#marquette park beach

[lisamarie-vee]

[whitefromthebeginning]

When I was a young man I was a remarkable athlete who bench pressed 717 pounds in a 13 repetition set and ran a 3 minute 27 second mile during Navy Seal Training at the Silver Strand Special Warfare Complex next to Imperial Beach in Coronado, California. I got the worse news in the year 2000 while I was being tortured over an extended period of time at a Safe House at 2508 S. Troy St. in Chicago when a Quack Doctor at Holy Cross Hospital in the West Lawn neighborhood near Marquette Park that I only met for the first time because I was visiting a critically ill material witness named Leslie Janos said he was certain I would need him to amputate my legs soon and his colleague a brain surgeon who was standing next to him said I would need him to lobotomize me. On June 19th, 2008 the Chicago Police officer Richard Sharpe ran over my legs with a Mercedes S.U.V. in the Old Town neighborhood of Chicago on the sidewalk in front of my condo at 111 W. Maple St. In December 2013 a Chicago Outfit Mafia hitman named Kevin Edwards wearing a Chicago Police uniform and driving a Chicago Police car hit my legs on two separate occasions close to Advocate Hospital in East Lake View and a week later the Chicago Police officer named Don Zalinski hit my legs with his Chicago Police car also in East Lake View crippling me so badly I had to rely on a wheelchair for a year. The Los Angeles Police officer Brian Habel attacked me with battery acid in 2018 in front of the SEIU Union office at 1545 East Wilshire that will continue to cause foul-smelling discharge to pour out of my leg wounds for the remainder of my life. In August, 2024 the Pasadena Police officers Yunon, Tucker and D.C. Jones slammed my head in the sidewalk three different days. Now on November 8th, 2024 after a lifetime of psychological abuse my prefrontal cortices and grey matter have probably shrunk 20% ; And, Elon Musk may be able to follow through on his threat to drill a hole in my skull and install a Neuro Link computer into my brain to force me to sign over billions of dollars in money, real estate and intellectual property to repay my oppressors for what they have done to me.

[fingfamily-blog-blog]

First 5 Days in Bali

Following our trip to Bromo, a third person joined my brother and me in Malang, Steve Larson. We all met in the late 1970's, when we were in our early teens. My family had moved into the neighborhood Steve lived in and we've been close ever since. When my brother said he'd come to visit for two weeks, I invited Steve as well and then I went into travel agent mode - something I'm gaining experience at here in Indonesia. Back when we started making plans, I'd told Steve that Malang was not worth spending much time in. I've since discovered more (as recent Tumblr posts suggest) of interest. But the plans were made back then, and they were solely concentrated on 10 days in Bali. This post will focus on the first 5 days. But first, Steve did spend three nights in Malang, and we were able to show him around a little bit. We walked in the neighborhood of my university. And then later we went to Alun-Alun (the central park in town), Kampungs Warna Warni and Tridi (Jodipon), and finally to the circle at City Hall, where we dined at the Hotel Tugu, and afterwards wandered through the endless rooms of the family's art and furniture collections. It was a nice taste of Malang - but indicative of the limitations of the place. Our travels began with a car ride from Malang to Surabaya, where my brother and I had our most serious tussle (over the speed and recklessness of our driver). The plane was late and the general anxiety of traveling was manifest. But we gratefully arrived in the Seminyak neighborhood of Denpasar at about 10 pm. Our driver, Ahmad Barman, is both a fine driver and tour guide. The accommodations in Seminyak were ideal, three comfy bedrooms with air-con (the sweaty heat never ends in Denpasar). The living area was all exposed to the open air, and there was a sizable pool and (for Martin and Steve) a pool table. We sampled some of the tequila we'd bought at the Denpasar airport, and then went out for dinner. We found a local Mexican food place, and ordered margaritas and fish tacos. It was lovely, and then we wandered the main drag in our neighborhood, trying to find the beach and another place to relax and enjoy. There were some night clubs, blasting music and spilling revellers onto the street, but these weren't enticing. We did sit in a couple of places for beers, but it was late and there wasn't much to observe. So we went back to the place we were staying in. We listened to Marquette win their first NCAA tournament game. Martin and Steve started playing pool, and I played some guitar and swam naked, and we drank until 4 a.m. for me, and 5 a.m. for them.  That set us back for the next morning, but I had a date with my landlord to meet for brunch. So I met Pak Barman and went out with a pretty strong headache, while Martin and Steve slept until mid-afternoon. My landlord, Jany, is a very nice person and we had a nice conversation about life in Bali and the future, while I ate a fine smoked duck salad. Then she took me shopping for a new shoulder bag, and I bought Alice a colorful cloth, for a scarf or whatever she likes. When I returned the boys were barely moving. But we gathered ourselves and had Pak Barman bring us to the Kuta beach, where we watched a perfectly acceptable sunset and had a sushi dinner. Back at the airbnb, we took it easier and prepared for our next stage of the journey - Ubud. I've been to Ubud before, and I made our accommodation near the center of town, but in the Kajeng Rice Field, an oasis of pastorality in the hurly-burly of a small town overwhelmed by tourists. The hotel wasn't so great (Martin and I had to share a bed for the first time since we were 10-11 years-old), but the outside was fantastic. It has a pool which is almost medicinal in cooling off an aging, over-heated body. The light on the rice paddies, golden and green, palm trees interspersed throughout the field, and fringing the edges, the shadows, the multiple species of birds, the clouds gathering and swaying overhead, all convened to offer a continuing display of nature's beauty. We sat on our porch for hours and hours each day, watching the light change, the birds fly, the clouds pass, the stars come out. It was bucolic. And then we'd walk 5 minutes to Ubud, a place being developed to accommodate the hundreds of thousands of tourists who come each year. The restaurants serve quality food. There are temples galore. But the sidewalks are small with foreigners swarming. Martin stayed at the hotel recovering from our indulgence of the previous days. Steve and I wandered the streets and came across a football field where several neighborhoods were constructing their Ogoh-Ogohs, for the upcoming Nyepi (New Year's) Festival. Nyepi means "Silent Day." So, comparable Mardi Gras before Ash Wednesday, the neighborhoods build monumental chicken wire and papier-mache monsters. They parade these through town, making tons of noise to stir up the evil spirits of the island, they then burn the ogoh-ogohs and hide in their houses for Nyepi, while the evil spirits roam around and realize that nobody is actually there, and are fooled into leaving the island. The monsters are pretty terrifying. Half-human, half-beast, with wild eyes, sharp, long teeth, and every manner of mythical bizarrity, vagina dentata, eyeless, winged-lions, gigantic tigers, Gene-Simmons-like-demon-tongues, dagger-like-nails and teeth.. So Steve and I were impressed and we found ourselves very much anticipating both the day before, and Nyepi (which is taken most seriously, and woe to the tourist who won't stay inside). More on that next posting. We had a lovely dinner and brought some food to the hotel for Martin, and we stayed up late, watching the night sky, playing guitar, singing, talking.  The next day, Steve was dealing with a head-cold, but we trudged on. We went to the Dalem Agung Temple, the grandest in town, but it was closed. It was interesting to see it so quiet, compared to the last time I was there (a holiday with hive-like activity). We explored the river-confluence where the temple is located. The whole place exudes spirituality. I dig it. It was hot, but that didn't stop us from hiking the Campuhan Ridge Trail. We sweated, and Steve had to overcome his sinus pain, and the grass was much longer than when I was there last, so the wind didn't cut any of the steam. But it's a lovely walk and we were happy to come upon the rice fields at the top, where we had some drinks, enjoyed the breeze, and cooled off.   Back down at the hotel, we prepared to return to the Ubud Water Palace (Pura Taman Saraswati) for dinner and a gamelan and dance show. The Water Palace is a photographer's dream, two lotus ponds in full bloom on either side of a walkway which leads to the gates of a temples with dozens of sculptures, of dragons, of warriors, of garudas, of musicians, and at the end of the day, it catches the sunset's colors in a startling manner. We arrived and took our seats at the Lotus Pond Cafe, where we watched the show and ate a fine dinner. The gamelan had some strings and horns, which is a bit unusual, and was nicely restrained. The dancing was graceful and multi-faceted -  a warrior dance and a flirtation dance among them, which ended with the dancer pulling members of the audience up to flirt with.  Then back to the rice field for a quiet night among the bats and bugs. We saw lightning in the distance, heard some thunder rumbling around, and felt a bit of rain, and it was all in character for Ubud, as spiritual a place as I've ever been. And, dear friends, that was just the first five days! The second half of the journey comes in the next posting. Make sure to look at my Instagram account (D. Selby Fing/Bugs Pacino) for the pics.

[detroitlib]

Children stand on rocky beach at Presque Isle Park in Marquette, Michigan, with rocky shoreline and trees stretching out along Lake Superior in background. Printed on photo back: "G.A. Werner, Lake Superior views, Marquette, Mich." Written on photo back: "Presque Isle, Marquette, Mich., Sept. 1890."

Burton Historical Collection, Detroit Public Library

[thisadventurouslife]

10/15/21

Washout that leads to the beach

Black Rocks, Sunset Point, Presque Isle Park, Marquette, Michigan

[aryburn-trains]

Amtrak Pere Marquette in St. Joseph by Steve Brown Via Flickr: While looking at the DeSotos in Lake Bluff Park I heard the westbound Amtrak Pere Marquette whistle into the St. Joseph station (which is actually now a pizza parlor)! Lots of construction going on behind the beach at St. Joseph. The Pere Marquette travels the 176 mile route between Grand Rapids, Michigan and Chicago. The train is named after the famous Jesuit Priest who founded a mission at Point St. Ignace in northern Michigan in 1669, where he is now buried.  July 25, 2009

[yooperwolf]

MDARD Awards Rural Grants to Support Infrastructure, Sustainability of Land-Based Industries

or immediate release: February 12, 2021 Media contact: Jessy Sielski, 517-331-1151 Program contact: Heather Throne, 517-712-0841

MDARD Awards Rural Grants to Support Infrastructure, Sustainability of Land-Based Industries

LANSING—The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has awarded 20 Rural Development Fund Grants designed to promote the sustainability of land-based industries and support infrastructure that benefits rural communities.

