![]() Sunday Date Day – October 14, 2018: Deadman’s Hill http://mancelonachamber.org/tourist/38-tourist/tourist/48-deadmans-hill “The period of early logging in the hills of the Jordan River Valley were marred by several fatal accidents. The last known and best recalled tragedy took the life of twenty-one year old Samuel Graczyk, known as "Big Sam." A fun loving lumberjack and soon to be married, Sam became legend on May 20, 1910 when he was killed while driving a team and big wheels loaded with logs down a steep slope at this site. The high point, with its commanding view of the valley, has since been known as "Deadman's Hill." The sign located at Deadman's Hill reads: "The period of early logging in the Hills of the Jordan River Valley was marred by several fatal accidents. The last known and best recalled tragedy took the life of 21 year old Stanley (Big Sam) Graczyk, a fun loving lumberjack soon to be married. He became legend on May 20, 1910 when he was killed while driving a team and big wheels loaded with logs down a steep slope near here. Anthony (Tony) Wojciechowski who was with Big Sam when he died is responsible for the accurate recounting of this legend. This high point, with its commanding view of the valley, has ever since been known as "Deadman's Hill." Historical researchers in Mancelona dug a little deeper to find out more information on Deadman's Hill and Stanley Graczyk. Death certificates identify Samuel Graczyk born May 5, 1887 in Germany to John Graczyk and Agnes Popech. He died May 21, 1910 at the age 23, unmarried. Cause of death indicates he was "run over by wheels loaded with saw logs. Killed in the woods; accidental." He was buried in Elmira, Michigan. It is believed that the first name of the man who died at Deadman's Hill is actually Samuel Graczyk, not Stanley. We are presently working on this mystery to find out why the sign reads "Stanley" instead of "Samuel," and will post our findings when we know.” This was our adventure today! The temperature was perfect and our adventure began with just a few clouds in the sky. On my way to my boyfriend’s house, the colors were popping! Grand Traverse County colors are at their prime. Heading north to Mancelona, the colors seemed already beginning to fade. I knew I would have to squeeze every ounce of color-lust out of this day since most were already past their prime. Pretty typical at these types of Fall-famous overlooks, were the masses of tourists. All with better photography equipment than the last. Picnickers galore. Dogs, toddlers…. Young and old came out today to enjoy the views. The views were there for those who sought them out. Meaning…. For me, being 5’3”, the fence was at just the right height to block my view. So even after this 47 year old jumped the fence and ventured as far as I dared to the steep drop off, the view was still very narrow in scope due to the overgrown (but beautiful) trees and other such growth between us and the valley below. It took some searching, but we were able to squeeze out a few good shots. And I somehow deleted the panoramic that I took! The best part of the adventure for us was the half mile trek down to the valley itself. These trails are marked as part of the famous North Country Trail. It was a beautiful and peaceful walk down through the forest. Towering and colorful maples and elms stretched far over our heads. And though there were other color-seekers and hikers coming and going on the trail, the meetings were few and far between so that Randy and I were really digging the peacefulness of the forest. At the bottom, after a quick kiss, (where Randy says “I figured I’d better get this kiss now before our trek back up the hill and you realize you’re mad at me.”), we ventured through the tall grass to see a small, swampy portion of the Jordan River. We stood there for several peaceful minutes, taking in the tranquility, the dragonflies skimming over the water’s surface, the trickling of the water sneaking through the beaver dams. The trek back up wasn’t nearly as bad as either one of us had thought it might be. We just took our time, stopping frequently to rest on a log at the side of the trail, taking pics of interesting things. And regardless of our sweatiness and breathlessness, the entire experience at Dead Man’s Hill is one that I wouldn’t mind repeating. After, of course, I’ve recuperated from this visit. After getting the heck out of Dodge, we ventured west to Bellaire, taking in more amazing hilltop views of the brilliant fall foliage during the drive. Every hill we peaked seemed to afford a better view than the last! We landed at Short’s Brewing Company and ordered two flights. Taking our time, we savored the rich and mild flavors of the different beers and debated the variances with each other. We people-watched and took notice of the fellow clientele, the way laid back wait staff and the super-hip ambiance of the brewery, made even more complete by its spook-tacular (Sorry! Couldn’t resist!) Halloween décor! Short’s definitely rates as another do-it-again experience! All in all, it was another great day. I got to be with Randy. We saw some amazing sights. Another brewery first for me. And after the long drive back, a quiet evening spent together …. scrambled eggs (“with some weeds thrown in”) and homemade English muffin bread and jam. And a pleasant game of Cribbage – though I was one point shy of not getting skunked! I’m hoping to enjoy another autumnal-focused weekend or two before Old Man Winter comes blowing in. I hope you're all able to do the same!
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