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Among the many items in my OMP archives, I came across this vintage lunch menu from the Bowers Harbor Inn. I believe it’s from the Solomonson collection – Mary Jo invited me and Tim out to her place one day and sent us home with some really cool archives.
Now known as Mission Table (with Jolly Pumpkin in the back), the Bowers Harbor Inn was a happening place back when I was growing up on the Old Mission Peninsula. I’m perhaps one of the few OMP natives who never worked at the restaurant, and that’s only because I had a built-in job on my family’s cherry farm.
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My dad, however, did work as a chauffeur for Mr. and Mrs. Stickney back in the 1930s.
Read more about the history of Bowers Harbor Inn here, and why local historian and author Julie Schopieray believes it is NOT Jennie Stickney’s ghost that roams the halls of the historic restaurant.
A few questions for readers in-the-know:
I know the “Toni” in “Toni’s Delight” was likely Toni Scharling, who owned the inn at one time (her daughter Sue was in my class and we used to pal around together in grade school at Old Mission Peninsula School). But what exactly was “Toni’s Delight”?
I’d also be curious as to who wrote the note on the back of the menu. I’m guessing it’s a note that stands the test of time.
And, who’s the Bruce in “Bruce’s Bean Soup”?
Oh, those prices! If only we could get a sizzler steak with two sides and a beverage for $2.65 these days… A burger for .75 cents would be great, too. I’m not great at math, but I’m guessing that’s a 2000 percent increase from this menu to most menus today.
I would also like to see “Spaghetti Salad” on more menus now. Was that like a pasta salad you’d see these days?
Leave comments and answers to my questions, and share your own memories of working at Bowers Harbor Inn in the comments below.
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This reminds me of the menu at the old Sugar Bowl in Gaylord.
There was an old Lady named Toni who was a bartender when I worked there in the mid 80’s. I don’t know what Toni’s delight was but I do remember Toni bottles! Bottles with drops left in them so they didn’t have to be restocked upstairs.
Bruce and Sally (“Jidge”) Towner were co-owners with Toni Scharling. They all purchased the Inn winter of 63-64.
Great story, Jane! And enjoyed the responses from everyone.
Two of my kids worked at the Inn in the 90s — waitress and “dish dog.”
I started working at the National Music Camp the summer of 1971 in Interlochen which changed my life and set its direction and started a love for northern Michigan that has flourished to this day with a love of beautiful lakes, golf, lifetime friends and fine dining- starting with Bowers Harbor where I was introduced to French Fried Ice Cream.
Hey Jane, Bruce’s bean soup would be Bruce Towner. I will work on Toni’s delight, I believe some type of appetizer.
Brings back a lot of memories. I worked with Toni from ’76 to ’86 and used to do payroll. I believe her first name was Audrey. Her two daughters, Sandy and Sue also worked there as waitresses. Toni was a bartender and Jidge was a cashier. I believe Jidge’s daughter, Tracy worked as a waitress as well.