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Here’s a roundup of news and photos around the Old Mission Peninsula, including the annual Chicken BBQ at the Methodist Church, Log Cabin Day, beautiful flowers at the Peninsula Township offices and more. Read on…
Church Chicken BBQ. It’s that time again! The annual Chicken BBQ at Old Mission Peninsula United Methodist Church is happening on Saturday, June 21, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the church, 16426 Center Road. This is a community event, and everyone is invited. A free will offering is accepted.
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The buttery-good chicken is grilled over an apple wood fire pit at the church. There will also be sides like potato salad, old-fashioned coleslaw, baked beans, and plenty of homemade desserts, including Annie’s Cherry Whatchamacallit (Ann Fouch’s iconic cherry dessert). Just drop in between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m., or call for takeout earlier in the day, (231) 223-4393.
Township Flowers. As in years past, the Old Mission Women’s Club has planted some beautiful flowers at the entrance of the Township offices. Here’s a photo of the team, including Madelyn Ryan, Kathy Rhodes, Bonnie Palmer, Linda Comiskey, Braun Campbell and Chris Smith.
Non-Motorized Workshop. The Township’s Non-Motorized Transportation Working Group will be hosting a Community Workshop on June 24 from 6 – 8 p.m. at Old Mission Peninsula School. Please come and help shape the future of walking and biking on the Old Mission Peninsula. Read more here.
Log Cabin Day. The Old Mission Peninsula Historical Society will hold its annual “Log Cabin Day” celebration on Sunday, June 29, 2025, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Log Cabin Day is part of a statewide celebration of pioneer cabins.
Locations for the celebration include Mission Point Lighthouse at the end of M37/Center Road, the Hessler Log Cabin (located next to the Lighthouse), and the Peter Dougherty Mission House and Museum and Historic Log Church, both on Mission Road in the village of Old Mission.
As in previous years, this year’s Log Cabin Day will feature era-appropriate music, poetry, and historic crafts and demonstrations such as quilting, needlework and more. The Maritime Heritage Alliance usually brings out a historic boat or two, as well.
The Hessler Log Cabin will be open for tours inside, a once yearly event. Mission Point Lighthouse will also be open for tours, and revenues on that day are earmarked for the Historical Society. Except for the lighthouse tour (which is a few dollars), other activities are free of charge.
The Historical Society recently sponsored a renovation of the 1939 replica of Dougherty’s historic log church, also in the village of Old Mission. The displays inside have been renewed and refreshed.
The restored Hessler cabin was originally located at Underwood Farms. In the 1990s, a group of volunteers disassembled the cabin and moved it to Lighthouse Park. Once in the park, it was reassembled and restored by volunteers who then formed the Old Mission Peninsula Historical Society, a 501C3 organization, to continue its maintenance. Here’s a picture of my Dad, Walter Johnson, and Hedy Quick, who were part of the log cabin team.
Dougherty House Garden. While you’re at the Dougherty House on Log Cabin Day, check out the Native American garden, planted and cared for by a team that includes Janet Kidd, Carolyn Taylor, Meg Clark, Anita Klein, Laura Johnson, Pam Wheelock, Connie Sargent and Susan Castleman. The historically accurate garden includes sacred tobacco. The Dougherty House, located at 18459 Mission Road in the village of Old Mission, is now open for the season; hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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We’re looking forward to Log Cabin Day at the Dougherty Mission House. It’s open for tours with free admission from 11 am to 4pm that day. This gives Mission Point Lighthouse visitors time to drive the 7 minutes to the Dougherty Mission House in the afternoon.
Angus MacDonald will be joining us again to provide great old time music for our visitors.
Play a game of croquet while you enjoy the beautiful day.
Thanks for the note, Barb! I’ll be sure and drop by the Dougherty House on Log Cabin Day.