Fountain Point

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Fountain Point is an historic landmark located in Suttons Bay Township, Michigan, which is part of Leelanau County and the Leelanau Peninsula. Its name is derived from a fountain of sparkling artesian spring water,[1] situated on a large point on Lake Leelanau,[2] which has been continuously gushing since 1867.

Fountain Point
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
The fountain at Fountain Point Resort
The fountain at Fountain Point Resort
Location: 990 South Lake Leelanau Drive, Suttons Bay Township, Michigan
Built/Founded: 1889
Architectural style(s): Late Victorian, Bungalow/craftsman
Added to NRHP: July 10, 2003
NRHP Reference#: 03000623 [3]
Governing body: Private

Contents

[edit] History

Circa 1860, a French fur trader, Andre de Beloit, was plying his trade near the narrows of Carp Lake -- also called Lake "Leelanau," said to mean "delight of life" in the language spoken by local Native Americans[4] -- and became convinced of the beauty and bounty of the area and purchased a parcel of land.[5]

He attempted drilling for oil, and after a long struggle in 1867 he struck a gusher of sparkling water at a depth of 900 feet.[6] Following de Beloit’s disappointment over his failure to strike oil, the land changed hands several times until 1887, when it was purchased by Mrs. Lydia Morrison of Cincinnati, Ohio. In June 1889, she established "The Fountain Point House," a Victorian-style mansion, and guests began arriving for the summer by steamboat and buggy. The main three-story building was the center of activity, and it included a large dining room, kitchen and lounge.

By 1903, the Traverse City, Leelanau, and Manistique Railroad began operating between Traverse City and Northport, stopping at Fountain Point, improving transportation of people and products.[7]

Over the years, several cottages were built, and Fountain Point has become a popular destination featuring rich history and simple family pleasures.

[edit] Fountain Point today

Fountain Point includes smaller private residences and a large resort called Fountain Point Resort. The resort, one of the oldest recreational hotel complexes of its type in the state,[8] encompasses 54 acres of land, including a half-mile of lakefront and the fountain,[9] and is presently owned by Ms. Susan Jay Nichols; the property has been in her family for three generations.[10] Located near the quiet community of Lake Leelanau, it is open to the public, reservations only, Memorial Day through Labor Day, and features swimming, boating, tennis and numerous other indoor and outdoor activities.[11]

In 1975, Fountain Point Resort was listed on the State of Michigan historic registry,[12] and in 2003 it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.[13]

[edit] External links

[edit] References

  1. ^ U.S. Geological Survey -- artesian well
  2. ^ Google map showing Fountain Point
  3. ^ National Register of Historic Places -- Fountain Point
  4. ^ Info Michigan website
  5. ^ Fountain Point Resort website -- history
  6. ^ Leelanau County website
  7. ^ Suttons Bay Chamber of Commerce -- history
  8. ^ Traverse City Record-Eagle, May 17, 2003
  9. ^ State of Michigan website -- Fountain Point
  10. ^ Fountain Point resort website -- history
  11. ^ Fountain Point resort website -- amenities
  12. ^ State of Michigan historic sites -- Fountain Point
  13. ^ National Register of Historic Places -- Fountain Point