The following are structures in the Lakeshore that are not part of a cultural landscape. These will be evaluated as structures that are eligible to the National Register. A summary table is located at the end of this section.

THE FOLLOWING PACKAGES CONTAIN MANAGEMENT PRESCRIPTIONS THAT ARE PART OF EACH ALTERNATIVE DESCRIBED IN CHAPTER II.

Esch Farmhouse:

Location: The Esch Farmhouse is located on Esch Road, approximately 0.2 miles (0.3 km) west of State Highway M-22 (see cultural landscape map in Appendix 5).

Description of the Structure. The Esch farmhouse is the only high style Victorian house in the Lakeshore. It is a two-story structure with gable roofs and bay windows on the first and second floor. The structure is built with hemlock siding and timbers from the Aral Sawmill. Interior remodeling occurred in the 1940s and again in the 1970s. An attached garage was added in the 1980s. Much of the original interior trim and floor plan remain. The farmhouse is the only remaining historic structure from the farm that was considered one of the most prosperous in Platte Township.

Priority. The site is of local significance and of low integrity. The remaining structures on the site are less than 50 years old and do not contribute to the significance of the site. Modern intrusions also prevent the landscape from being determined eligible to the National Register.

Resources of the Affected Environment. The yard directly around the house includes the planted maple trees and the stone barbecue grill.

Other Considerations. The structure is visible from M-22 and is considered a visual landmark. The structure is not located in the wilderness. The fields are listed in the Open Field Management Plan and have been recently farmed. The house is identified in the General Management Plan for preservation in an Agricultural Management Zone since this property was in private ownership as the GMP was written.

Key Factors for Determining Prescriptions. The structure is identified for preservation in the General Management Plan within an Agricultural Management Zone. The structure is visible from M-22 and is a visual landmark. The structure is in good condition.

Prescription. Alternative I--Current Management: Structure could be preserved by the NPS or partners, rehabilitated and adaptively reused. When the structure gets to poor condition it could be removed. Alternative II--Preservation of the Structure: Structure could be preserved (stabilized) by partners or the NPS and used as an "exhibit" on the landscape. Alternative III--Rehabilitation of the Structure: The NPS would encourage rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of the house with activities that are compatible with the historic character and are compatible with park resources and values.

Shalda Log Cabin:

Location: The Shalda Log Cabin is located in a field south of State Highway M-22 and about 0.5 miles (0.8 km) west of County Road 669 (see cultural landscape map in Appendix 5).

Description of the Structure. The structure shows early log construction techniques and is one of the oldest structures in the park. It was built in the mid-1850s, by Bohemian immigrants who settled in the North Unity and Shalda Corners area. It has dovetail notched corners and is a one-story structure with a gable roof. It was adapted into a garage at sometime in its history. Its original use is unknown.

Priority. The structure is of local significance and of moderate integrity.

Resources of the Affected Environment. It is sited along M-22 in a mowed field of exotic grasses. It is located across the road from the Centerville Township Hall and private residences.

Other Considerations. The structure is not in the wilderness or in an Agricultural Management Zone. The adjacent fields are not listed in the Open Field Management Plan.

Key Factors for Determining Prescriptions. The structure is located along M-22. The structure's age and construction techniques are rare. The structure is rustic and is has no modern improvements. Alternatives would have to be in keeping with the limited size and the rustic appearance of the structure.

Prescription. Alternative I--Current Management: Structure could be preserved by the NPS or partners, rehabilitated and adaptively reused. When the structure gets to poor condition it could be removed. Alternative II--Preservation of the Structure: The structure could be preserved (stabilized) by partners or the NPS and used as an "exhibit" on the landscape. Alternative III--Rehabilitation of the Structure: The NPS would encourage rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of the structure with activities that are compatible with the historic character and are compatible with park resources and values.

Theodore and Alvina Beck Farmhouse, Shed, Honeymoon Cottage and Barn Ruins:

Location: These structures are located on South Manitou Island, southwest of Lake Florence on Lake Michigan (see cultural landscape map in Appendix 5).

Description of the Structure. The farmhouse structure is two stories high with a small cellar and many additions. The original structure is an early construction from the 1870s. The exterior dimensions are roughly 30 feet by 45 feet. Windows and doors are missing throughout the structure. The structure has gable roofs, a shed roof addition, and clapboard siding painted white. The shed is located behind the house and is 8'6" by 8'6" in size. The structure has gable roof, shiplap siding, double doors and one window. The barn and honeymoon cottage are ruins. Except for the porches, the house is in fair condition. The other structures are in poor condition and are subject to the Removal Criteria.

Priority. The site is of local significance and of low integrity.

Resources of the Affected Environment. The area around the structures is the reforested farmyard. Elements of the landscape (lilacs and orchards) have been overtaken by the reforestation of the area.

Other Considerations. The structures are located in the wilderness on South Manitou Island.

Key Factors for Determining Prescriptions. The structures are in the wilderness with no cultural landscape. The structures are of low priority and of low integrity.

Prescription. Under Alternative I, the Lakeshore would not allow a partner to stabilize the structures or ruins in the wilderness. Because of the advanced state of reforestation that has occurred at the site, the poor condition of the structures, and because of the low priority and integrity of the structures and site, no partnership will be considered. The goal will be to continue to allow the structures to molder on their site. Because this action will constitute an adverse effect under Section 106, this action will be mitigated under consultation with the Michigan State Historic Preservation Officer and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. The primary mitigation will be to preserve other farmsteads having greater integrity and significance.

Under Alternative II, the Lakeshore would seek volunteer help and donations to stabilize the exterior of the house. However, transporting material to the site would need to be consistent with wilderness policy.

Under Alternative III, the Lakeshore would permit rehabilitation of the house by a partner but wilderness considerations must be addressed.

Location: The farmhouse and shed ruin are located on South Manitou Island, near the north end of Lake Florence (see cultural landscape map in Appendix 5).

Description of the Structure. The house is 22'6" by 32'6". The structure is 1 1/2 stories with a basement. It has a gable roof and shiplap siding. The interior includes detailed molding, linoleum and wall paper. The structure is in poor condition. The windows and doors are missing and the structure is open to the elements. The shed is a ruin.

Priority. The site is of local significance and of low integrity.

Resources of the Affected Environment. The area around the structures is the reforested farmyard. Elements of the landscape, (myrtle, lilacs, fruit trees), have been overtaken by the reforestation of the area.

Other Considerations. The structures are located in the wilderness on South Manitou Island.

Key Factors for Determining Prescriptions. The structures are in the wilderness with no cultural landscape. The structures are of low priority and of low integrity.

Prescription. Under all alternatives, the park would not allow a partner to stabilize the structures or ruins in the wilderness. Because of the advanced state of reforestation that has occurred at the site, the poor condition of the structures, and because of the low priority and integrity of the structures and site, no partnership will be considered. The goal will be to continue to allow the structures to molder on their site. Because this action will constitute an adverse effect under Section 106, this action will be mitigated under consultation with the Michigan State Historic Preservation Officer and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. The primary mitigation will be to preserve other farmsteads having greater integrity and significance.

Last Updated: 08DEC1999
Http://www.nps.gov/slbe/hp_app4.htm
Author: T.M.Baker