“Rural Michigan isn’t some strange, faraway, uninhabited land,” said MDARD Director Gary McDowell. “Most of the people in this great state are either from or currently live in rural areas, so these grants have a real impact on the lives of people we know and in communities not far from our own. Rural Michigan has unlimited potential, but it needs opportunity. The Rural Development Fund grants help provide those opportunities.”

The department received 139 proposals with requests totaling more than $11 million. Of those, MDARD awarded the following 20 projects totaling $1,700,000, leveraging a match of more than $6.7 million:

Apsey Farm LLC - $90,000 (Reed City) – Expansion of livestock processing and distribution.

Beaver Island Historical Society – $31,800 (Beaver Island) – Implement a tourism campaign, upgrades at Heritage Park and Blue Buffalo Camp Trail, development of a mobile app for tourists.

City of Ishpeming – $100,000 – Development along Malton Road to create an additional campground and to increase tourism to the region.

City of Negaunee – $82,600 – Multiple upgrades to the Teal Lake Shoreline Beach Area.

City of Stephenson – $41,500 – Wastewater treatment facility upgrades.

Gallagher Farms LLC – $100,000 (Traverse City) – Establishment of a craft spirits distillery at the farm as a complement to its current Bay View Weddings at Gallagher Farms destination wedding venue.

Gatien Farm and Forest Products Inc. – $100,000 (Powers) – Upgrade equipment with new highly automated machines for wood products.

Great Lakes Tissue Company – $100,000 (Cheboygan) – Expansion of new processing equipment to add value to the plastic byproduct of recycled poly-coated paper feedstock of cartons, paper cups, food trays, and post-industrial paper used in the 100% recycle context tissue manufacturing.

Harbor Hills Fruit Farm – $100,000 (Lake Leelanau) – Purchase of a crossflow filtration unit to enhance the quality of Michigan wines.

Lakeshore Depot L3C – $100,000 (Marquette) – Increase capacity for sales, distribution and value-added processing of Michigan-grown produce and agricultural products at a new FarmStop local food store.

Mackinac Bluffs Maple Farm Inc. – $100,000 (Pickford) – Construction and installation of a “sap house” that will contain equipment to collect and process maple sap for additional maple syrup production.

Noquemanon Trails Network Council – $100,000 (Marquette) – Expansion of parking spaces, a vault toilet facility, and develop a mountain bike skills area for all ages and abilities at Marquette South Trails.

Northern Michigan University – $100,000 (Marquette) – Implement a self-contained growing center proposal that aims to enhance and expand a new indoor agriculture degree program at the university.

Oceana County Economic Alliance – $100,000 (Hart) – Extension of the Village of Shelby’s municipal water service to workforce housing and remove barriers to talent attraction and retention.

Riveridge Land Company – $100,000 (Grant) – Construction of a housing unit for 30 additional H2A seasonal workers for the upcoming growing season.

TCWC LLC DBA Traverse City Whiskey – $100,000 (Traverse City) – Improve natural gas infrastructure and install new NG-compatible steam boiler to allow for increased fermentation capacity for production of distilled spirits.

The Cut Custom Processing LLC – $78,400 (Rosebush) – Expand pork processing capabilities at the USDA processing establishment.

Travel Marquette – $20,800 (Marquette) – Integration of online and print tools to assist citizens and visitors with hearing, vision, and mobility limitations navigate the county.

Tuscarora Township – $54,900 (Indian River) – Installation of additional public boat dockage at Marina Park.

Village of Breckenridge – $100,000 – Expansion of the Technology and Agribusiness Park to allow for additional lots.

The grant funds, made possible from Public Act 411 of 2012, are aimed to promote the sustainability of land-based industries (food and agriculture; forestry; mining, oil and gas production; and tourism) and support workforce training, rural capacity building, business development and infrastructure that benefits rural communities.

Eligible counties include those with a population no greater than 60,000 residents or micropolitan statistical areas. Preference was given to projects in Marquette County.

The proposals were evaluated through a competitive process. For more information about this grant program or a complete list of eligible counties, visit https://www.michigan.gov/mdardgrants.

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[humansofap]

This is an interview I conducted with Amy Quinn in the fall of 2017 for a book project about Asbury Park. Much has changed in the past year and a half in the city, but much has stayed the same. It is along read, but worth your time if you care about Asbury Park and what the humans who have lived here think about its history and trajectory. Thank you Amy for your candor and time.

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Today I am interviewing Amy Quinn, Asbury Park council woman and gay rights activist. It is a very windy afternoon so we have forgone our original plan of walking the boards and are sitting instead at a cozy table at Cubacan. As with everyone else, I am curious to know what drew Amy to Asbury Park in the first place.

The answer is simple. “Gay friends of mine had started to come here. That was how I first heard about it and started to come see it. I bought here when I was like 24. So I guess 17 years ago? I came to visit and bought my house within a week.”

I am taken aback and ask her to clarify. “So, you’d never been here before, came and saw it and within a week had bought your house?”

Amy is very nonchalant. “I bought a little condo on Deal Lake Drive. I saw this old building called the Santander, from the 1920’s, and immediately fell in love with it, and so I immediately tried to get a place. Back then it was relatively cheap, it was different than it is now. I lived in Jersey City but had been looking at places on the Jersey shore and I was looking at Belmar and Bradley Beach and then I saw this place and loved the building.”

I can sense there is more to this story. I ask what made her decide she wanted to move in the first place.

“I wanted to live by the water. And Asbury was the only place I could afford by the water. And there were already gay bars here. Georgie’s was here, the Empress was here, there was a little gay bar called Anybody’s that was here, there was already a gay community here so that was obviously a draw.”

I ask her to walk me through her first impression of the town.

“It was the year 2000. I drove down with some coworkers from my job at Child Protective Services in Jersey City. And they thought I was insane to want to live here and they actually said they wouldn’t come visit. I mean every street you turned down there were hustlers or prostitutes. Like down Cookman and down the waterfront. There was nothing on the waterfront, although there might have been 1 gallery that opened near the McLoone’s space. Cookman was all empty shops, 1 antique store, and a gallery or two. Everything else was boarded up.”

I’m trying to picture the scene and still feel like I’m missing part of the story. “So you came down and everything was boarded up and there were hustlers and drug dealers and prostitutes everywhere. What made you think to yourself “this is a place I want to live?” 

Amy tries to explain. “So there was this Kingsley Deli owned by a woman named Rita Murano, she’s a character and I had stopped in there shortly after I had moved. She ran this deli and she had a cat and there were other characters in there shooting the breeze about Asbury. Even back then you saw an artist community, a music community. The Pony was open back then; the Wonder Bar was open back then. So, you saw some music, you saw some art, and you saw gay people and you take those 3 things and that would absolutely draw me to Asbury.

I argue “Ok but I mean you drive into town, and you’ve never been here before and this is your first impression!”

Amy tries again. “My first impression was the beautiful architecture. I think we have extraordinarily sharp architecture. And I like that. And I saw a lot of characters and I say that endearingly. I like characters. And I saw the Santander. I’ll say without having seen that building, I looked at a bunch of buildings but as soon as I walked into that one I knew it was where I wanted to live. And the Santander is a bit of a microcosm itself, of Asbury park because it has studios, one bedrooms, 2 bedrooms, and then 3 penthouses with like 5 bedrooms. So, you had people in the Santander who were very low on the economic scale and very high on the economic scale. Because if you were renting a penthouse you were doing pretty well, but if you were renting a studio for 500 a month you probably didn’t have that great of a job. So, we had artists, waiters, musicians, gay people, I would argue the Santander was a microcosm of what existed in Asbury park. Super diverse in both profession, economics and race.”

I ask if she was afraid to move down here, especially after everybody told her she was crazy and they wouldn’t come visit.

Amy says no, and reluctantly tells me the one thing that finally makes it all make sense. “So there’s a backstory. I was going through a breakup, so I was running from something sad and trying to start over. I had my high school sweetheart and we were together for maybe 5 years and we had a bad breakup and I had to get out and Asbury was the place that seemed like home to me.

I nod my head and tell her that I think a lot of us have that same story.

Amy tells me that she absolutely loved the characters she met when she moved here. “So here’s one other story. When I moved down here I was working for the state of NJ for DYFUS in Jersey City and I was commuting. I would get home around 9 or 10 and I would take my dog to what wasn’t technically a dog beach then but nobody lived here so it didn’t matter. So I would go late at night and there would be lines of hustlers (male prostitutes) that would be hustling on the North end by the fisherman’s lot. And they were the nicest people on the planet when I would come, and I’d let my dog just run around because I felt so guilty he’d been in the house for like 10 hours. And I would let him run back and forth on the beach and I would stand on the boardwalk with them and shoot the breeze about our day and they would tell me it was too late for me to come down there, they’d offer to walk me a block back. They were total characters and really lovely human beings.”

I am smiling as I picture those nights. I think about Asbury Park now and observe “Obviously, Asbury looks very different now. When did you see the changes start to happen?”

Amy pauses to think. “So I have two different answers for two different areas. I would say on Cookman Ave. the interesting thing has always been that while there were developers and investors downtown, they were smaller and generally people who lived in town, like the Pats. So, the downtown really saw an organic pop up of places. There was a place called Be Green that popped up; another place called Apex gallery. A shoe store. So, you saw those over a course of 5 or 6 years pop up. Some made it and some didn’t but you saw them pop up. And then the waterfront you really didn’t see anything until Madison Marquette came in in 2008 and started to put some substantial money into the waterfront. Cookman was on a trajectory of going up well before the waterfront, and came back in a better and more organic way. Madison swooped in and started making changes. And then there was Asbury Partners and they went under and eventually there was iStar in about 2010.” 

I am curious about the characters in town. I ask her when she saw new people start to come in.

“So I would say we saw a wave in or around 2005 when you started to see some shops and some galleries opening up. And you could rent space that was reasonable. So you could have a gallery and get a space that was reasonable. Which you can’t do anymore. The rents downtown are through the roof now. I continued to see gays move in. I would say we saw younger hipster-ish people moving in and musicians and artists. I would say that’s mostly what we saw in the earlier days. At least downtown, the neighborhoods were riddled with people who had been here for years. So, that’s where you saw all the diversity right? Because we saw a lot of African Americans all through this side of town through about 2008. The housing stock was different back then. It wasn’t $1700 for a 1 bedroom, it was $600. So, you saw a whole lot of diversity throughout the whole town. And if I had to describe the people running the shops I would say they were more people of an artist nature. Be Green was a vegan store before anybody was vegan. I think we’ve lost some of that diversity over the last 17 years.”

