By Tim Callahan
It’s been on my list of places to paint. I’ve driven by the dirt road that leads to Vermilion Point on my way to Whitefish Point several times, saying to myself “One of these days…” I’ve heard there’s wild cranberries there, along with one of the first life-savings stations on the Lake Superior shoreline. It’s between Crisp Point and Whitefish Point lighthouses. I’ve painted both of those places and really enjoy the old historical structures for their unique design and contrast to the environments they’re located in.
It’s early October and the cranberries are ripe for picking. And it just so happens, a past caretaker – Dr. Thomas Allen (appointed caretaker from July 1984 through 1992) was giving a walk and talk about the history of this amazing place and its time here.
I’ve got an article I cut out of the Newberry News next to me; it’s the right place and time. I can’t go wrong. So I thought I’d given myself plenty of time. The road to Vermilion Point had me wondering if I had made a wrong turn somewhere. I was even passed by a large group of ATV-ers. I just pulled over and let ‘em fly by. Lots of waves, lots of flags, and lots of dust.
Finally, a sign: Vermilion Point ahead. I’m relieved, but late. I missed the talk but made the walk. The group picked cranberries and walked to the shoreline of Lake Superior. Within the shadow of the Life-Saving station buildings, Dr. Thomas Allen talked more about his time here. He co-authored a book with Edward J. Caufield called Life on a Lonely Shore. You can get this book from the Little Traverse Conservancy at www.landtrust.org.
I highly recommend this book. It’s got a lot of photographs and information about the early days of Vermilion Point, including the first commercial cranberry operation there.
The Little Traverse Conservancy is the organization responsible for restoring and preserving this historical place in Michigan’s early maritime history.
Once everyone headed out to the other destinations, I decided to stay and paint. I still had several hours ‘till dark and found a spot off the main path with a good view of the Life-Saving Stations with Lake Superior in the background. While working on the painting, I realized I was standing in a huge patch of cranberries. I painted for a while, then picked; picked, then painted. I went home with a nice pail of berries and a painting that needs a little more work.
If you ever find yourself traveling down a two-track dirt road to a place you’ve never been to, it’s usually worth the effort. Seems like some of the best places in the U.P. are all off the beaten path and hard to reach.
