintenance and improvements Fishtown Preservation has undertaken over the past ten years
Joy of Leland
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History
Fishtown, Under Construction
Long awaited, much anticipated, urgently needed: That’s the best way to describe the rehabilitation project that’s been going on in Fishtown throughout this punishing winter.
Don’t Change Anything
Don’t change anything. Many people—maybe most—thought that was our mission when the Fishtown Preservation Society (FPS) purchased the core historic part of Fishtown in February 2007.
A Snapshot of History: 1959
Painting Fishtown has long been a Leland tradition, thanks to the long history of the Old Art Building.
Fishtown, A Whole World
Several years ago longtime Fishtown fisherman Alan Priest said, “That’s my home down there. It means the whole world to me. It’s not just a place—that’s my whole world.” For more people than we can know that is what Fishtown is: More than a place. A whole world.
A Special Connection
Tara Novak, Fishtown Preservation’s first intern, came to Fishtown for the first time almost twenty years ago. Her father brought her here, and it helped them form “a special connection.”
Winter in Fishtown
Erhardt Peters was a prolific and talented photographer in the Ludington and Leelanau areas throughout much of the 20th century.
An Old Salt in Freshwater Fishtown
We’re happy to share a few photos of George Cook, one of Fishtown’s most colorful fishermen.
A Video of Fishing Aboard the Joy
In April of last year, photographer Meggen Watt spent a day fishing aboard Fishtown’s tug Joy. Meggen has prepared a video for an up-close look at fishing “in action.”
When Pentwater Had a Fishtown
We’re back with more photos of moments and faces from Pentwater’s commercial fishing world. You won’t find any trace of this fishing life along Pentwater’s shores today. That’s why we preserve Fishtown: it’s both a place and a way of life.