I keep hearing the word diversity, but I want to know “was there a sense of community among people of different races? Or did everybody kind of do their own thing?”

“I really have to think about that. So, because there was so much diversity in the waterfront area, I think there was a feeling of community. I’m trying to think of examples of where I felt that. So, my feeling is when you walked down the street in 2000 you saw multiple races not just black or white. You saw Hispanics and Haitians and everybody. There was more of a feeling of cohesiveness and community when you walked down the street than there is now. So, did I hang out at the Baptist church? No, nor do I now. But when you walked your dog you saw more of people of different races that you said hi to. And now you see more of people who look like you.”

I wonder about diversity in the gay community at the time.

Amy seems surprised by the question. “I would say that in the gay community the number one priority is that you’re gay and nobody cares what color you are. Which is why I think the gay community has really gone through a metamorphosis when it comes to bisexual rights. Bisexuals always felt kind of ostracized in the gay community. So, I think in the gay community we never care what color you are so long as you were gay. What we really had to look at was about different spectrums and really come to terms with its not just gay or straight, even though that’s the way we were raised. You used the term bisexual to come out, to soften the blow when you were going to come out when you were gay. When you came out if you used bisexual first, we would say “are you just saying that because you can’t say gay?” So, for me personally it took a long time to say “ok there are bisexual people who are not just using that as a stepping stone to soften the blow. And then the transgender community.”

I ask if she is suggesting that the gay community on the east side was a safe haven for gay people of different races to be themselves when they couldn’t be in their own communities (the west side specifically) and maybe perhaps still is?

“I think in the gay community that if you’re here for example at Georgie’s, especially back when it was less acceptable, I’m not ever going to repeat you’re here. It’s Vegas. I’m not going to say that I saw reverend or priest so and so here. Trangenders were much more rejected than if we’re talking about race. There were absolutely people coming to the bars in Asbury park who were nonwhite who were absolutely not out and there was this sense of we’re not going to say a word. We’re not in the game of outing people.”

I question whether that sense of inclusiveness still exists today. “Do you think that’s changed at all? Because the community has expanded a lot and diversified. There’s a lot less hiding and people are ok with who they are, and so their regular general human stereotypes and attitudes come out. I wonder is the gay community as inclusive as it was back then?”

Amy shakes her head slowly. “I would say no. Well, in some ways we’re more inclusive. We’re more inclusive of the transgender community. In that sense, there’s been an expansion. But in the sense of specifically Asbury Park, I would say there’s an economic element. There wasn’t that level of wealth that there is now. Back then people were buying up Victorians for $30,000, and spending years fixing them up. Now these Victorians are selling for $700,000. I would say there’s been a change or wave from the initial people who came in who kind of fixed it up. There’s been a wave of people who have moved out. And there is currently a different status of gays than were here previously. They may be different people. I’d say an absolute expansion on LGBTQ and I would say because of Asbury’s rise there has been a loss of gays in all economic statuses that used to be here. There is more of a class divide.”

 I shift the conversation back to the early 2000’s. “So you saw this gradual wave of musicians and artists and creative people opening these shops…” 

“And getting on boards and getting involved in local government…”

I ask Amy when she decided to get involved in government.

“I started on the Environmental Commission in 2006/7 and stayed on that and kind of watched how government worked and eventually ran [for city council] in 2009. For a long time, I had criticized the previous councils. I mean they gave away the boardwalk and everything else they did.

I ask her to describe the feeling in town when all that was happening. “What was the attitude? By the people who lived here, or were moving here or had opened stores here, because essentially this place was barren for a long time. And then there were these brave souls who just wanted a home who came here and stayed despite everything that was happening.”

Amy interrupts “And they lost their properties.”

I remind her “You were a part of that. You were one of the people who moved here when you had no real reason to.”

It seems we have gone full circle when she replies “You say that but that’s not true. There were gay bars here, there were clubs and there was sharp architecture.”

At this point I am laughing as I argue “For most normal people, if you’re making a pro and con list, and the pros are there are bars and sharp architecture and your con list is that there are hustlers and drug dealers and crime and your entire neighborhood is boarded up and there’s nothing going on and its terrifying, no sane person would move down here!”

Amy shrugs her shoulders and says “But we did!”

I decide to drop it. “So the non-sane people who moved down here and decided this was going to be your home and you were going to build, how did you feel when the eminent domain happened, when they gave away the boardwalk, when all the redevelopment plans were being made?”

“I was horrified. There’s a documentary about a little old lady Angie Wright Readings who was losing her home and eventually lost her home, who had stayed through the good and the bad of Asbury Park and just wanted nothing more than to die in her home, and iStar had rights to her property and they took it.”

“What was your personal sense? How did your friends feel?”

Amy thinks back. “Ok so keep in mind I’m in my 20’s, I’m going to law school and I’m working a full-time job. So, I’m watching it peripherally and I’m watching people at the meeting at the Berkeley hotel because they couldn’t fit everybody in the council chambers because there were so many people against it [eminent domain]. Hundreds of people were there fighting about the eminent domain. I’m in my mid 20’s and I’m still trying to get my lay of the land and I felt a deep sense of horror and sadness at what was happening. Because properties were being taken. You felt a sense of sadness.”

We both know that despite the massive opposition, eminent domain came to pass and slowly properties were taken. We sit silently for a minute thinking about everything that was lost. Amy asks me to turn off the tape recorder. She tells me that this is a difficult subject for her to discuss because of her involvement in city politics and her public persona. I completely understand. But I am also here to get the truth and to understand her very real and personal feelings about what has happened in Asbury Park. I consider Amy a friend and somebody I look up to. So against my better judgement, I tell her to take some time and think about whether she would like to continue speaking to me or if she wants me to scrap the whole thing. She suggests that in the meantime I interview her friend Carol Torre, who has been active in the gay scene in Asbury Park for over 40 years. We say goodbye and I leave Amy with a decision to make.

3 weeks later, I get an email from Amy. She has decided these stories need to be told. We agree to meet on the boardwalk the following morning.

As we walk to Convention Hall, the morning fog is just lifting and it looks like it’s going to be a beautiful November day. We stop for coffee at AP Roastery and Amy stops to say hello to several people she knows. We decide to walk down the North end of the boardwalk, hoping for a little more privacy and less interruptions. 

I want to know about the gay community in Asbury today. Does Amy feel like there are still a lot of gay people moving in or are they just coming to visit? 

“Hands down there are still gay people moving in. But I think it’s different kind of people. So, when I moved here, it was cheap and it was by the beach and there were gay people here. And the housing stock and rentals were very different. I think it’s a different economic demographic that was here in the early 2000’s that bought up old Victorians and fixed them up and joined committees and commissions and formed political action groups – AP Action was a group really involved in getting gay people representation on commissions and boards in the 2000’s. I’m not sure I see that activism from the gay people coming into town now. And maybe it’s not needed. I think we’re #3 in the country for the most gay-friendly policies in city hall. So maybe people just don’t feel like they need to be active and get involved. I think AP action was about making sure gay voices were heard. The people who came in 2000 were really about seeing a city that had fallen apart come back in an organic way that was like fight-ish. I can’t really think of a better word than that. So, people coming here now, that fight doesn’t exist in the way it needed to then, so the people we’re getting now don’t really have that fight in them. Also, I think a lot of people are coming to Asbury to make a buck.”

I can understand why Amy had to take time to think about whether she wanted to voice these opinions. I ask her how she hoped Asbury would look now, back when she first moved here. Was this how she and the other “pioneers” so to speak had envisioned?

Amy smiles ruefully. “I think not fully understanding how gentrification worked back then; I was like 24. I think we wanted to be successful and I think we wanted to see Asbury Park voted best city. If you had said to me in 2002 that Asbury Park is going to be voted best small city in the United States, I would have said that’s insane. So, in some ways yeah this is absolutely what I wanted. But I think what I didn’t factor in was the whole capitalist idea that people contributed. Because when you’re in your early 20’s you don’t have the foresight to know how things get to where they need to get.”

I ask if she is happy with the way things turned out.

She is cautious in her response. “I’m happy in some ways. I love that I don’t feel like I need an alarm system on my house and crime’s at its lowest.”

I interject. “On this side of town.”

Amy retorts that “throughout the city crime’s at its lowest in 20 years according to FBI statistics. Some of the developments been a good thing, especially downtown which has been far more organic. And then I would say that the stock of housing and rentals and reaching such high levels and pushing people out who contributed to what it is now is truly heartbreaking.”

I ask how she feels about the commercialization of Asbury Park and the push to bring in bigger brands and corporations slowly.

“I think that we as a city would have to keep an eye on that. But I don’t know that we can stop that. For example, right now we’re in a battle over short term rentals. Investors are buying properties in Asbury Park and using them as short term rentals. So, that is now changing the characteristics of neighborhoods because then you no longer have neighbors right, you have mini hotels that you’re living next to, which I don’t love, and the second part of that is that you are now taking rentals off the market. Let’s say you are taking 3 yearly rentals in a multi dwelling unit, and you’ve taken that off the market. One of the biggest complaints we get in Asbury are that there are no yearly rentals. Because they are renting them out short term and making $2000 a night as opposed to $2000 a month. I think we’re rolling that back, we’re going to ban that, and we’re going to do inclusionary renting which means we’re going to make investors have a certain percentage that is affordable.”

I see why it’s necessary, but ask Amy to explain how it’s going to work.

“The developer says they’re going to build 10 units, and we say that 2 of them have to be affordable. And that goes according to zoning. Who decides what’s considered affordable is a little tricky. The county defines affordability. So, is it going to be $400 rent? NO. But it’s going to be maybe affordable to middle class families. That’s one of those things that we don’t have a lot of control over – the defining. It’s tricky. And the commercialization if it comes down the pike is going to be even trickier.”

I decide that we’ve tap danced around the issue enough and make a very direct statement, hoping to hear what Amy really feels about the subject. “As far as commercialization, we’ve been all over the news as this new vacation destination. If you look at all of these promotional videos and ads being put out now, you’re not seeing any black people. You’re not seeing any normal people. It’s all very whitewashed.”

