We have a lot of family history here in Ludington. My sweet Father-in-law, Papa Maurice, was born and raised and his family ran a successful butcher shop business in nearby Scottville. We know quite a lot about our family history and genealogy, but I would love to learn more. I’m going to make it my mission to use things like this online resource to try and discover more of my family’s history. As for my Father-in-law, this was their family home. On the Fourth of July they would host large family gatherings on the front porch to watch the annual parade go by.
The home was built in 1903 for Warren Cartier, a local lumberman, who had hoped to give his acceptance speech as Michigan’s Governor from the second-floor balcony.
For many years, our Aunt Marlene operated a gorgeous bed and breakfast here. Eager to show me, my “boyfriend” drove us through a snow storm from East Lansing to stay there. I stayed in Papa Maurice’s room. It was so fun to think about Papa Mo growing up in the room, where I slept like a rock, because of the divine sheets and fluffy pillows on my bed. Aunt Marlene had exquisite taste and finished the bathrooms in each quarter to rival those of a fine hotel.
We stayed up late with Aunt Marlene in the grand dining room, while she told us great story after great story. I’m grateful for that night. Aunt Marlene would later fall ill and leave this world long before her time.
Aunt Marlene would later put her touch on the dining room, finishing the walls in an elaborate faux finish. It was spectacular and way before its time.
A few other shots I snapped during our stay with my point and shoot in the mid 90s.
Somehow, I felt that it is a hassle to maintain a huge cooling system. However, when I asked my aunt regarding that, I was told that it is easy to maintain this system with the assistance of professionals like TSS Home Comfort (tsshomecomfort.com). Other things that really caught my attention was the windows and doors that had a vinatge appeal to them.
Later, Papa Maurice told us an amazing story of the watch factory that stood earlier in the place of this house. He remembers almost everything about it. What they sold, how successful they were, and even what the facility looked like. He said that it was always secure; nobody ever stole anything from there. He thinks that they used somewhere similar to Industrial Door Company, the provider of roll up doors, and various guards to help with its security. It clearly worked, and they did good business for quite a long time. Like a lot of manufacturing in this country though, it closed to overseas competition and the warehouse and property were sold for the going rate. HOWEVER, the folks purchasing the factory knew better and pulled up all the floor boards to recover MILLIONS of dollars in gold shavings from years and years of watch-making. Crazy.
This gorgeous lamp came from Grandma Genevieve and Grandpa Abbie’s home. Papa Maurice remembers the family trip to Chicago when it was purchased, “I remember it being a big deal for my Mom.” Good for her!
It’s absolutely stunning in person. My photographic skills do not do it justice. The silk shade alone was to die. Love the size and shape.
The home would later be sold to new owners but still operates as a bed and breakfast today. Visit their website here to see more pictures of this grand home or book a stay.
Naturally I set out to photograph some dumpling homes that caught my eye. I thought this home a great shade of yellow and the beige shutters were a nice surprise. Yellow can be tough but this homeowner got it right.
I took this one to showcase the monochromatic look, ala Martha’s Bedford Farm. I like it!
The town is block after block of charming homes, red geraniums and American flags.
If you wish for something more remote, head up the street to run the dunes of Ludington State Park. It was one of Grandma Gennie’s favorite places and she requested her ashes be spread here. A closer look and you’ll see some chickens running down the hill, through the tall grass and out to the beach.
Built in bookcases, half way up the wall, create a subtle separation between the living and dining room and the perfect place to store your china, very common in this age of home building. I especially liked the simple linen window treatment she used here to keep visual clutter at bay.
The entire home’s hardwood floors were limed for that light airy Belgium look.
I told Miss Molly that her home was without question, magazine-worthy, especially with such a great story to tell being it was her childhood home. She just kinda looked at me and giggled as if that was crazy talk and it wasn’t anything special. It was SO special!
Corner sitting nook in the master bedroom.
Another awesome bank of windows with a killer roman shade. Killer.
I hope someday you will get a chance to visit this charming coastal town. There’s so much more to tell. I’m happy for Papa Maurice and his Sisters. What a great place to grow up and perhaps part of the reason they are so special!
xx
Jen
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Love love love. On the agenda for the next Michigan trip. (and by the way, nothing says patriotic like a flag and geraniums)
This is so charming! I want to make a trip north! Missing Michigan summers!
l thoroughly enjoyed your post on Ludington, Mi. lt is good for so many people to get a peek into places in Mi. since many people haven’t ever set foot in the state. lt truly is a beautiful state and l’m glad that you are able to bring this to your readers. l agree Molly’s summer home is worthy of being in a magazine. l can only imagine what her main residence must look like!!
Molly’s got some mad design skills! No detail was forgotten. Loved the post and can’t believe how beautiful the lake is!