Peninsula Township, Michigan

Communities

History

The settlement at Old Mission was the first community founded by Europeans in the Grand Traverse Bay region. It was founded in May, 1839 by Rev. Peter Dougherty and Rev. John Fleming. They had spent the winter on Mackinac Island, and founded a Presbyterian mission at the small Old Mission Harbor, which of course did not yet have that name. At the time of their arrival there were a few Native American residents of a nearly abandoned village at the harbor, and the mission had peaceful relations with those and other native residents in the surrounding area.

In June that year Henry Schoolcraft arrived at the mission in a small vessel and helped found a school there. By 1841 there were 5 log buildings as well as several wigwams at the settlement. By 1850 the settlement had grown to a considerable size, and the schooner Arrow was making weekly trips to the mission from Mackinaw City.

In 1852 Rev. Dougherty decided to move his mission across the west bay along the Leelanau Peninsula to an existing Native American village at the site of modern Omena, Michigan, thus establishing a "New Mission." The previous community was therefore already known as the "Old Mission" in the early 1850s. By the time of the civil war, the Presbyterian organization which funded Dougherty had financial difficulty, and missionary activities were discontinued. Dougherty sold his land there in 1868.

The post office at the mission was formally established in 1851 with W. R. Stone as first postmaster. The post office was known at this time as Grand Traverse, being the only official post office in the Grand Traverse Bay region, indeed the only one between Mackinaw City and Croton. By the winter of 1852-3, a community had formed at the head of the bay at the Boardman river, at which a new post office was founded. The U.S. post office in consultation with Mr. A. T. Lay, a founder of Traverse City, decided to rename the post office at Dougherty's settlement to "Old Mission" and named the post office at the Boardman River "Traverse City." The "Grand" had to be dropped, as "Grand Traverse City" was too long a name per post office guidelines.

Geography

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 5,265 people, 2,131 households, and 1,625 families residing in the township. The population density was 189.0 per square mile (73.0/km²). There were 2,613 housing units at an average density of 93.8 per square mile (36.2/km²). The racial makeup of the township was 97.28% White, 0.06% African American, 0.36% Native American, 0.59% Asian, 0.97% from other races, and 0.74% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.01% of the population.

There were 2,131 households out of which 27.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.4% were married couples living together, 4.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.7% were non-families. 20.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.84.

In the township the population was spread out with 23.1% under the age of 18, 4.2% from 18 to 24, 19.3% from 25 to 44, 33.5% from 45 to 64, and 19.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females there were 94.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.9 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $66,019, and the median income for a family was $82,426. Males had a median income of $52,750 versus $34,620 for females. The per capita income for the township was $40,753. About 1.1% of families and 2.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.3% of those under age 18 and 2.3% of those age 65 or over.

Recreation

Wineries

There are ten wineries on the Old Mission Peninsula. The Old Mission Peninsula sits close to the 45th parallel, a latitude known for growing prestigious grapes. The two Grand Traverse Bays provide the ideal maritime climate and the rich soil does the rest. Northern Michigan specializes in growing white grapes and is known for its Rieslings which grow well in the summer months and late fall which Traverse City is known for. Every October the wineries host a harvest fest. Some Riesling grapes are spared being picked in the fall to be picked when they freeze, from which Ice Wine is made. The wineries along the Old Mission Peninsula are 2 Lads Winery, Black Star Farms, Bonobo Winery, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery, Chateau Chantal Winery And Inn, Chateau Grand Traverse, Hawthorne Vineyards, Mari Vineyards, and Peninsula Cellars.

Distilled Spirits

The peninsula's only distillery, Civilized Spirits are created in a forest hideaway. The site has a long tradition of distillation. Spirits have been made on the site since the late 1800s when it was built by lumber baron J.W. Stickney and his wife Genevive. Civilized Spirits philosophy is to make the best spirits possible with the best ingredients available and the smallest impact on the environment. Civilized continues the long-standing tradition with its line of spirits that are distilled from local ingredients. Civilized Spirits include: White Dog Whiskey, Whiskey, Rum, Gin, Single Malt Whiskey, Vodka, and its popular Sakura, a vodka distilled from cherries.

Breweries

The Jolly Pumpkin Restaurant & Brewery is historically situated among the generous cherry orchards and distinguished lakes of northern Michigan. Nestled among neighboring farms, the menu reflects the organic flavors of Traverse City, resulting in a personal interpretation of traditional dishes. Artisan pizzas, sandwiches, entrees, and of course, wine and beer, are ripe with a variety of fresh herbs, native spices, meats, and produce, harvested seasonally from our own backyard, coming together on every plate for a uniquely local culinary experience.

Old Mission Beer Co. is brewed by Mike Hall and Mike Wooster on Old Mission Peninsula. These unique beers are available in Jolly Pumpkin Restaurant & Brewery. Beer names often reflect icon spots on the peninsula such as: M-37 Ginger Red, Old Mission Dank Wet Hop IPA, Snow Mission Porter, Devils Dive, Willow Point Wheat, Mission Point Porter, and Peninsula Pale Ale

Cider

Nomad Cidery is in its early stages, expected to open on the peninsula fall 2014. Nomad cider is brewed on Old Mission peninsula and uses a variety of local apples.

Weddings

Old Mission Peninsula is a popular wedding destination. One of the most popular venues is the Peninsula Room which opened in the spring for 2009. The spacious facility features all the modern amenities you would expect in a large format event space with up north elegance. But, as part of the historic Bowers Harbor Inn complex, the space is imbued with all the charm, intimacy and beauty that the north woods can provide.