It's an island that just about everybody knows, but few know the stories that have been lost over the years. Power Island sits in the middle of Grand Traverse Bay. The 200 acre piece of land has been known by a host of names over the years; Marion, Basset, Power, but perhaps it's most recognizable name came from one of its most famous owners. His time on the island is not well known by most. That's why they've become the lost stories of Power Island.
Henry Ford owned the island from 1917 to 1944. During the time according to Jim Richards, the owner of the Old Mission General Store, "he camped there in great style, and he would up with his yacht eventually. He would come with an entourage of cars, carrying gasoline on plank roads, they are called. Through the roads of Michigan, and camp he would bring his friends and dignitaries and celebrities up camping. He would camp on the island with the Dodge Brothers, the Old's Brothers, his cronies, Harry Firestone, Goodyear, the list goes on and on. U.S. Senators possibly even queens and kings."
To hear the stories of Mr. Ford's time on what we now know as Power Island please watch the accompanying video clip.
I would like to thank and credit the History Center of Traverse City for sharing the photographs in this story. I am also very appreciative of Long Lake Marina for launching a boat, and getting me to the island in the middle of February!
