True Tales: The Forgotten History of Michigan's Upper Peninsula Spiral-Bound | March 19, 2022

"Romantic ideas of the pioneer days in Michigan's Upper Peninsula will fade quickly as these true tales of lawless, rugged, wild-weather, difficult times before about 1900 are perused. Laws were few, enforcement was scarce, violent events were often, and shipwrecks were many. However, opportunities to be a hero were as numerous and wonderful life-saving deeds of kindness and compassion are recorded in these pages as well. Classen does history an excellent service by revealing the truth. Sometimes we think humanity has advanced little. An attitude quickly challenged in these pages. Readers will feel gratitude for all they have today after finishing these tales." --Carolyn Wilhelm, MA, Midwest Book Review

"This book is a gold mine of vacation possibilities, providing dozens of fascinating little-known facts about many of the innumerable attractions found in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. While most would agree that there exists no more interesting place to explore than Michigan's U.P., the way Mikel describes the individual points of interest exponentially enhances the qualities of each attraction. For instance, while I have driven through Trout Lake hundreds of times, I never knew that the historic Dan Dunn gunfight occurred at one of the bars in that little town-Mikel provides all the details. Nor was I ever made aware of all the tragic stories that unfolded between the lighthouse at Whitefish point and the little-known Vermilion Rescue Station located a few miles to the west-not until I found Mikel's exquisite presentation. With the aid of a near countless parade of carefully selected historical images, Mikel paints a picture the reader will not ever forget." --Michael Carrier, author of Murder on Sugar Island (Jack Handler series)

"Classen accomplished what he set out to do-provide readers with interesting and true tales about the U.P. He did not romanticize the history and told bold facts to enlighten the reader. The U.P. was an uncharted territory with harsh beginnings. Captains battled terrible storms while sailing on Lake Superior. Corrupt entrepreneurs made money off the suffering of young women. Classen rang bells for unsung heroes. Much can be learned about Chase Osborn's efforts-the man who became the first governor of Michigan from the U.P. and Peter White, founder of Marquette. So much can be learned by reading Classen's book. It is highly recommended." --Sharon Brunner, U.P. Book Review

"The U.P. is a beautiful, wild, rugged, sparsely populated peninsula full of scenic wonders that is equaled by its unique and often strange history. This work is a great introduction to the often remarkable and memorable history connected to the U.P. Among my favorites is the account of the last stagecoach robbery east of the Mississippi which took place in the U.P. The robber called himself Black Bart and killed one passenger and wounded another. Then there's the Great Lake pirate who operated all over Lake Michigan from his base in Escanaba. I thought I knew all the relevant facts about the Ontonagon Boulder. I didn't. It was a mass of pure copper the Native Americans worshipped, but the Hell with their beliefs. The boulder was transported to Washington where it was misplaced and lost for years. The boulder was the spark that lit the Copper Boom in the U.P. The author also writes of the prominent settlers to the U.P., throws in the odd shipwreck, and relates the story of a couple of castaways on Isle Royale. The two survived a winter on the island by eating bark, roots, and berries. The husband went crazy from hunger and his wife feared she was next on his menu. Those who consider history boring need to read this book before doubling down on their misplaced judgment. The book is jam-packed full of interesting and arresting true stories tied to U.P. history. All I can say is, another volume, please." -- Tom Powers, Michigan In Books