To view or leave comments on this story, click HERE.
Here’s a roundup of news and photos around the Old Mission Peninsula…
John Deere Commercial. Bern and Cheryl Kroupa texted me this week and let me know that the folks at John Deere were filming a commercial at their farm on Center Road. The company is getting ready to release a new tractor. The crew was happy to let me take a photo of them, but didn’t seem too keen on me getting pics of the new tractor.
Old Mission Gazette is Reader Supported.
Click Here to Keep the Gazette Going.
The film crew is pictured above. On the right is Rex Curtiss, John Deere’s first ever “Chief Tractor Officer.” He creates content for the company’s social media channels, including their new TikTok page. Check it out here. Great job, Rex, of celebrating farmers everywhere in such a joyful way.
They couldn’t even tell me much about the tractor, because it’s under super-secret wraps until August when they unveil it to the world. But they did say that it’s a narrow tractor for use in vineyards and orchards where the rows are close together. They were out in the orchard filming, but I did manage to get a glimpse of the video drone and the tractor through the trees.
Tulips. And speaking of Bern and Cheryl, did you see their tulips in bloom on Center Road? There might still be a few blooming north of Old Mission Tavern (which, by the way, is still for sale, along with the Old Mission Inn), but I think the row you see below is pretty much done. Always a welcome sight every Spring!
Flock Cameras Clarification. I have an update on my “Confidential Informant” story that I published last week. My mysterious “CI” wondered if the cameras were used by ICE, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.
I can confirm that the Flock cameras on the OMP are NOT used by ICE, because I received this note from Connor Metz, Public Relations Manager from Flock Safety’s PR Team, on Monday. He writes:
Good Morning Jane,
Connor here from Flock Safety’s PR Team, I hope you’re well!
Recently spotted your recent article I Have a Confidential Informant published on Friday, and wanted to let you and your “CI” know that we have no contracts with ICE or CBP, and never have. We’d appreciate a clarification at your earliest convenience there.
Separately, I loved the article and think it’s a perfect example of great journalism. Get a tip, dig in, interview a good source, and write it all up in a compelling and fun way. I admire your work ethic and commitment to your outlet, and lament that there are so few like yours/you! We need far more local media in this country.
I appreciate your time,
Connor
Thanks, Connor! I have updated the story, and will also include it again in this weekend’s email newsletter. Appreciate your kind words about the Gazette!
Church Treasure Sale. The annual sale hosted by Old Mission Peninsula United Methodist Church took place this past Saturday, and it was a great success. Some things have been listed on Facebook’s Marketplace – click here to see what’s still available.
Eggs on Swaney Road. Need some farm-fresh eggs? Check out Scarlett & Vivianna’s Market on Swaney Road (drive down Mission Road, turn left and go about a half-mile). Only five bucks a dozen! Their little stand is beautiful, and I love the banner.
Volunteers Needed. Interested in becoming a docent at the Dougherty Mission House Museum in the village of Old Mission? We have this amazing historic treasure right in the neighborhood, and I think a lot of people don’t really know about it. There are some amazing artifacts and history inside the home and outbuildings.
On Tuesday, June 3, 11 a.m., the Dougherty folks will host a get-together for new and returning docents at the house, 18459 Mission Road. Revisit the restored house, outbuildings and demonstration gardens that 22 volunteers cleaned from top to bottom for the 2025 tour season. At the gathering, they’ll cover guest book information, gift items and the Agricultural Heritage display. Discover display changes and new items, including the Rushmore dry sink recently donated by the Rushmore family. It has been brought home to its original place in the summer kitchen.
The 2025 tour season begins at the Museum on Wednesday, June 4, at 11 a.m. Hours through the season will be Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Mission House was built in 1842 by Rev. Peter Dougherty, a Presbyterian minister, with the help of the Ojibwe village headed by Chief Agosa. The Mission was supported by the United States pursuant to the Treaty of 1836, by which the Odawa and Ojibwe ceded 14 million acres of land to the U.S. Michigan Territory, qualifying Michigan to become a State.
Dougherty’s Mission taught religion, English, carpentry, and blacksmithing pursuant to the Treaty. Under the Treaty, the United States made payments to the Native Americans in installments over many years, with the final payment being made in the late 1900s.
Also Read…
SUPPORT YOUR INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWSPAPER: I started Old Mission Gazette in 2015 because I felt a calling to provide the Old Mission Peninsula community with local news. After decades of writing for newspapers and magazines like the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Family Circle and Ladies' Home Journal, I really just wanted to write about my own community where I grew up on a cherry farm and raised my own family. So I started my own newspaper.
Because Old Mission Gazette is a "Reader Supported Newspaper" -- meaning it exists because of your financial support -- I hope you'll consider tossing a few bucks our way if I mention your event, your business, your organization or your news item, or if you simply love reading about what's happening on the OMP. In a time when local news is becoming a thing of the past, supporting an independent community newspaper is more important now than ever. Thank you so much for your support! -Jane Boursaw, Editor/Publisher, Old Mission Gazette
To keep the Gazette going, click here to make a donation.
To view or leave comments on this story, click HERE.
Thank you, Jane for your continuing wonderful support of the Dougherty Mission House. We appreciate all you do to share the amazing history of the house and property.
Our visitors are often surprised Old Mission Peninsula was named for this property.
All of our volunteers whether they’re docents, on the garden committee, museum committee, Tuesday crew that can fix or build anything or the Board enjoy sharing the Dougherty Mission House with our guests.
Thank you again for your great coverage!