Marker Will Be the First of Five Erected Along Old West Michigan Pike

June 9, 2009

As part of an effort to spur tourism in communities along the old West Michigan Pike (US-31), the Michigan Historical Center will dedicate the first of five Michigan Historical Markers to be erected along the route in Spring Lake at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16. The marker, which will be located on the north side of East Exchange Street between the library and the township hall, honors cartoonist and animation pioneer Winsor McCay, who spent his childhood in Spring Lake.

The Michigan Historical Center has been collaborating with Beachtowns, Inc, southwest Michigan's convention and visitors bureau coalition, in this tourism-boosting initiative. The effort began in 2006, when the center's State Historic Preservation Office researched the development of the resort industry in southwest Michigan and undertook a survey of existing tourism-related historic sites along the West Michigan Pike between New Buffalo and Ludington. The historic pike went from New Buffalo to Mackinaw City.

"Winsor McCay is one of the many little-known Michiganians who have had a lasting impact on our state and our nation. His pioneering work in animation is part of our state's historic - and modern - leadership in the field of design," said Sandra Clark, director of the Michigan Historical Center. "We are delighted that the partnership between the Michigan Historical Center and Beachtowns to strengthen the region's heritage tourism product has given Spring Lake the opportunity to celebrate this story."

As an illustrator for Hearst newspapers, among other publications, McCay drew the famous Little Nemo in Slumberland as well as editorial cartoons. He was likely the most popular cartoonist of the early 20th century. In 1911 he introduced the moving cartoon Gertie the Dinosaur, and went on to influence animators such as Walter Lantz and Walt Disney.

According to Amy Arnold, project manager for the West Michigan Roadmap project, "Not many people know about the influence West Michigan has had on some of our nation's best writers and artists. While Winsor McKay was a West Michigan native, others like Carl Sandburg, Frank Baum, Buster Keaton and Studs Terkel spent many summers gaining inspiration in cottages and resort towns along the West Michigan Pike."

The three-year West Michigan Roadmap project revealed that many tourism-related structures located along the road - restaurants, resort buildings, "mom and pop" motels, and other establishments - dating from the early 20th century still exist. The research findings are the foundation of the heritage route that will be developed by Beachtowns, Inc. and the Michigan Department of Transportation.

The West Michigan Roadmap project was funded by an $80,000 Preserve America grant from the National Park Service, a $50,000 grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and a $13,990 grant from the Michigan Humanities Council. The Berrien County Community Foundation, the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, the Holland/Zeeland Area Community Foundation, the Mason County Community Foundation, the Muskegon County Community Foundation, the Frey Foundation, the Tri-Cities Museum and the Upton Foundation donated additional funds.

The four additional markers to be erected will recognize the development of West Michigan tourism: Hart's John Gurney Park and auto tourist camps; South Haven's Jewish resorts and West Michigan summer resorts; Scenic Drive in Muskegon State Park; and the West Michigan Pike, with a marker in New Buffalo.

Typically sponsors pay for Michigan Historical Markers through donation to the state of Michigan. The West Michigan Pike markers are sponsored in part by Beachtowns, Inc. Since the Michigan Historical Marker program began in 1955, more than 1,500 official historical markers have been erected. Traveling Through Time: A Guide to Michigan's Historical Markers contains the text and location of state markers. It is available anywhere books are sold or by calling (517) 373-1663. To learn more about the marker program and registered historic sites, visit www.michigan.gov/shpo.

The marker program is administered by the State Historic Preservation Office, a division of the Michigan Historical Center, part of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries. Dedicated to enriching quality of life and strengthening the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity, the department also includes the Library of Michigan, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.