I am both surprised and happy when she does not hold back. “So a perfect example of that is iStar. Here’s the hypocrisy of iStar. They talk about how this is such a great gritty, musical, artsy city and then they build for the people who are the opposite of that. They build for people who are not particularly artsy or gritty or a part of the comeback, but are extremely upper middle class people. But the narrative they sell is that they’re so incredibly supportive of these kinds of people, of artists and musicians and sculptures etc. So, when you’re talking about these advertisements, I agree with you 100% that there’s a huge level of dishonesty in suggesting that Asbury park is looking for artsy people – apparently we’re only looking for extremely rich artsy people if we’re going according to what iStar is building. And we’re setting it up so they [the real artists] can’t stay. We’re building so these people can’t stay here. Maybe the subtle message is that we’re eventually going to get rid of them. I don’t know.”

I appreciate Amy’s candor and decide to push a bit further. “Let’s talk about iStar for a little bit. I’m sure you’ve had to have dealings with them as a person in government. What has that been like for you?”

Amy shakes her head and rolls her eyes as she says “Extremely challenging. I think iStar thinks they are the savior of Asbury park. And you gotta give them some credit for some stuff like the hotel. But then I don’t agree with what they’re doing in other aspects like with the Lanes. I think I have a more complicated relationship with iStar. I think they’re here to make a buck. Do I think they’re here to make Jenn Hampton’s life difficult? No. Do I think they are making her life difficult? Abso-fucking-lutely. I think they’re really bullies about it and I think that’s despicable. But I think their overall goal is to make a buck and at some point that buck being made has been beneficial to all of Asbury park. In the sense that did we need another hotel? Yeah. Did we make them do work for it for work-force development? Yeah. And they did it and did a good job. Which that wasn’t really iStar that was the Salt hotel.”

 I ask if she knows how many people who attended the Salt School Program are actually employed at the hotel currently.

Amy says she does not.

As we are walking back towards Convention Hall, we run into a man walking his pack of adorable pups. He stops us and asks Amy if she is indeed Amy Quinn. He introduces himself and Bruce Booker and says he has a show on APTV (a local TV channel Amy had a hand in starting) and he informs her the channel hasn’t been working on Cablevision the past week. She promises to take care of it and sends an email on the spot. He asks us what we’re up to and I tell him about this project. He asks if he can do a quick video interview of us and suddenly the tables have been turned. He asks me to describe the project and why I picked Asbury Park over other towns in the area. Then he asks Amy how she feels about the project.

Amy is very gracious. “First of all I love Humans of Asbury Park. That’s how I got to know her. I think the gentrification project is very important. I think it’s a very complicated question. I think what we’re seeing right now in the city of Asbury Park is people being priced out. And I think the council, myself included, are scratching our heads trying to figure out ways to stop that.”

He asks her if she thinks we’re growing too big too fast.

“I think this train that we pushed up this hill; we were like go, go, go, and now we’re like wait a minute, let’s get our bearings and that we’re not losing people who were really a part of it.”

Bruce thanks us for our time and we part ways.

Amy and I keep walking and I get back to asking her about iStar. “So, you and I agree they’re just here to make money. The question is, do you think they’re doing things to help the people who actually live here?”

She does not give me the direct answer I am looking for. “I think they went into the Salt School with the best of intentions. But that was Salt Hotels, not iStar.”

I let her sidetrack me for a minute and ask “You don’t think that was just a PR campaign?”

“The city was one of the people who said work-force development. So, it wasn’t in their minds to do it in the first place. So, we’ve made these developers try to incorporate work-force development. I guess I have to think about whether I blame iStar or the Salt School or even the city in are we providing people with the skillset that can find employment in Asbury Park. So, we hired this company to deal with workforce development because its complicated in Asbury Park for a number of reasons. One, because we’re seasonal. Two, because we have a restaurant/hospitality and we have to develop the carpenters and plumbers and all that. So, we have to go through the high school or some kind of vocational school. So, are we providing kids in Asbury with the skills to get these jobs? At this point I’d argue no.”

I tell her it sounds like she’s describing a vocational school type of situation 

Amy nods. “So that’s something we kinda talk about and hope the Board of Ed gets on. And I don’t know if they’re getting on it or not. I think it’s more complicated than that.”

Amy statement strikes a cord with me. “So you’re saying you hope the Board of Ed gets on it. Well here’s the thing. And this is historically a problem in Asbury park. There’s no communication or cohesive plan or kind of collaboration between different parts of government and developers and its every man for himself. Because the developers have their own agenda which is strictly to make money. The city is trying to keep everyone’s shit together. The problem is that there could be more collaboration going on.

Amy concedes. “I 100% agree with you.”

I ask her how she feels about the developers bringing in people who don’t have kids. We know this because upper middle class people with kids don’t want to put their kids in Asbury Park public schools. And they’re also not buying tiny 1 bedroom condos for a million dollars. So, all these people coming in are not going to do anything to help the school system. So, the school system in turn doesn’t help the community. I know that Amy agrees that a large part of the problem is education. When the standards are not high, and you have a very high dropout rate, and you have a school system that needs fixing, then you’re going to have a lot of kids who are flunking out and joining gangs. I want to know how she feels about this cycle.

“I agree the school system is an issue. I agree the gap between East and West is an issue. I think from my perspective, and these are small little things to fix it, but I think it’s far more complicated than me figuring it out. I would say the new wave of people who have come are probably less affected, as opposed to the earlier wave in the 2000’s I was describing. Because those people are still on the school board, are going through the trenches and trying to fix it up. But is the new wave of people coming into Asbury park super cognizant of the school board? No.

I ask what things she feels are being done.

Amy cuts to the heart of the issue. “Can I just say, I think the gap is partly a result of economic circumstances but also partly a result of mistrust. From all the different communities in Asbury Park. From the Hispanic community to the gay community to the African American community, there’s a level of distrust. Here are things we are trying to do to help. One, we’re trying to do something that affordable housing is stopping the people leaving who are being priced out. Whether that’s the waiters and waitresses at Brickwall or the African American community or churches. I think that’s the biggest puzzle we spend our time trying to solve. Whether its through inclusionary zoning or banning short term rentals. Two, workforce development. What we continue to hear from these small businesses on the boardwalk is they’re not getting a skillset that they need from the kids in Asbury Park. So, we hired this company to help us teach these kids the skills they need. Are these very small steps? Absolutely. Are they moving very slow? Absolutely. Could we be doing a lot more? Absolutely.”

I observe a change I’ve seen. “A couple of weeks ago there was that big block party on Springwood Ave. and that was pretty much one of the first times I’ve personally witnesses such a coming together of different parts of the city.”

She Is very excited that I attended and enjoyed it. “The city did that. It’s the first year we did it. Our planner Michele Alonso worked with a guy named Steven Brenner and they put that together. And I think the really great part about that is that when reaching out to get vendors or talk to people about having a mural in front of their stores, instead of sending an email and waiting for a response, Steven went to every business and said this is what we’re doing and would you like to participate. And I think the reason it was so successful was that he used that tactic. That was a super good learning experience.”

I tell her I think that was a huge success and ask if they plan of doing more of those.

“I think so. We had a little bit of grant money to do it. I think we’re interested in doing it again. Do you ever go to the concerts in the park on Monday nights? You will find the most diverse eclectic group of people ever.”

I have an interesting thought and ask “How do you think it would play out if you tried to do an event like that on this side of town with the same people?”

Amy immediately responds “I don’t think the same people would show up. I think it goes back to that level of mistrust. But there’s such an ingrainedness there that there isn’t a quick fix for that.”

I ask if she feels like it’s unwarranted.

She’s honest. “I think Asbury Park had a tremendous amount of corruption in the 90’s and early 2000’s. So no. And I get the mistrust. 

I observe that I’ve heard from people that they feel unwanted on this side of town. It’s obviously not as blatant as segregation was in the 50’s but they still feel like they get looked at weird and the cops stop them if they’re here on the boardwalk and they feel not welcome on this side of town.”

Amy concurs. “People have said that to me as well.”

I ask if she feels that where Asbury is moving now and the plans that are in place now and the development  and the vision for the people who are now responsible for growing this city to where they want it to be, does she feel like that’s going to fix these issues or make it worse? The developers and the new people their bringing in to live in this city.”

We are walking back to our cars and we stop in front of the new building going up on Ocean Ave. I stop and point up to it. “I mean look at this thing. How many people are going to be living in this?”

Amy shakes her head. “I think its 60 residential, maybe more, 40 hotel, commercial and parking.”

I start doing math. “So even if we’re just saying 60 residential. That’s at least 120 people in theory. And we’re not even talking about the hotel or anything else. So, that’s 120 people who haven’t lived here before, who are going to now be living in this community. Do you feel like they’re going to help fix these problems or do you think it’s going to become an even bigger issue?”

Amy struggles with her answer. “I think a small percentage of people might get involved and want to fix the problems, but I don’t think that the overwhelming majority who move into 1101 will. But I’m going to push back on you for a minute. For 17 years, all I’ve heard is this is the biggest eyesore in Asbury Park, that nothing gets done in Asbury Park because of this and so we pushed for this to have some sort of development because everybody hated looking at it. So, you take the good with the bad. Because we didn’t want this to sit barren. And iStar owned it so obviously we didn’t have any say on what they would build. I don’t know how I feel about what they built, but I’m glad it’s being built. In the early 2000, people came in and fixed up all these old Victorians and they got these political organizations. I’m not as inclined to say they’re not going to be involved in Asbury park. Take north beach. Some of the most activist-y women on earth who are involved with reading groups and who are involved in fundraising who are involved in getting the back to school knapsacks with Connie. So, is it all of north beach? No. Its 10 women who don’t want to cross in terms of their gonna get shit done. 

I ask if she’s ok with the demographic of people that we’re selling these apartments to. And the idea that we’re selling them. Which is, come live in this beautiful town that’s a vacation destination and you have access to all this art and “culture” but it’s a whitewashed version of it. People are not going to move into that building because they want to help this community. And it’s not just this building, there are so many other buildings and condos going up. So eventually it’s going to be the majority of people living here that won’t care because the ones that do will get priced out.

Amy shakes her head sadly, averts her eyes from the monstrous skeleton going up, and says “I agree.” 

[vikingarmsinnludington]

Viking Arms Inn Ludington

There’s a lot to see and do in this part of Michigan, and Viking Arms Inn can be your go-to place for every trip to the Ludington area.

Ludington is a harbor town on Lake Michigan with beaches, a golf course, a nearby state park, and other attractions. It’s no wonder this town of about 8,000 people is so popular with regional tourists. But where should you stay for the best deal?

