Golden K chairman Bill Roberts introduces guests speaker Golden K member Paul Larson, who provided a history of Hermansville. Larson serves as the building and grounds keeper for the IXL Historical Museum in Hermansville. (Judy Sielaff photo)

KINGSFORD — Spring brings vibrancy back to life. Sunshine and sprouting plants get most of us in the mood to plant or clean. The Golden K group was grateful for the return of some of the winter snowbirds.

In addition to being a Golden K member, Paul Larson has volunteered at the IXL Historical Museum in Hermansville for more than 10 years. His wife jokes that she may move his bed to the museum, as it seems he is there more than at home.

Larson, along with other volunteers and the board, have been actively implementing restoration and renovation plans for the museum. They received a $50,000 grant from America250MI to help pay for them. They are planning a grand celebration this summer following the Fourth of July parade in Hermansville. Mark it on your calendar and bring the family to enjoy the parade and the renovated three-story museum. If you can’t wait, the museum is open from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day, Friday through Sunday.

Larson began his presentation with a bit of local history. The Ojibwa Indians were the first settlers to the Hermansville area. The railroad put them on the map in 1871, around the time of the Great Chicago Fire. C.J.L. Meyer was the man that bought forest land and brought industry to the town. He was a wealthy and brilliant man that ran several businesses. The lumber in Hermansville was used to make windows and top-quality flooring. He designed and built his own flooring machine as well as a steam plant to power the factory.

Did you know that the first State Police Post in the Upper Peninsula was located in Hermansville? It was also home of the mysterious “Hotel that no one ever stayed in.” C.J.L. Meyer build the hotel to host his Chicago friends and partners. Soon after completion, and before the first guests arrived, it burned down. The local post office stands in its place today.

The IXL Hermansville Museum is at 5551 River St. Volunteers and donors are appreciated and welcomed. Call 906-236-5163 for groups, school or more information.

Golden K will meets at 10 a.m. Mondays at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford. All are welcome to attend. The group focuses on community events, organizations and volunteer work. Coffee and doughnuts keep things running smoothly.

They are currently planning a picnic with games for children with special needs for Tuesday, May 26. Drop in and get involved in the planning or as a volunteer during the event.