In 2024, the collections committee accessioned 365 objects into the Mackinac Island State Park Commission collection and archives. In addition to 35 purchases, 122 items were donated to the collection. The summer collections internship program saw the hiring of Campbell Geary from Central Michigan University. He assisted Curator of Collections Brian Jaeschke with the inventory of Colonial Michilimackinac, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Museum, and Historic Mill Creek exhibits and storage.
This summer collections staff accepted a silver cup and saucer from descendants of Dr. William Beaumont. In 1822, Beaumont treated fur trader Alexis St. Martin who was accidentally shot in the stomach at the American Fur Company Store. St. Martin’s wound was first thought to be fatal but he recovered although the opening never closed. Over several years, Beaumont performed experiments on St. Martin learning how the human digestive system works. In 1838, he published his findings in Experiments and Observations on the Gastric Juice, and the Physiology of Digestion. The cup is inscribed “Wm. Beaumont” but the maker’s mark on the bottom indicates it may have been made after Beaumont’s death in 1853. Further research is needed to identify the history of this piece.
The steamer Minneapolis was constructed by Morley and Hill in Marine City, Michigan and launched in 1873. Built for Captain Eber Ward’s Lake Superior Line, the vessel carried package freight and passengers. In 1888, she was purchased by A.A. Parker for use in the bulk cargo business. The vessel had her passenger cabins removed and cargo hatches constructed into her deck to access her holds. On April 4th, 1894, she was carrying a cargo of wheat towing the consort barges San Diego and Red Wing through the Straits of Mackinac when she began taking on water. The crew was mustered and rescued by the San Diego. It was surmised that the ship was damaged by ice causing the sinking. A cabinet card was purchased this fall showing her as a bulk carrier at Two Harbors, Minnesota.
Edward Pratt served in the United States Army from 1872 until 1902. During that time, he was stationed at many posts including Fort Mackinac and the Philippines. The park commission was able to purchase and have donated a large collection of items belonging to Pratt. This included a dress sword, shadow box with military awards, wood cabinet and scrapbook of letters, photographs and other items collected during and after his death. Pratt’s military commissions show his rise from lieutenant to brigadier general. Several flags are part of the collection including the 30th U.S. Infantry and the first United States flag raised over Jolo archipelago in the Philippines. The final item, a letter from General John Pershing to Mrs. Pratt extending his condolences after Pratt’s death in 1923.
This is only a small sample of the type of objects Mackinac State Historic Parks collects during any given year. We are always looking for donations and items to purchase which will help the commission to continue its mission of educating the public about the history of the region.
Mackinac State Historic Parks 2024 Accession Gift Donors
Andrew David Perkins
Framed QR Code for musical suite by Artist-in-Residence
John Dempsey
Acrylic on wood painting by Artist-in-Residence
Patricia Pressnell
Arrowhead shaped patch from Fort Michilimackinac Pageant
Phil Porter
Program for All American College Orchestra performing “Old Mackinac Lives Again” and Mackinac Island News editions
Brian Scott Jaeschke
Color postcards of Mackinac Island locations and the Mackinac Bridge
Dennos Museum Center
Pen and ink sketches of Fort Mackinac buildings, Biddle House, Old Agency House and door hardware by Warren Manning
Mackinaw Area Historical Society
Mackinac Island and Mackinaw City business cards, Mackinac Island souvenir map and brochure and Murray letter.
Danielle Popovich
Pen and ink sketches of Mackinac Island and Mackinac Bridge by Clarice McKeever
O’Brien Nicholas Young
Gray cloak belonging to Colonel Lyster O’Brien
Estate of Townsend Bowling
Black and white photographs of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Pratt, military scrapbook, U.S. Army commissions, letters, certificate, Marion Loud painting, Asian swords, United States and Philippine flags and Spanish wood cabinet.
Laura Drew
Silver cup and saucer engraved “Wm. Beaumont”
Norma Miles
Miniature souvenir color photograph album of Mackinac Island
Kalamazoo Valley Museum
Stereoviews of Fort Mackinac Soldiers Barracks, South Sally and interior
David and Linda Borton
Iron axe head found in Lake Michigan near Fort Michilimackinac
Hastings Public Library
Color slides of Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island vacation
Cathy Sexton Hendrix
Color postcard of Mackinac Island and Mackinac Bridge, Arnold Transit Company ferry schedules, Mackinaw City Rack card, Mackinac Bridge and Mackinac Island brochures, business cards, and Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce Directory
Tisha Doppler
Souvenir embroidered handkerchief from Mackinac Island
Clark Bloswick
Cork life jacket from passenger ship SS South American, record book from Mackinac Island weather station and Robert Benjamin campaign card
Nora Gates
Mackinac Island State Park & Private Claims map by Morgan Wright
Steven C. Brisson
Mission Point Resort dinner plate, menus, Inns at Mackinac logo, Mackinac County road map, black and white press photographs of yacht race, passenger ship postcards, brochures and Mackinac Bridge souvenir postcard album
