Cabin Fever Lecture Series 2026

Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 2 p.m. at the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library. “The History of Michigan Railroads along the Lake Huron Shore” by Dale Berry, transportation historian with an expertise in Michigan railroads. Alcona County was home to many logging railroads, and especially dominated by Russell Alger, who later became governor. The D&M main line was re-routed to Harrisville (from West Harrisville, i.e. Lincoln) and the Lincoln line pulled up north of Lincoln. The two beautiful depots continue to exist. For more information on railroad history, visit www.michiganrailroads.com.

Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 6 p.m. at the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library. “Murder and Mayhem: Alcona’s Historical Crimes” by Cheryl Peterson, editor of the Alcona County Review. Explore some of the most fascinating historic mysteries in Alcona County and Northern Michigan during this investigation into the region’s true historical crimes.

Thursday, April 16, 2026, 6 p.m. at the Harrisville branch of the Alcona County Library. “Sole Survivor: by Ric Mixter, historian, producer, author and diver. It’s rare that only one member of the crew survives a sinking, but some of the most incredible rescue stories are from those who alone made it ashore. The loss of the side-wheeler Sunbeam on Lake Superior, the wheelmen on the Western Reserve and the Equinox were also the last of the crew to tell what happened. Two captains were the sole survivors when their ships were lost to Black Friday in 1916, and Capt. Jerome Kiah was the only lifesaver to float ashore after a tragic rescue attempt off Michigan’s Thumb. Ric Mixter shares these stories and his longtime friendship with the only crewman found alive when the Daniel J. Morrell was lost in November of 1966.

Thursday, May 7, 6 p.m. Alcona Historical Society Annual Meeting and Program at the Alcona Township Hall, Black River. Join us as we celebrate the 150th Anniversary of our own Sturgeon Point Life Saving Station, in operation from 1876-1941. Our special guest, author and historian, Frederick Stonehouse, presents “Forgotten Heroes, The U.S. Life-Saving Service on the Great Lakes.” The men of this remarkable organization displayed incredible courage and bravery in rescuing over 55,000 people from potential death on the Great Lakes. Their unofficial motto was, “Regulations say we have to go out, they say nothing about coming back.” It was a motto they lived, and in some cases, died by. All programs are free and open to the public. Light refreshments served.