Lifestyles

Huotari presents historical program on John Buell at Golden K meeting

KINGSFORD -- As the sun shed its warmth across the lawn, there, glistening in the dawns early light was frost. Trees boasting beauty in their final show of the year. That distinctive chill to the wind lets one know fall is in full swing.

Golden K seniors grab a warm jacket and head for the Monday meeting. It's not just the fresh coffee and doughnuts that motivates this group, it's the anticipation of sharing weekend stories.

Chairperson Sue Proudfit prepared members for opening ceremonies. Birthday wishes were sung for Sarah Gospodarek and the "Welcome Song" for guest speaker Keith Huotari.

There is one table that seems to have a knack for winning the 50-50 drawing. It was no surprise that Candy Buchcuski won from that table. The rest of the of the tables hold tickets just to be polite. It's all in good fun and these seniors know how to enjoy.

Keith Huotari has visited Golden K before and always brings a pocket full of great stories. He and his wife, Jayna, spend many hours researching, studying and organizing facts about the local communities.

On Monday, he detailed the life and history of John Lane Buell, the founder of Quinnesec. Buell discovered the first mine in the Menominee Range.

The Buell family has an impressive history of involvement in the military, politics, farming, and surveying. He studied law at Harvard and served on many boards. Buell was involved with schools, churches, and charities. Rumor is he even knew something about a goldmine in the area. He kept a diary of his endeavors, which seemed to have no limits. At one time he owned just about everything in Quinnesec, which at the time was a bustling community of more than 3,000 people.

Along with pictures, Huotari reiterated the story of Buell's developments in Quinnesec. He was in born in 1835 and died in 1912 at the age of 81. He was a formidable man.

Buell left a trail of accomplishments evidenced by letters of acknowledgment from four United State's presidents. In due time, he found the Quinnesec area best for his health.

He and his wife, Ruth, established roots, built a large home, and settled in the area. Ruth helped various charities and together they raised a young relative.

Remember the Quinnesec Opera House, horse racing track or the sawmill? The infamous Devil's Ice Box was part of that first Quinnesec Mine.

John Lane Buell and his wife, Ruth, had big plans for Quinnesec. Next time you drive through the area, remember that there is more to Quinnesec than a stoplight.

If anyone has heard of lost Little Joe's Tavern in the area, let them know at the Menominee Range Museum. That's our local gem that houses the Cornish Pump, among many other treasures. They are open seasonally spring to fall.

All communities have stories to tell and museums hold that history waiting for all ages to discover.

Volunteers are welcome and can meet and greet visitors or collect tickets.

Golden K will meet at 10 a.m. Monday at First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford, with Breitung Township Schools Superintendent Aaron Yonke as guest speaker.