 |
 |
3. WAR TIME
4. PEACE TIME
5. ARBORETUM
6. LIVE AND GROW
 |
 |
The History of Lake Bluff
By Margaret (Gray) Vickery and Bob Gray
Following is a reprint of the article announcing the gift of Lake Bluff to the Michigan Audubon Society as it appeared in the MANISTEE NEWS ADVOCATE, Friday, January 22, 1988.
PART 6
A PLACE TO LIVE, A PLACE TO GROW
Over the decades Lake Bluff has offered opportunities fro joy, growth, thankfulness and love. It’s been a place for learning, a place for caring, a place for maturing. It’s been a place to share.
It was a place to grow up and mature, and a place for building. Perhaps it was even a unique place and time in the early years because of its close attachment to nature, the war years and their spirit, camaraderie and national purpose and the caring that permeated every home in Manistee.
One could learn at every turn—learn of the natural things, learn of sharing and working together, learn to appreciate the rewards of hard work and toil.
Margaret and Bonnie @1943
One could derive great joy from being among the birds, animals and trees, from sharing the great panoramic views to the west and north and from the laughter and revelry of all those who gathered for weddings, parties and social events.
One could find quiet time and places to reflect on their blessings. Or, one could join others at building, reaping or merriment.
Today it’s the same. We can come to Lake Bluff to learn, to view, to build, to resolve, to share. It seems nothing has changed, only the time and the participants.
Patti (Gray) Elsen wedding @1980
|TOP|
We wish all those who come derive the same pleasures, exhilaration, and rewards from Lake Bluff, as those who have preceded them.
THE FINAL TOUCH TO THE DREAM COME TRUE
Before Eddie Gray passed away, April 28, 1968, an orchard was transformed into an arboretum, a grand and glorious home was built and a legacy of teaching and learning, caring and understanding was established for the generation to come. It remained only for Trudy to add the final touches to Lake Bluff.
Sleighing on Dunewood Road @1950
|TOP|
In 1970 the swimming pool and cabana were built. Next, many additional trees, shrubs and flowers were planted around the grounds. The original Lake Bluff Orchard barn was sold to Hedstrum of Manistee so he could, using his genius for the authentic, convert it to the lovely home that stands on the east side of Lakeshore Road today. Finally, Trudy redecorated the house. Finished in the fall of 1987, it stands today as a symbol to an era past and to a new beginning.
Trudy followed Eddie in death on March 4, 1988. Before she left, however, she made it possible for the spirit of Lake Bluff to endure.
The front door to Lake Bluff opens to the wonders and beauty of nature. The people who pass through the door guarantee that these wonders will be preserved for others to enjoy.
Lake Bluff History
3. WAR TIME
4. PEACE TIME
5. ARBORETUM
On December 22, 1987 the Gray family donated Lake Bluff to the Michigan Audubon Society. In accepting this gift the Society, through its high commitment to the preservation of wildlife and habitat, has insured that the legacy of Lake Bluff will live on.