Have you considered Viking Arms Inn as your hotel in Ludington MI? It’s a simple, clean, and affordable place that’s sure to be perfect for you whether you’re visiting the area on business or for pleasure. Choose it when you’re wanting motels near Ludington State Park Beach or a budget hotel near Sandcastles Museum Ludington.

And that’s not all. This motel in Ludington, Michigan is close to just about everything in the region because this is a compact, easy-to-navigate area. Select it if you want a hotel near Ludington Beach House or a Hemlock Golf Club Ludington hotel – and you’ll be pleased with your decision.

Additionally, past guests have come to this independent property when looking for Ludington Waterfront Park hotels, Ludington hotels near Pere Marquette River, and even a convenient Ludington hotel near Mason County Airport.

Not all Ludington MI hotels with pools get my recommendation. But I’ve added my personal experience with past reviews, some comments I’ve picked up from other guests, and details provided by the hotel to establish a positive impression of  Viking Arms Inn.

There may be another hotel in the same area that provides more amenities, I suppose, but it would also come with a much higher price. And there may be a hotel that’s a few steps closer to certain attractions, but once again, the price is so much higher that it just doesn’t make sense. 

Please take advantage of the work I’ve done on getting to know this property. I hope you’ll book at this place and see for yourself the quality and affordability that’s waiting for you. Why not reserve now?

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Viking Arms Inn Ludington

Hotel near Mason County Airport

930 E Ludington Ave, Ludington, Michigan 49431, US Phone: +1 (231) 843-3441

https://www.vikingarmsinnludington.com

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[travelonlinetipsofficial]

8 Reasons to Visit Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

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8 Reasons to Visit Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is known for its small towns surrounded by wide swaths of thick forests that in the late summer are swallowed in heavy early morning fog coupled with winding dirt roads—you can literally count the number of cars you pass on one hand. While it may sound like the perfect setting for Stephen King’s next chilling novel, The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is also home to a diversity of natural beauty untouched by humans. 

Places to Visit in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

I won’t lie, Michigan’s UP wasn’t always on my travel list. I had heard about its flawless beauty but as a vegan, I thought I would starve in a land that prides itself on its hunting prowess. Dining amongst horned and furry trophies just didn’t appeal to me. 

But then our travel lives changed. We began switching out jaunts across the pond for staycations and the allure of mineral-stained cliffs and turquoise waters beckoned me to Northern Michigan. I’m glad they did. I was in awe of the beauty that had been beneath my nose all these years.

Even if you’re not an avid outdoorsman wanting to connect with Mother Nature, I promise, you too, will be in awe of its amazing scenery. Need more convincing? Check out these 8 reasons to visit Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Marvel at Michigan’s largest waterfall, Tahquamenon Falls

Whether you visit in the warmth of summer, in the midst of autumn’s kaleidoscope of colors, or during winter’s chilling wonderland where trees are perfectly covered in a blanket of lush white snow, a visit to Michigan’s largest waterfall is a must! Located in the second largest park, Tahquamenon Falls State Park houses two powerful waterfalls-the Upper and Lower falls. Nicknamed “The Rootbeer Falls” by locals, the falls have an unusual brown tinge to the water thanks to cedar tannins that have made their way into the water. Nothing to be concerned about but it creates an interesting color to the flowing falls that you’re sure not to forget!

Tips for visiting Tahquamenon Falls

Most flock to the Upper Falls first, but if Tahquamenon isn’t your final destination, I would stop at the Lower Falls and then continue to the Upper Falls because Google will most likely have you continue your travels south along 123.

At the Lower Falls consider renting a rowboat for $7 a person or $20 per boat to get an up-close view. If you’d rather stay on land there are a myriad of hiking and biking trails, including a short trail with a ½ mile jaunt to scenic overlooks and a 13-mile Rivermouth Trail. Whatever your choice there is plenty of room to explore! And, if you want to stay a little longer, consider renting a rustic or modern campsite.

Enjoy one of four National Lakeshores in the United States, Pictured Rocks

Best known for its wildly rugged cliffs that look as though someone unleashed a toddler with a paintbrush, The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a must-see destination in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The lakeshore stretches 42-miles from Munising to Grand Marais and offers visitors the opportunity to explore over 100 miles of trails, 12 miles of pristine white sand beaches with Caribbean blue waters, multiple sand dunes, an array of flora and fauna (including black bears!), and so much more. 

You may be wondering what caused the painted cliffs of the National Lakeshore? The cliffs’ coloring actually comes from deposits of iron, copper, manganese, and limonite that, when mixed with the groundwater running down the face of the cliffs, creates exotic coloring of orange, white, red, blue, and green.  The end result has become one of the most photographed spots in the UP because of its unique beauty.

Cliff dive in Presque Isle State Park

Not to be confused with Presque Isle in Pennsylvania (always Google it with Marquette in the search), this 323-acre park is located just outside downtown Marquette. The park looks as though it has truly been untouched by man, and to some degree, that’s true, thanks to Fredrick Law Olmsted. Olmstead is known for his involvement in designing New York City’s Central Park and in the late 1800s, he made a visit to Marquette to advise the city on how to utilize Presque Isle. His advice was simple, “don’t touch it.” Over 100 years later his advice is still being followed.

Visitors can take a break from the hustle and bustle of life and hike through the park’s many trails or consider biking the 2-mile Peter White Drive loop, which circles the entire park and takes visitors through canopies of fragrant pines and skinny birch trees. Every once in a while, the forest breaks to reveal Lake Superior.

But, the number one reason visitors flock here in the summer is to tackle their fear of heights and jump from the park’s 10-15 ft. black rock cliffs and cool off in Lake Superior. To find this special place, head to the northern tip of the park where, in the heat of summer, you’ll see cars lined up along the road. A small parking lot is also available.  

Even if you don’t want to take the plunge, it’s fun to watch others hesitate, re-consider, and ultimately jump into the emerald waters. 

Enjoy lunch in the UP’s largest town, Marquette

After exploring Presque Isle Park, head back into the charming college town, Marquette. With just over 20,000 people it clocks in as the UP’s largest town and one of the few places in the UP where you can enjoy the charismatic small-town vibe and shop at well-known stores to stock up on creature comforts. 

The town offers a great mix of dining from greasy pizza to dishes sourced entirely from local Michigan farms. My suggestion is don’t miss The Bodega, this LGBTQ-women-owned restaurant sources almost its entire menu from local Michigan farms and prepares everything from scratch, daily. Dining here is a treat! The menu is well marked for vegan and gluten-free dishes, making it the prime spot to experience the fresh flavors of Michigan for all its diners. I also suggest you try the sweet potato-filled Que Pasa tacos. 

Where to stay in Marquette – Landmark Inn is a lovely boutique style historic inn that is located downtown Marquette.

Hike or bike until you just can’t go anymore

If you love to work up a sweat and get your heart pumping, then the UP is the place for you! Michigan is well on its way to being known as a “Trails State,” with thousands of hiking and biking trails that weave through heavily wooded forests and snake along sandstone cliffs on Lake Superior.

Bike to Munising or Grand Island

If you want to clip in and explore the terrain with two wheels, head to Munising! The city has been hard at work creating a variety of trailheads to entice bikers to saddle up. The trails are all located within easy reach of downtown Munising but the track you don’t want to miss is on Grand Island. Hop on the Grand Island Ferry for $20 and get ready for rustic wilderness and 40 miles of trails to explore. The trails range in difficulty but if you’re looking for a scenic work-out then hit the island’s 20-mile 2-lane perimeter track.

For those of us who’d rather stick to exploring with our own two feet, there are an endless array of trail options that range in difficulty, many come with Instagram-worthy views, waterfalls, and hidden beaches! A few spots not to miss include The Chapel Loop Trail in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Sugarloaf Mountain in Marquette, and The Lake of Clouds in the Porcupine Mountains. 

Kayak in Lake Superior’s Caribbean blue waters

Lake Superior’s emerald and turquoise waters beckon visitors to jump on in! Not only is it a fun activity but it’s the best way to view the mammoth Pictured Rocks. 

For seasoned kayakers, you can bring your own and get paddling, but if you don’t own a kayak or are maybe unsure of your paddling prowess, consider joining a guided tour. The guided tours in Pictured Rocks take paddlers by many gorgeous sites like Bridalveil Falls, Chapel Rock, Kissing Rock, and Lovers Leap Arch, among others. The tours are leisurely paced and take anywhere from 2 – 6 hours. 

If you’re paddling on your own be sure to keep an eye on the small craft water advisories as Lake Superior can become choppy quickly! If that happens, take off from Sandpoint Beach and paddle to Grand Island. The waters are sheltered around the island creating a smooth ride and Grand Island has great painted cliffs too.

Capture beautiful views from Sugarloaf Mountain

If you want a breath-taking view but don’t really want to spend hours hiking to find it, then head to Sugarloaf Mountain. The trailhead is located just a few minutes outside of downtown Marquette. There are two trail options, easy and difficult, but to be honest, they both take about 15-20 minutes and require a fair amount of stair-climbing. It’s worth it once you make it to the top, you’re rewarded with unobstructed views. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see Lake Superior, Marquette, Presque Isle Park, and Little Presque Isle as well as Hogsback Mountain and the large swath of forest between Marquette and Big Bay. ?

It’s a great spot to enjoy the changing fall colors too.

End your day with spectacular sunsets 

For most city-dwellers, sunsets are obstructed by buildings, power lines, and more making it difficult to get a clear view of the pink and orange sun-soaked sky. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is filled with countless miles of wide-open sky and sea, making it the perfect place to sit back, relax, and enjoy the view.

A few great spots to enjoy the view include Sandpoint Beach in Munising, Grand Sable Dunes in Pictured Rocks, Brockway Mountain Drive in Copper Harbor, and White Fish Point in Paradise. 

These are 8 amazing reasons to visit the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. If you are looking for adventure, outdoors and a great food scene, be sure to add Michigan to your travel list.

