Historical Photos and Information
On Decmber 24, 1921, Carlotta Ewing took out an option to purchase 189 acres of dunes, woods, and shoreline in Grand Haven Township that we now know as the Wilderness. Over time, the area has grown into a community of homes and cottages, as well as access to the expansive beach and wooded areas.
For a detailed history of the Wilderness over the last 100+ years, obtain the book The Wilderness Paradise Enow. Please contact Wally and Jane Ewing.
Entrance to the Wilderness about 1926. Ewing archives
Ewing archives
A 1912 plat map. When Carlotta and AE Ewing bought the property we know as the Wilderness, it was held by Henry Saul (Section 9) and Louis Bredehoft (Sections 9 and 16). The Old Wilderness, under the name E.A. Ewing, is a bit north in Section 9. Courtesy of Wally Ewing.
AE Ewing
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Ewing family at Lower Cottage, about 1934
HISTwildernessweb.docxWally Ewing
The Wallin swing, 1960
Jack and Hester Belknap mid 1950s
Oltman cottage-Nancy Oltman
Dean cottage under construction 1982
The Toy Box
One of the many association summer lobster parties
Tuthill Jr. Cottage, 1994, Nancy Oltman
Aerial view, 1940s? Howard Tuthill archives
Road to North cottages, 1974, Howard Tuthill archives
Katie Kimball and Fran Shaw showing off their beach hats.