A F I R S T-H A N D DISPATCH F ROM T H E DOCK S

SHARING THIS SENSE-OF-PLACE

Anyone who has ever walked the weathered docks of Fishtown knows this place is truly something special. The small plot of shanties, smokehouses and commercial vessels—with its collection of colorful characters—is one of the few remaining mainstays of Michigan maritime authenticity. It’s a working waterfront where shopkeepers, fishermen and families, all connect in a simple pursuit—to soak up some genuine Great Lakes vitality.

Family memories are made here. Dan Miller—Fishtown’s shanty handyman— and his children (pictured here) spend some spare time strolling this maritime treasure. (Cover photo: Fourth-generation fisherman, Joel Petersen, fishes Joy. )

Looking ahead by looking back, visionary Judy Fisher Oetinger, with her husband Tom, were early supporters and are Personal Anchors of Fishtown’s historic preservation efforts.

MARITIME SPIRIT WORTH SAVING

In 2006, Fishtown faced physical and financial challenges—the aged structures were sinking into disrepair, commercial fishing operations had been halted and the Carlson family made preparations to put their waterfront plot up for sale.

Enter the Fishtown Preservation Society, a band of passionate Leland supporters with a central mission: Save Fishtown!

In 2007, after an ambitious capital campaign, these minutemen (and women) of maritime preservation prevailed and purchased the property—averting it from potential real estate development.

david kareck, cheese shanty merchant & business anchor

CHARTING A NEW COURSE

Efforts since the 2007 purchase have been ambitious. With ongoing financial support from businesses, foundations and families, the Joy and Janice Sue, decades old fish tugs, have been restored. Today, Joel Petersen, a fourth-generation commercial fisherman, is proudly working the waters of the Manitou Passage.

Merchants like Dave Kareck, owner of the Village Cheese Shanty, are benefitting from building improvements and increased visits from folks seeking the authentic experience that Fishtown offers. Beyond buildings, community confidence is being restored, too. Leelanau businesses and residents are realizing the importance of keeping Fishtown on solid footings for the future.

Dave ditched his day-trading job in Chicago for the dream of crafting his own destiny—and sandwiches. He discovered that destiny on the docks of Fishtown.

Few places are more authentic and charming than Fishtown. It’s crucial that we preserve this living link to Great Lakes heritage and ensure accessibility for future generations. Our goal is to buoy financial support for the ongoing viability of this maritime treasure. Please consider making a financial gift to Fishtown Preservation.

YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT WILL:

· Preserve and protect Fishtown

· Keep the Joy and Janice Sue actively fishing

· Support educational programming

· Contribute to matching grants

· Offset annual operational costs

· Pay off the mortgage

Fine artist David Grath arrived in 1958 and spent a year as a young artist

living in a 8' x 12' shanty. He has been capturing Fishtown by brush ever since.

JOIN OUR ANCHOR PROGRAMSupporters who pledge to make an annual gift are Fishtown Anchors. Anchor funds are earmarked to offset annual operational expenses. Anchor levels start at $250 for businesses and $500 for individuals and families.

HELP US NET FUNDSOne-time gifts to Fishtown Preservation can be allocated to annual operations, mortgage retirement, endowment, ongoing preservation, restoration efforts and matching grants. Gifts are welcome in any amount.

GET INVOLVEDVolunteers are a valued link to our community. From maintenance and restoration projects to special events and fundraising—volunteer opportunities are memorable and many. Individuals and groups welcome.

THREE WAYS TO GIVE

CALL 231.256.8878 OR GO ONLINE TO FISHTOWNMI.ORG TO LEARN MORE.

15¢ Admin

Fundraising

7¢ 1¢Events

17¢ Operations

60¢ Preservation & Restoration

77% of every dollar is devoted directly to preservation efforts and operational expenses like utilities and repairs.

DONATE TODAY231.256.8878

TO PRESERVE FISHTOWNRESTORE THE SHANTIESRAISE OPERATING FUNDS FOR MAINTENANCE OF SHANTIES AND TUGS

PAY OFF THE MORTGAGE

$100 will replace a shanty light fixture

$250 will help us repair a worn spot on a shanty roof

$500 will help maintain the Joy and Janice Sue

$1,000 will replace rotted trim and boards on a shanty

$2,500 will update the wiring in a shanty

$5,000 will replace dilapidated doors and windows in a shanty

$10,000 will help us match foundation/government grant requirements

FISHTOWNMI.ORG

PO BOX 721 | 203 E CEDAR ST | LELAND, MI 49654 | 231.256.8878

Fishtown Preservation Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is made up of dedicated staff and community volunteers

who have come together to preserve and protect Fishtown.

F I S H T O W N M I . O R G