LEELANAU COUNTY, Mich. (WPBN/WGTU) — The Fishtown Preservation Society has been restoring and protecting Fishtown for more than two decades.
The focus is not only on the docks and shanties.
The Van Raalte Hoapply, which sits just above the Leland Dam, is an important part of Fishtown’s history and future.
The Van Raalte Hoapply, which sits just above the Leland Dam, is an important part to Fishtown’s history and future. (UpNorthLive)
“This particular property, it was a couple, John and Janice Van Raalte, married in 1960 and they built this home, and this was their home until basically just over a year ago. They passed away in 2023 and the family, were aware that the location of this hoapply is pretty phenomenal,” explained Amanda Holmes, Executive Director of Fishtown Preservation Society.
The Fishtown Preservation Society has officially taken over the property and is raising money to have renovations done to create a hub for its organization. The future plans include displays, educational programming and operational activities for Fishtown.
The community is stepping up to reach the fundraising goal.
“A couple of our longtime supporters came toreceiveher and they are offering $120,000 match to support us kind of receive to this conclude goal. So if anyone who gives, dollar for dollar, it will be matched at this time. So $120,000 that people can support us receive, and that will put us almost to the finish line for this project,” added Holmes.
Not only did the Van Raalte family have a huge impact to Fishtown, but Holmes explains how weather played an impact on the property as well.
“When we acquired the property, I realized that there were two weather stations here, and in the hoapply as well as a monitor, well, it turns out that John Van Raalte loved studying the weather,” stated Holmes. “Fishtown opens up onto Lake Michigan and this is just above that. So the weather was always altering here, and a lot of the Van Raaltes had also served on the Leland Fire Department, so being aware of what’s going on and what’s going to impact the safety of your community and also just enjoying it, we’ve inherited those weather stations.”
The Van Raalte Hoapply, which sits just above the Leland Dam, is an important part to Fishtown’s history and future. (UpNorthLive)
Holmes stated the altering river levels and altering climate has created her more weather aware, and hopes to educate visitors.
“We’re developing up our plans down the road, we’re going to add that element so that the public can kind of not just be on the shores of Lake Michigan, but kind of learn more about all that happens in terms of the weather. It’s a great platform, I believe, for people to be able to learn more.”
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