Central Paper
and then
SD Warren
and then
Sappi Paper Mill
was located on the Muskegon Lakeshore
for well over one hundred years
The mill closed in 2009.
At one time there were 1200 people employed
and in the final days it was down to 100 employees
Many Muskegonites,
one, two, three generations
found employment
at the mill.
The company was sold to
Melching Demolition.
Melching has been demolishing
the site for the past few years.
The implosion of the powerhouse building
took place this past Sunday.
The Mill was a very large part of Muskegon
so we went to the North Muskegon Lakeshore
directly across from Sappi site
to be present as this part of
Muskegon history came to an end.
It was very, very cold
standing by the lake
with a blanket wrapped around us.
They kept delaying the time
of the implosion.
Someone mentioned that some deer walked on to the property
and they delayed so as to remove them for the site.
We stood there freezing
waiting
waiting
waiting
(Lake Express Ferry traveling daily between Milwaukee and Muskegon)
Finally we went back to our car to warm up
and decided to run and get a quick fast food bite to eat.
We arrived back within the time
the implosion was supposed to happen.
to find
it was already
done
over
Everyone had gone home
we sat in our car
viewing the site
eating our breakfast sandwiches.
and reminisced about the changes
on the lake shore
and in the
Muskegon community.
and reminisced about the changes
on the lake shore
and in the
Muskegon community.
And then we took off to find some bright spots
by taking a drive to the big lake
by taking a drive to the big lake
to see the waves and clouds.
Milwaukee is directly across the lake from Muskegon
about seventy miles.
Milwaukee is directly across the lake from Muskegon
about seventy miles.
Something about looking out over the water
that brings such a sense of peace.
that brings such a sense of peace.
above
The Muskegon channel
leading from Lake Michigan
into Muskegon Lake.
below
Driving away from the
Lake Michigan Lakeshore
We also stopped at a
conservation area
and found a great place to take
Snickers for a walk.
Loved this old bridge.
13 comments:
Nice photos...can't believe you missed the implosion, especially after standing there freezing!
What time should I be there for chili!!!!
Super photos. I especially like the bridge and autumn colors.
sorry you missed it - kind of made me chuckle as that surely sounds like something i would do. :) like that stone bridge!
I like seeing the photos of Lake Michigan - even though it was cold :-)
HI Lynne Oh dear! You froze and then missed it! it does look very different now. that water looked cold.
Enjoy your Chili fest(feast)..I went to an implosion of a state bldg in Harrisburg many years ago..Interesting..sorry you missed it..Beautiful bridge..I love stone stuff...Lake Michigan looks very cold..BRRR..
This time of year is so perfect for reflecting--especially when a big change happens to a community like that! We flew over Muskegon (I think) on our way into Chicago from London on Sunday. As soon as I could see Lake Michigan, I felt very much at home. :)
Isn't that the way it always goes…you wait and wait, then you turn your back for second and it is over. It is too bad you missed the big bang, but your other pictures are just as wonderful.
Hi Lynne, It's hard on a community when it loses a industry like a paper mill. Chicago just opened up miles of lakeshore that was formerly steel mills. Change, something we cannot stop, but sometimes good things come of it. This is definitely chili weather. Enjoy your company! Love, Penny
Lynne, Your photos are beautiful. I always find peace near the water. Your plans sound wonderful!
Gorgeous photos. I'm sorry you missed the implosion, but what a lovely adventure you had outdoors. I can't get enough of the big lake. I hope you are having a lovely week with family.
Good Morning Lynne, sorry you missed the implosion. The view has changed with the mill gone. The bridge and fall colors are beautiful! Enjoy your weekend, the chili sounds yummy!
What a beautiful part of the world, especially in fall. The bridge is sweet and I loved the milkweed and muellin by the water.
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