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[michiganandback]

Aug 15 – 19 AM

We left the Hancock RV Park mid-morning on the 15th and headed southeast. We made it to Marquette and spent the night at a really nice Campground. In the morning we drove over to the place called Pebble Beach to get some good stones from Lake Superior before we left. Marquette has the largest wooden domed building in the world. We drove by it as we left town and it's pretty impressive. Marquette also has a Wal-Mart and a Meijer grocery store, which has good bread. We spent a bit of time restocking the Larder before heading south to St. Ignace to spend the night. In the morning, we got a tee time I need a local golf course and played 9 holes of golf. It was a deceptively difficult course with tight, narrow fairways and fescue rough. It was also very bumpy because they didn't level out the fairways or the rough. We did okay for not having played for a year. I had six bogeys one double and two other scores. But it was a good day on the golf course. We then moved two miles south to another campground just in sight of the Mackinac Bridge. While driving to the golf course, the spring in the latch for refrigerator broke and the door flew open. Luckily nothing fell out and I was able to get it fixed temporarily until we can find a hardware store to buy new spring. We did and got to the campground just fine. As we were checking in, Patty the clerk said I put you as near to the bathroom as I could and oh by the way the best bathrooms are behind the laundry room. Not many people know about them and they are much nicer. She was right. They're just like a bathroom at home, not a bathroom in the barracks or in the old style dorms. After dinner, we went on a walkabout and saw a pickup with North Carolina tags on it. I yelled out go Heels and he said too bad. I said I really went to NC State he said I'm a Duke fan. I asked him where he was from in North Carolina and he said Morganton. That's where my sister lives and he knew the road she lives on. He didn’t say much more. Those mountain folks are like the odwest cowboys (so I’ve heard and seen depicted in the movies), answer a question and wait for the next one, don’t volunteer anything. I told him we grew up in the mountains he said from Crossnore. I had never had anyone know that town  in all my travels. I never thought to ask if he knew my sister. Turns out he was the water treatment plant manager and Elizabeth just groaned so she knew there was going to be a conversation about water and wastewater treatment plants. He said, well it's a good,  secure job because everybody has to drink water and everybody has to go to the bathroom. We found out he had been in the 82nd Airborne Division in 1973 and had 128 jumps, five of which were good. I never asked about the five and he never elaborated. They're on their way eventually to Mount Rushmore and I told him about the veteran ceremony at the night time event. I had to renegotiate our TV and Internet contract that expires this month and I got a very nice customer service rep from AT&T, Natalie. She did us a solid and we got $10 off from my current bill and tripled our internet speed. I told her we were in Michigan on a trip and she said I'm in Kalamazoo. We had a nice personal chat after that and she told us about something to do on our way to Boyne City. She also said real nice thing to do there is the Wildwood Rush, 7000 foot zip line down the mountain. We're looking forward to it. She also knew about the tunnel of trees, the Legs Inn which has the largest Bloody Mary in the world. We will do that today on the 18th of August as we work our way to Boyne City. We will spend one more night in the RV before moving into the rental house Sunday afternoon. Everyone is on time to meet us there late afternoon Sunday. The house is equipped with kayaks, fishing poles and other outdoor equipment. E and I are looking forward to kayaking down the Charlevoix River. In the morning we went across the road to talk to people from Morgantown on the off chance they knew my sister and brother-in-law. I asked Daryl if you knew someone named Dennis Keller and he said yes I do. He used to hunt bear with Dennis’ dad, Clyde in the mountains. He said my wife is coming around the corner there let's tell her about this. Turns out, Connie and my sister, Princess were in the same hospital room years ago when Connie had twin boys. They lived across the road from Princess’ and Dennis’ father and mother. Sometimes it's a really small world. We drove over to the Legs restaurant through the tunnel of trees along the bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. It was another nail-biter drive on a narrow road for 18 miles that took almost 40 minutes. We got there just after the restaurant opened and got a choice seat outside. All the waitresses are from Poland or the Ukraine. They are very helpful and pleasant. Our waitress was from Poland. I asked her her name, but we decided to call her Aga. She said she wanted to go back to Europe and visit Germany and could I recommend some places that are not so touristy. During the course of the meal I asked if she was interested in culture or sightseeing. I came up with about 14 places that I would go to if I went back there. Before it was all over, we exchanged emails, cell phones and invited her to visit us and Tulsa. She gave us her email address and the blog that she is creating on this visit to America. She wants to travel while she's young and I would say beautiful before she settles down and raises a family. When we decide to go to Poland she asked us to email her and she would give us some very interesting places to go out of the way of the normal tourist places. How lucky can you get? We had to scramble to find a campground for the night because this is a popular area. We did find one out of the way but in it but in a nice location. We are only 18 miles from the house that we rented for the reunion. We got a good spot as I said not far from the bathroom and pool. We had a nice quiet evening and there is a German couple from northern Germany cross the way from us. I spoke to him a little bit in the street, but we never made a commitment to get together later. He works as a physical therapist with stroke victims in Bremen Germany. We had a nice conversation in English and German. He thought my German very good even after I told him it was only Street German or neighborhood German that I had learned. I always feel good about that because I have tried to keep it up. About 1:30 this morning, some revelers woke Elizabeth up which in turn caused me to be up. We closed all the windows and finally got back to sleep. We slept until 8 a.m. and awoke to a gray overcast chilly morning, but it's supposed to warm up when we get back down from the “highlands” to the lake.

Pictures posted after this. This will be last post for a while, maybe.  Off to the reunion:)    

[hexhernandez]

Midwest native and sometimes Brooklynite, Azieb has been making music since she was little, learning piano at 10, and began making her own productions on FruityLoops to replace the monotonous sounds coming out of the car radio. She began sharing her poetry at spoken word events in college where the beats and bars came together. Her art has evolved into several releases such as her mixtape "Stuck" in 2012 and the pop project "Products We Love" in 2013. She has appeared on BRIC TV and has been profiled in the Chicago Tribune. Azieb constantly pushes her sound forward, fusing genres like trance, hip-hop, soul, jungle, and classical. She loves uplifting people through her music and hopes to encourage others to connect with each other and heal themselves. #HexedZine (at Marquette Park Beach) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMGQL8BlYV5/?igshid=1k28i3prurc5z

[annchumleigh]

Michigan’s 15 Points of Interest

Michigan is a beautiful state—which is why we here at Livnfresh are always inspired to make high-quality state pride apparel. We know all about the sights and the sounds of the Mitten State. But for those who are not yet familiar with the wonders of Michigan—you are in luck! We are here to talk about some of the best destinations in the state.

Michigan has a lot of awesome places for you to explore and discover. Here we are listing down the top 15 points of interest in Michigan. This includes cities, villages, and other destinations that will make you fall in love with the state. For the cities, we are also listing down a few suggested spots for you to visit with your friends and family.

Detroit

As the largest city in the Midwestern state of Michigan, Detroit has plenty of activities for you and your loved ones to get into. Near Downtown, the neoclassical Detroit Institute of Arts is known for the Detroit Industry Murals painted by Diego Rivera. It is inspired by the city’s ties to the auto industry, which gives it the nickname Motor City.

Downtown attractions include Comerica Park, Fox Theatre, the Henry Ford Museum, and Belle Isle.

Detroit is also the birthplace of Motown Records, whose chart-topping history is on display at Hitsville USA, which is their original headquarters.

After exploring this big city, you might want to grab a bite in the nearby neighborhood of Greektown, which has a few Greek restaurants.

Traverse City

Known for its annual National Cherry Festival, Traverse City is another popular destination. It is located on the shores of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay and features a few breath-taking beaches such as Clinch Park, West End Beach, and East Bay Park.

For those who are interested in watching plays and concerts, the Victorian City Opera House is a perfect choice. Meanwhile, the Dennos Museum Center has an Inuit art collection and features works by Michigan artists.

Traverse City is rich in both cultural and natural attractions.

Mackinac Island

If you want to get away from the cities and hop on to an island adventure, then Michigan’s very own Mackinac Island is the right choice for you. Mackinac Island sits in Lake Huron, between Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas. The island’s State Park has trails, woods, and limestone Arch Rock formations that cover most of the land. Fort Mackinac is a walled cluster of military buildings on a coastal bluff, founded way back in 1780.

Mackinac Island also holds the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum that features local works such as Native American art, maps, and photos from the 19th century. This island is rich in history, and you might be surprised by what you learn.

You can also visit the Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House and Insect World to view tropical gardens and live butterflies.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a national park in Michigan that features sand dunes, lakes, trails, and many campsites. This sprawling nature preserve is as old as continental ice sheets and as young as the 1970 Establishment Act that set aside the Lakeshore for the preservation of natural resources.

The immense sand dunes perched above Lake Michigan are its most prominent features. These dunes sit atop the already towering headlands that are glacial moraines. It’s a magnificent sight that overlooks the Sleeping Bear, Empire, and Pyramid Point bluffs from above 400 feet.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Another national lakeshore, this park offers 40 miles of lakeshore and 100 miles of trails winding through a northern hardwood forest. It is unlike any place on Lake Superior because the Pictured Rocks offers miles of pristine beaches and incredible hiking trails. Visitors can even view towering sandstone cliffs and experience the serenity of northern woodlands.

In the spring, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore transforms into a sea of beautiful wildflowers. Summer gives way to warm basking days. This destination highlights the best of Michigan weather and why we love it so much.

Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids is a Michigan city on the Grand River, east of Lake Michigan. Favorite tourist spots include the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum which celebrates the life and legacy of the 38th US president; the Meyer May House; the John Ball Zoo; and the Millennium Park.

On the outskirts of Grand Rapids sits the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park that has a tropical conservatory and multiple gardens.

Ann Arbor

Another Michigan city, Ann Arbor is located west of Detroit and is home to the sprawling University of Michigan, which is known for its research programs.

The University of Michigan Museum of Art displays works from around the globe spanning centuries. If you are looking for science-focused attractions in the city, the Museum of Natural History and the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum offer great exhibits that are suitable for adults and kids alike.

Ann Arbor also has the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, which features permanent exhibits including Roman sculptures and an Egyptian mummy coffin.

Holland

This Michigan city is located on the shore of Lake Macatawa. It is well-known for the Big Red Lighthouse that stands by the channel that connects the lake to Lake Michigan. Nearby is the beachfront Holland State Park that shelters deer and migratory birds.

Holland also celebrates Tulip Time Festival every May and sees tulips blooming all over the city.

Isle Royale National Park

This isle in Michigan is designated as wilderness. This archipelago offers hiking, kayaking, and scuba diving activities in Lake Superior.

Here you can explore a rugged, isolated island that is far from the sights and sounds of modern civilization. Isle Royale is unparalleled when it comes to beauty and solitude. Do keep in mind that the island is closed from November 1 through April 15 annually.

