Trading Card of the Week: Leila Rowan

In 1875 Leila Rowan after a Civil War tore the nation apart, ventured north with her husband, a war veteran to start anew on the shores of Lake Michigan. Together she and her husband built a business, formed community social groups and trumpeted the prosperity and opportunity that lay at the tip of the mitt. An avid poet, she published many pieces in local and state publications illustrating the unique life in Northern Michigan. Leila helped weave together our rich community on the shores of Little Traverse Bay.

Petoskey by Leila Rowan    1901

There’s a city in the Northland
Nestled ‘tween a lot of lakes,
It’s as full of witchin’ beauty
As a swamp is full of brakes.
If you’re weary of your business
And you’re longing for a rest,
You will find their breeze the coolest
And the ozone there the best.

With its beach of sand and agates,
And its picturesque driveways;
With its lawns and parks of emerald,
And its blossom-decked chalets,
It will give you hearty greeting,
And you’ll think it Beulah land,
For the tourist there is welcome,
And is always in demand.

Bring along your fishing tackle
And your rubber wading boots,
And if you have a chum or two
Just chuck them in cahoots,
And I’ll guarantee you pleasure
Better than you’ve ever seen
Fishing along the bank of river
‘Neath the dainty shade of green.

There are always plenty minnows,
Waiting for you on the shore,
And if you want a guide or two
You’ll find them there galore.
When you’re out upon the waters,
If your guide be Chippewa,
He will tell you quaintest stories
Of Petoskey’s early day.

There are shady paths for cycling,
Lovers lands and Marquette Trails;
There are wells of mineral water
Good for every sort of ails;
There are hotels big and little,
You can choose between them all
Or hunt yourself a boarding house
If your pocket book is small.