This program will concentrate on one of Charlevoix’s big three resort hostelries, The Beach Hotel, that was here from 1899 to 1967. It’s quite an epic story. The Beach quickly grew into one of the most successful businesses ever to be launched in Charlevoix, and by a woman at that, way ahead of her time. The hotel gained a sterling reputation from coast to coast under her guidance, until it commenced its slow downfall beginning in the 1920s under other hands, which led to foreclosure in the late 1930s. There were several attempts at resuscitation over the following years, until death by demolition and fire in1967, the last of its kind that will never be seen again in Charlevoix. Plus several good stories along the way.
David L. Miles, curator of the Charlevoix Historical Society’s Museum at Harsha House, will be presenting a history of the town’s hotels on Wednesday, November 3 at 7:00 p.m. The virtual program includes practically every hotel /major motel that has contributed to Charlevoix’s hospitality industry, with remarkable images from the Historical Society’s collections starting with the Fountain City House, then the first resort association clubhouse days, and up to today. Included will be stories both humorous and hair-raising from an era that vanished in the 1960s, but one that really put Charlevoix on the map over a century.
Mr. Miles is the recent recipient of two awards from the State of Michigan for his 2020 book Boulders: The Life and Creations of Earl A. Young in Charlevoix, Michigan, a complete illustrated history of Charlevoix’s world-renowned Mushroom Houses, motels, and the Weathervane Inn restaurant building. The Library of Michigan selected it as one of its twenty Michigan-themed Notable Books of the Year, and the Historical Society of Michigan recently granted Boulders a State History Award 2021 in the Books: Private Printing category.
North Central Michigan College • 1515 Howard Street, Petoskey, MI 49770
