More information about 50th Anniversary:

           

Former Governor G. Mennen Williams (1949-1961) summered on Mackinac Island and had a love for its history. In fact, he felt so strongly about the area that he spearheaded an effort for restoration of Fort Mackinac and other historic buildings and sites in the Straits of Mackinac region by planting a seed for an active restoration program in the minds of Mackinac Island State Park Commission members. In essence, it was Williams who paved the way for the Fort Mackinac that we know so well today. It was Williams who signed into law Bill 201, the 1957 bill that authorized the issue of revenue bonds, which in turn generated the needed funding for historic preservation and restoration of buildings and sites within the Straits of Mackinac area that are so vital to the region’s history. Therefore we honor and celebrate this man.

 

During the G. Mennen Williams Celebration on June 21, 2008, Mackinac Associates members, a non-profit friends of Mackinac group, and other attendees celebrate Williams and his role in the creation and restoration of the parks. Because this year marks the 50^th anniversary of the revenue bond program, the G. Mennen Williams Celebration takes on greater significance. A short program during dinner will relate Governor Williams' role and celebrate the parks’ birthday.

 

Attendees can expect the celebration to consist of: 

LOCATION DETAILS: The cocktail reception will be at 6:00 p.m. at William and Sharon Hahn’s “Lover’s Leap” Annex cottage, with a tour of the cottage during the reception. At 7:30 p.m., dinner and a program will be held at the Terrace Room at Grand Hotel.

 

EVENT HISTORY: The first G. Mennen Williams Celebration was held in 1989. The focus of the event was the educational program following the dinner. A new format was created in 1997 that combined a cocktail reception and visit to one of Mackinac Island’s historic cottages followed by dinner at Grand Hotel. A history of the cottage is presented during the reception. The G. Mennen Williams Celebration is the first major event of the season on Mackinac and a “must-do” for many Mackinac Associates members. Non-members are also welcome and encouraged to attend.

 

EVENT SPOPNSORSHIP: Sponsorship of the reception and event are welcome.

TICKET PRICES: Ticket pricing will soon be available and posted on this site. Mackinac Associates Sentinel members receive two discounted price tickets; Explorer members receive one free ticket; Commandant’s Circle and above members receive two free tickets. Pricing for non-members will also be available soon.

 

INVITATIONS: Mackinac Associates members receive a mailed invitation.

 

FOR NON-MEMBERS: You do not need to be a member to attend, but if you would like to be placed on the mailing list, please call the Membership Office at (231)436-4100 or email dombrosd@michigan.gov.

To learn more about Mackinac Associates and how to become a member, click on the Mackinac Associates link below.