(Report by Jim Burnham)
Keith is recovering from a head cold at the present time so I am going to be filling in from Illinois for the time being.
The photos today are a continuation of those from yesterday. The lone winter fishing boat entering the small, ice clogged gateway to the river is a fantastic shot by Erhardt Peters. Imagine back in the early 20th century, setting up his camera on the ice castles and waiting for the right shot. Erhardt was not just a documentary photographer, he was an artist as well, adept at previsualization and composition, and a patient observer. If I have taken anything away from Erhardt’s style I learned to look for the “decisive moment”. Even though Henri Cartier-Bresson coined this term in 1952, Erhart Peters predated him as he documented Leland from 1920 to 1940. You can see many of his great photos at the Leelanau Historical Museum as well as in the Blue Bird. As for the bottom photo, if you are unsure of where that is, imagine being on the road into the harbor looking south. Ricks Cafe deck would fill up the left side and the Cheese Shanty would be around where the larger boat is on shore. This is where boats were brought up to build and repair. To see more photos from this collection do a keyword search for 2004.25 at this link: http://leelanauhistory.pastperfect-online.com
Important Notes
I’d like to give my Dad some time to recuperate. He has also found the daily report difficult to do lately, especially this winter, and on top of that, he is trying to get over a bad head cold. Because of this, we are going to go with a “less than daily” report for the near future, or at least until I can get up there on a more regular basis (yes, that is a hint of things to come). I’ve hinted at changes coming in the future and I think it’s time to move forward on those plans. I’ve always managed this site from afar and knew that at some point this effort, which Keith has completed voluntarily for 18 years, would become too difficult. That’s why we added Meggen a few years ago. She has filled our needs with more enthusiasm than we ever expected. I have been working in Information Technology for 30 years now and I feel the time is right for a change. It just doesn’t make any sense to continue this from Illinois.
The Leland Report will go on. My intention is to continue this site and build on it in the form of a more permanent location where we can sell not only our images, but offer unique photo workshops and excursions in the area. When and where this will happen is to be decided. In the meantime, we might designate a day for our fans to submit their photos and thoughts. I’ll make an announcement when I figure out a way to manage that. What do you all think?
I don’t think I’ve missed a Leland Report since reading about it in the first Record-Eagle article… 2004 maybe? Sometimes I miss a day or more, but I always go back and review what I’ve missed. I’m sort of obsessed, now that I think about it (is that healthy?). Your plan sounds like a wonderful one. I’ve always been very grateful for the efforts you and Keith (and Biscuit!) have made for your followers… and even your mom… I imagine she has likely been inconvenienced on at least one occasion as Keith heads out on another Report. I became an… Read more »
That’s very nice of you to say, Harry! Thank you!
It is wonderful that you will continue this awesome daily rembrance especially from those of us who can no longer get up to Leland. After moving from Michigan to Asheville, our hearts still belong in Leland as we visited every year for over 30 years. Blessings to Keith and you Jim, and also to all of you who still enjoy it every day.
Thank you, Donna!
I think it’s a great plan. Passing the torch to someone younger makes sense. Best wishes for all your endeavors.
Praying for a speedy recovery for Keith and Biscuit (no cone of shame!). Thank you for your commitment to the loyal followers of TLR and lovers of all things Leland!
Thankful that Leland Report will continue! Best to Keith and Jim.
I can’t say anything better than what these other people have said.
Being 91, I can appreciate what Keith is facing.
The Leland Report has become a daily connection with a special place in the hearts of our family! Thank you to Keith and Jim for sharing with all of us! We wish you and yours a return to good health and support your efforts for the further. Our family loves your calendars and book and would hope to have many more in the future!
The Plan sounds well thought out. Hooray for the pledge to keep the gift of the Leland Report going! Here’s to a swift recovery for Keith.