Petoskey

Petoskey is a city and coastal resort community with a population of approximately 5,670. It is the county seat of Emmet County and has destinations such as the Crooked Tree Arts Center, Bear River Valley Recreation Area, Petoskey State Park, Odawa Casino, and the Great Lakes Center for the Arts.

It’s a nice small city with a lot of variety when it comes to activities, so it is definitely a nice place to visit.

Marquette

Marquette is a city in Michigan as well as the county seat of Marquette County. It is the largest city of the state’s Upper Peninsula. It is a major port on Lake Superior, known primarily for shipping iron ore. It is also the home of Northern Michigan University.

Popular attractions include the Presque Isle Park, Sugarloaf Mountain, Marquette Mountain Ski & Bike Area, and the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse.

This city was even listed by CBS as one of the 10 best places to retire in the US back in 2012.

Munising

Another Michigan city, Munising is found on the southern shore of Lake Superior on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It is the county seat of Alger County and is partially surrounded by Munising Township. However, both are administered autonomously.

In this city, you will find the lovely Munising Falls. Also popular among tourists are the Pictured Rocks Cruises, Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tours, and Wagner Falls.

Mackinaw City

This Michigan village is located on the northern tip of the state’s Lower Peninsula. Mackinac Bridge crosses the Straits of Mackinac to the Upper Peninsula.

Founded in 1889, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse has restored quarters and views from the top. Wilderness State Park includes stretches of Lake Michigan shoreline, trails, and campsites. Other popular attractions include the Fort Michilimackinac, the McGulpin Point Lighthouse, and the Ice Breaker Mackinaw Maritime.

Lansing

Lansing is the capital city of our beloved Michigan. Dating to the 1870s, the Michigan State Capitol building features a cast-iron dome. Also in Lansing is The Impression 5 Science Center, which has interactive displays.

Another good destination for those interested in science and nature is The Potter Park Zoo. It houses endangered and threatened species such as Magellanic penguins, black rhinos and golden lion tamarins.

Frankenmuth

Last but not least, this point of interest is another Michigan city that has a wide array of tourist attractions. Frankenmuth is known for its Bavarian-style architecture. It is also rich in culture and history.

The Frankenmuth Historical Museum highlights the area’s German roots. Michigan’s Military & Space Heroes Museum features different kinds of flight gear, Medals of Honor and military equipment.

If you’re looking for an adventure, Frankenmuth Aerial Park offers ropes courses and zip lines in a wooded area. Other great choices include The Michigan Heroes Museum and St Lorenz Lutheran Church.

There are many reasons to visit Michigan, and here we’ve compiled just a few of the most popular ones. Visit Livnfresh.com and show off your state pride today!

best michigan clothing company

from Livnfresh Blog|The Coolest State Apparel Co. https://blog.livnfresh.com/points-of-interest-in-michigan/ from Livnfresh Share Your State Pride. https://livnfresh.tumblr.com/post/189967967282 via https://livnfresh.tumblr.com/

[livnfreshmichigan]

Michigan’s 15 Points of Interest

Michigan is a beautiful state—which is why we here at Livnfresh are always inspired to make high-quality state pride apparel. We know all about the sights and the sounds of the Mitten State. But for those who are not yet familiar with the wonders of Michigan—you are in luck! We are here to talk about some of the best destinations in the state.

Michigan has a lot of awesome places for you to explore and discover. Here we are listing down the top 15 points of interest in Michigan. This includes cities, villages, and other destinations that will make you fall in love with the state. For the cities, we are also listing down a few suggested spots for you to visit with your friends and family.

Detroit

As the largest city in the Midwestern state of Michigan, Detroit has plenty of activities for you and your loved ones to get into. Near Downtown, the neoclassical Detroit Institute of Arts is known for the Detroit Industry Murals painted by Diego Rivera. It is inspired by the city’s ties to the auto industry, which gives it the nickname Motor City.

Downtown attractions include Comerica Park, Fox Theatre, the Henry Ford Museum, and Belle Isle.

Detroit is also the birthplace of Motown Records, whose chart-topping history is on display at Hitsville USA, which is their original headquarters.

After exploring this big city, you might want to grab a bite in the nearby neighborhood of Greektown, which has a few Greek restaurants.

Traverse City

Known for its annual National Cherry Festival, Traverse City is another popular destination. It is located on the shores of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay and features a few breath-taking beaches such as Clinch Park, West End Beach, and East Bay Park.

For those who are interested in watching plays and concerts, the Victorian City Opera House is a perfect choice. Meanwhile, the Dennos Museum Center has an Inuit art collection and features works by Michigan artists.

Traverse City is rich in both cultural and natural attractions.

Mackinac Island

If you want to get away from the cities and hop on to an island adventure, then Michigan’s very own Mackinac Island is the right choice for you. Mackinac Island sits in Lake Huron, between Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas. The island’s State Park has trails, woods, and limestone Arch Rock formations that cover most of the land. Fort Mackinac is a walled cluster of military buildings on a coastal bluff, founded way back in 1780.

Mackinac Island also holds the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum that features local works such as Native American art, maps, and photos from the 19th century. This island is rich in history, and you might be surprised by what you learn.

You can also visit the Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House and Insect World to view tropical gardens and live butterflies.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a national park in Michigan that features sand dunes, lakes, trails, and many campsites. This sprawling nature preserve is as old as continental ice sheets and as young as the 1970 Establishment Act that set aside the Lakeshore for the preservation of natural resources.

The immense sand dunes perched above Lake Michigan are its most prominent features. These dunes sit atop the already towering headlands that are glacial moraines. It’s a magnificent sight that overlooks the Sleeping Bear, Empire, and Pyramid Point bluffs from above 400 feet.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Another national lakeshore, this park offers 40 miles of lakeshore and 100 miles of trails winding through a northern hardwood forest. It is unlike any place on Lake Superior because the Pictured Rocks offers miles of pristine beaches and incredible hiking trails. Visitors can even view towering sandstone cliffs and experience the serenity of northern woodlands.

In the spring, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore transforms into a sea of beautiful wildflowers. Summer gives way to warm basking days. This destination highlights the best of Michigan weather and why we love it so much.

Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids is a Michigan city on the Grand River, east of Lake Michigan. Favorite tourist spots include the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum which celebrates the life and legacy of the 38th US president; the Meyer May House; the John Ball Zoo; and the Millennium Park.

On the outskirts of Grand Rapids sits the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park that has a tropical conservatory and multiple gardens.

Ann Arbor

Another Michigan city, Ann Arbor is located west of Detroit and is home to the sprawling University of Michigan, which is known for its research programs.

The University of Michigan Museum of Art displays works from around the globe spanning centuries. If you are looking for science-focused attractions in the city, the Museum of Natural History and the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum offer great exhibits that are suitable for adults and kids alike.

Ann Arbor also has the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, which features permanent exhibits including Roman sculptures and an Egyptian mummy coffin.

Holland

This Michigan city is located on the shore of Lake Macatawa. It is well-known for the Big Red Lighthouse that stands by the channel that connects the lake to Lake Michigan. Nearby is the beachfront Holland State Park that shelters deer and migratory birds.

Holland also celebrates Tulip Time Festival every May and sees tulips blooming all over the city.

Isle Royale National Park

This isle in Michigan is designated as wilderness. This archipelago offers hiking, kayaking, and scuba diving activities in Lake Superior.

Here you can explore a rugged, isolated island that is far from the sights and sounds of modern civilization. Isle Royale is unparalleled when it comes to beauty and solitude. Do keep in mind that the island is closed from November 1 through April 15 annually.

Petoskey

Petoskey is a city and coastal resort community with a population of approximately 5,670. It is the county seat of Emmet County and has destinations such as the Crooked Tree Arts Center, Bear River Valley Recreation Area, Petoskey State Park, Odawa Casino, and the Great Lakes Center for the Arts.

It’s a nice small city with a lot of variety when it comes to activities, so it is definitely a nice place to visit.

Marquette

Marquette is a city in Michigan as well as the county seat of Marquette County. It is the largest city of the state’s Upper Peninsula. It is a major port on Lake Superior, known primarily for shipping iron ore. It is also the home of Northern Michigan University.

Popular attractions include the Presque Isle Park, Sugarloaf Mountain, Marquette Mountain Ski & Bike Area, and the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse.

This city was even listed by CBS as one of the 10 best places to retire in the US back in 2012.

Munising

Another Michigan city, Munising is found on the southern shore of Lake Superior on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It is the county seat of Alger County and is partially surrounded by Munising Township. However, both are administered autonomously.

In this city, you will find the lovely Munising Falls. Also popular among tourists are the Pictured Rocks Cruises, Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tours, and Wagner Falls.

Mackinaw City

This Michigan village is located on the northern tip of the state’s Lower Peninsula. Mackinac Bridge crosses the Straits of Mackinac to the Upper Peninsula.

Founded in 1889, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse has restored quarters and views from the top. Wilderness State Park includes stretches of Lake Michigan shoreline, trails, and campsites. Other popular attractions include the Fort Michilimackinac, the McGulpin Point Lighthouse, and the Ice Breaker Mackinaw Maritime.

Lansing

Lansing is the capital city of our beloved Michigan. Dating to the 1870s, the Michigan State Capitol building features a cast-iron dome. Also in Lansing is The Impression 5 Science Center, which has interactive displays.

Another good destination for those interested in science and nature is The Potter Park Zoo. It houses endangered and threatened species such as Magellanic penguins, black rhinos and golden lion tamarins.

Frankenmuth

Last but not least, this point of interest is another Michigan city that has a wide array of tourist attractions. Frankenmuth is known for its Bavarian-style architecture. It is also rich in culture and history.

The Frankenmuth Historical Museum highlights the area’s German roots. Michigan’s Military & Space Heroes Museum features different kinds of flight gear, Medals of Honor and military equipment.

If you’re looking for an adventure, Frankenmuth Aerial Park offers ropes courses and zip lines in a wooded area. Other great choices include The Michigan Heroes Museum and St Lorenz Lutheran Church.

