Big Bay has a rich past filled with characters and historical figures. Here are some photographic records of our history.

The photograph of four of the most powerful men in america is reported to have been taken right here in Big Bay around 1903. The men are from left to right; Firestone, Henry Ford, John A. Edison and E. G. Kingsford.

Rose's Tavern was owned by Joe Rose at the time of this photo in 1942. Some of Joe's descendents still live in Big Bay. Rose's Tavern is now called the Lumberjack Tavern. Those of you who remember your movie history will know that the Lumberjack was the site of the famous "Anatomy of a Murder" crime. Alsdo, the person in the white shirt is rumored to be Kelly Beerman, a local character and extra in the movie.

In 1922, this is what the main street of Big Bay looked like. From right to left the buildings are the hotel, general store & theater. For those of you whom know or are visiting Big Bay, this street overlooks Lake Independence.

Here is another photo of Big Bay's main street in 1922 facing south. The building in the background was and still is the Catholic Church. Looks like it was Sunday when this was taken.

This arial ariel overhead photo of Big Bay taken in 1926 shows the growth of the town at the time. The lsrge white building near the center of the photo was the school. It burned down a few years later and the current school was built in that very spot in 1938.

The Big Bay Mill used to produce bowling pins and wooden panels for the old "woodies". Only one smokestack remains today instead of the four in this 1926 picture.

This next photo shows the mill in August 1944 after Henry Ford rebuilt it.

This picture shows the mill as it looks today.

The Big Bay Hotel (as it was called in this picture) was originally build by Henry Ford as a resort for his executives. This 1944 picture shows it when it was converted into a hotel. The building now a country Inn. For more info, follow the link after the picture.

 

The Lou Zeek Collection

First, we'll start with the Lumber Yard. Quite a sight in it's day. Although, I'm unsure of it's exact location, it was along Lake Independence.

The Brunswick Balke co. Pin Finishing Plant was where they made rough bowling pins before shipping. Here are pictures of the mill, drying kilns and some rough pins. Also, one of what the winters were like back then. It hasn't changed much.

Also located near the lumber yard & pin mill (I think) was a body mill. I suspect they manufactered the wooden panels for the old "woody" automobiles.

Here are a few of the historical places that have survived the test of time.

If you would like to visit these landmarks today, check out their pages.

Here are some places that aren't around anymore. The school burned down some years after this picture was taken. This a good picture of the old school.

The next picture is of the blacksmith shop and stables. This was probably necessary for the horses to haul lumber from the woods.

This picture is of a caretaker's house. It was located next to the catholic church and housed the foreman for lumber mill.

The last of this series is overhead shot of Big Bay in 1923. From the angle, it looks like it was taken from one of the mill smokestacks.

I would like to thank Mr. Zeek for making these pictures available for us to enjoy. Also, his son for his time & trouble in scanning sending me these photos.

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