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What does great fudge, the world’s longest porch, U.S. presidents and Hollywood have in common? Mackinac Island.
World Footprints will take you on a journey to a little known crown jewel that sits in Lake Huron between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas –Mackinac Island (pronounced “Mack –in-aw”). The island was named by Native Americans who said that the island resembled a turtle. They gave it the name "Mitchimakinak" meaning "big turtle". The British later shortened the name to Mackinac.
Today’s show explores the island’s rich history and how that is being preserved as a National Historic Landmark. Mackinac Island was key in two battles during the War of 1812 but in the late 19th century, it became a popular summer colony. The island still maintains its old world charm and is known for its variety of architectural styles, including the famous Victorian-style Grand Hotel; fudge; and its ban on almost all motor vehicles. (Golf carts are allowed but only on the golf course.)
Hollywood discovered the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island and it was the setting of two feature films: This Time for Keeps (1946) and Somewhere in Time (1979). Mackinac Island has been written about and visited by many influential writers including Mark Twain and Henry David Thoreau.
As we'lll hear, U.S. Presidents and politicians have enjoyed respites on Mackinac Island. The Grand Hotel has honored these visits by designing some staterooms with the assistance of a few former First Ladies.&nb