There are many reasons to visit Michigan, and here we’ve compiled just a few of the most popular ones. Visit Livnfresh.com and show off your state pride today!

best michigan clothing company

from Michigan | Livnfresh Blog|The Coolest State Apparel Co. https://blog.livnfresh.com/points-of-interest-in-michigan/

[thekillerblogofkillers]

Jeffrey Dahmer (1960-1994) PART ONE

Jeffrey Dahmer, also known as the Milwaukee Cannibal, was an American serial killer who raped, murdered and dismembered seventeen men and boys between 1978 and 1991. His murders included cannibalism, necrophilia and preservation of body parts.

Jeffrey Lionel Dahmer was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on May 21, 1960. He was the first of 2 sons born to Joyce and Lionel Dahmer. Dahmer’s mother was a teletype machine instructor and his father was a student at Marquette University, working towards a chemistry degree. Although Dahmer was doted on by both parents as an infant and toddler, his mother was known to be tense, greedy for attention and argumentative with both her husband and her neighbours. As Dahmer entered first grade, Joyce began spending a lot of time in bed recovering from “weakness”. Lionel’s studies kept him away from the home, and when he was home, Joyce demanded constant attention, once even attempting suicide by overdosing on Equanil pills. Because of these issues, neither parents paid much attention to Jeffrey. Dahmer was described as an energetic, happy child until he underwent double hernia surgery shortly before his 4th birthday. Dahmer himself recalled his childhood as being full of tension between his parents, whom he noticed constantly arguing with each other. In elementary school Dahmer was quiet and timid. On his 1st grade report card his teacher described Dahmer as a reserved child that she felt was neglected at home, stemming from his mother’s illness. However, despite being reserved and uncommunicative as a child, he did have a few friends in grade school.

Dahmer began to show an interest in animals from a young age, with friends recalling him collecting large insects, dragonflies and butterflies which he kept in jars. As he got older, Dahmer, sometimes when out with friends, would collect animal carcasses from the road before either dismembering them at home or in some woods behind his house. One friend recalls Dahmer dismembering these animals and storing the various body parts in jars in the tool shed, saying that he was curious about how each animal “fitted together”. He is known at one time to have impaled a dog’s head on a stake behind his house. It seems that his fascination with dead animals began at the age of 4 when he saw his father moving animal bones from underneath the house. According to Lionel, young Jeffrey was “oddly thrilled” by the sound that the bones made and instantly developed a fixation for collecting and playing with them. Occasionally, he would be seen searching under and around the family home looking for bones. With live animals, he would sometimes explore their bodies to discover where each bone was located.

In October 1966 the Dahmer family moved to Doylestown, Ohio. Joyce was pregnant with the couple’s 2nd child whom she allowed Jeffrey to name – he chose David. The same year, Lionel got his chemistry degree and began working as an analytical chemist in Akron. 2 years later, the family moved to Bath, Ohio. One night, over a family meal, Dahmer asked his father what would happen if the chicken bones were placed in a bleach solution. Lionel, who was at this point quite worried about his son’s lethargic attitude and his solitary lifestyle, was pleased at the initiative of his son towards what he believed to be scientific curiosity. He demonstrated to Jeffrey how to safely bleach and preserve animal bones. This knowledge would later be used by Dahmer on many of the animal remains that he continued to collect.

From his first day of high school, Dahmer was viewed as an outcast with few friends. Many of Dahmer’s former classmates have recollected that they were disturbed by how much Dahmer drank – he would smuggle beer and spirits into school inside the lining of his jacket and conceal it in his locker. This drinking would occur before, during, and after school, and was first noted when Dahmer was around 14 years old. Once, when a classmate saw Dahmer drink a cup of gin, she asked him why he was drinking in class and he replied, “It’s my medicine.” Despite being reserved in his freshman year he was noted by staff to be polite and highly intelligent, but due to his apathy he received average grades. Upon reaching puberty, Dahmer realised he was gay. He did not tell his parents, but in his early teens he did have a brief relationship with someone his age, although the pair never had sex. He began to have sexual fantasies about dominance and control over a completely submissive partner. These thoughts became entwined with dissection. Once, when he was 16 years old, Dahmer dreamt up a rape fantasy of knocking a particular jogger he found attractive unconscious and having sex with his unresponsive body. Dahmer ended up hiding on the jogger’s usual route, with a baseball bat at the ready, and lay in wait. However, this lucky jogger did not take that route that particular day and Dahmer never attempted the plan a second time.

Despite being a loner at high school, Dahmer became somewhat of a class clown due to the pranks he pulled – pranks that became known as “Doing a Dahmer” and included bleating, faking seizures and cerebral palsy, and knocking over items at school or in local stores. By 1977, Dahmer’s grades had dropped due to his alcoholism and his continued lack of interest in his studies. His parents hired a private tutor for him, but this achieved only limited success. The same year, Joyce and Lionel Dahmer began going to marriage counselling to try and resolve their differences. The counselling was ultimately unsuccessful and they couple decided to divorce. Although the divorce began amicably, both parents began arguing frequently in front of their 2 boys and in early 1978, Lionel moved out of the family home. Soon after, Jeffrey graduated from high school. A few weeks before one of his teachers had seen him sitting near school in the parking lot drinking beer. When the teacher threatened to report the issue, Dahmer said he was having “a lot of problems”  at home that the guidance counsellor knew about. Not long after this incident, Joyce gained custody of her youngest son and moved out of the family home – because Dahmer was 18, he was legally an adult and not subject to any custody agreements and was left alone.

Dahmer’s first murder occurred in the 1978 when he was just 18, 3 weeks after graduation. He was living alone in the family home – his father was living in a nearby motel and his mother had moved to Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin with his brother David. On June 18, Dahmer encountered 18-year-old Steven Mark Hicks hitchhiking. He lured Hicks to his on the pretext of drinking together. After several hours of drinking together and listening to music Hicks “wanted to leave and I didn’t want him to.” Dahmer picked up a 10lb dumbbell and hit Hicks twice in the back of the head with it. When Hicks was unconscious, Dahmer strangled with to death with the bar of the dumbbell before stripping the corpse naked and masturbating over it. The next day, Dahmer dismembered Hicks’ body in his crawl space before burying the remains in a shallow grave in his backyard. Several weeks later he dug up the body and removed the flesh from the bones. He dissolved the flesh in acid and flushed the remaining sludge down the toilet.  He crushed Hicks’ bones with a sledgehammer and scattered them in the woods behind his home. Six weeks after this murder, Dahmer’s father moved back to the family home with his new fiancée, where they discovered that Jeffrey was living alone. Later that year, at the urging of his father, Dahmer enrolled at Ohio State University, hoping to major in business. Dahmer only stayed for one term, however, and was completely unproductive due to his constant alcohol abuse. Once, Lionel surprised Jeffrey by visiting, and discovered his room covered with empty liquor bottles. Dahmer dropped out of university after just 3 months.

Because of his drinking and dropping out of university, Lionel made Jeffrey join the U.S. Army in January 1979, where he began to train as a medical specialist at Fort Sam Houston until being stationed in Baumholder, West Germany where he served as a combat medic – Dahmer was an average soldier. 2 soldiers claim to have been raped by Dahmer during this time, one of whom claims to have been raped repeatedly over a year and a half period, the other believing he was drugged before being raped. Again, due to alcohol abuse, Dahmer’s performance deteriorated and he was deemed unsuitable for military service in 1981 and formally discharged from the army. He was sent back to Fort Jackson for debriefing and was given a plane ticket to go anywhere in America. Dahmer later stated that he could not bring himself to face his father so he travelled to Miami Beach, Florida because he was “tired of the cold” and wanted to live on his own means. There, Dahmer began working in a deli and rented a room in a motel. He spent most of his salary on alcohol and was soon evicted for not paying his bill. He began sleeping on the beach until deciding to phone his father and asking if he could come home after just 6 months of being alone.

After returning to Ohio, Dahmer lived with his father and new stepmother and insisted on doing chores to occupy himself while he was looking for work. However, he continued to drink heavily and just 2 weeks after coming home, Jeffrey was arrested for drunk and disorderly conduct. He was fined $60 and given a suspended 10-day sentence. Lionel Dahmer tried desperately (but unsuccessfully) to get his son off the alcohol. In December 1981, Dahmer went to live with his grandmother in West Allis. This was the only family Jeffrey ever showed affection towards and Lionel hoped that her influence and the change of scenery might help Jeffrey to get sober, get a job, and be responsible. This plan seemed to work at first, with Jeffrey doing chores, going to church, seeking work and drinking less. In early 1982 Dahmer found a job working as a phlebotomist at the Milwaukee Blood Plasma Center and worked here for 10 months before being laid off. He was then unemployed for over 2 years, living on whatever his grandmother could give him. It was around this time that Dahmer was arrested for indecent exposure, following an incident at the Wisconsin State Fair Park, where he was seen exposing himself to a crowd of 25 women and children. He was convicted and fined $50 plus court costs.

In January 1985 Dahmer began working as a mixer at the Milwaukee Ambrosia Chocolate Factory, where he worked 11pm-6am six nights a week. Shortly after beginning to work here, Dahmer was propositioned by another man while he was reading in the West Allis Public Library. The stranger passed Dahmer a note offering to perform oral sex on him. Dahmer did not respond to this proposition but it did stir fantasies of control and dominance like the kind he had as a teenager, and began visiting Milwaukee’s gay bars, bookstores and gay bathhouses. He is known to have once stolen a mannequin from a store which he used for sexual stimulation before his grandmother found it in his closet and made him throw it out. By late in the year he was a regular in the bathhouses, describing them as “relaxing places” but became annoyed when his sexual partners kept moving during the act. After his arrest, Dahmer stated: “I trained myself to view people as objects of pleasure instead of people.” For these reasons, from June 1986 onward he began to giving his partners sleeping pills in liquor before raping their unconscious bodies. After 12 of these instances, the bathhouses’ administration revoked Dahmer’s membership so he began using hotel rooms to do this instead. Not long after this, Dahmer read a newspaper report about the upcoming funeral of an 18-year-old boy and he formed the idea of stealing the fresh corpse and taking it home. According to Jeffrey, he tried to dig up the coffin but the soil was too hard, so he abandoned the plan.

In August 1986 Dahmer was arrested for masturbating in front of 2 twelve-year-old boys near the Kinnickinnic River. Dahmer admitted the offence and was charged yet again with indecent exposure but changed his story and said he had just been urinating, and didn’t know there were witnesses. The charge was changed to disorderly conduct and Dahmer was sentenced to a year’s probation, with extra instructions to undergo counselling.