Entries to Win Afghan

Sign up to receive the Books Leaving Footprints Newsletter. Comes out occasionally. No spam. No list swapping. Just email me! jhyshark@gmail.com Previous gifts include a short story, a poem, and coupons. Add your name, and don't miss out!

Saturday, August 26, 2017

Martin Johnson and a Little Walk

 
My next newspaper column is going to be about the legacy of Martin Gustave Johnson who founded Camp Martin Johnson, near Irons, Michigan, through the Chicago YMCA. The camp closed permanently in 1980, was sold and subdivided. The land is now a housing development on Big Bass Lake.

Today, I went to Irons to the house he built in 1901. It was on the camp property, but was saved from demolition by a group of women and moved to the town. It's now a small museum.

Martin Johnson house

I became re-interested in Martin Johnson a couple months ago when I interviewed a lady who lives on what used to be camp property. She showed me his grave site. Although he died in 1931, I still think it's remarkable that it was permitted for him to be buried there, and not in an established cemetery.

Martin Johnson grave

There is also one of the camp cabins that has been moved from its original location, but at least it's preserved.

Camp Martin Johnson cabin

On the way home, I took a quick little walk on the North Country Trail. This is a piece I don't see too often, although it will be on our group hike tomorrow.

North Country Trail

Here's a pretty little clump of Indian Pipe, with one stalk lifting its head, getting ready to go to seed.

Indian pipes plant

And, who knew I'd see a new plant so soon after the last one? Actually, I've seen the leaves before, but never the flowers. I knew it was one of the bush clovers, but which one??? The colors can vary, but the long wings on the lower flower petals and the round leaves mean that it's Lespedeza intermedia, or Wandlike Bush Clover. The seeds are pretty distinctive too, but my pictures of those aren't in focus. Nice that I'll get another chance at pictures tomorrow.

wandlike bush clover

Now I have to get busy and read some more literature I brought home so I can write that column!


North Country Trail, Lake County, Michigan, north from 5-Mile Road

See Just a Hike on the same section
if you like this blog, click the +1   or

Like This!


1 comment:

Ann said...

I like that house in the first picture. I would love to have that covered front porch