Who Planted the Maple Trees in Bear Lake, Michigan?

Bear Lake, Michigan is well-known for its beautiful fall colors. One of the main attractions of the town during this season is the stunning display of sugar maple trees that turn various shades of yellow, orange, and red. Many locals and tourists wonder who planted these magnificent trees and contributed to the town's distinctive charm.

A Brief History of Bear Lake, Michigan

Before we dive into the mystery of the maple trees, let's take a quick look at the history of Bear Lake. The town was established in 1863 and quickly became a hub for lumbering. The abundance of trees, particularly sugar maple trees, in the surrounding area made it a prime location for the industry. In the early 1900s, the town's economy began to shift towards agriculture, with cherry farming becoming a lucrative business. Despite these changes, the maple trees remained- a symbol of the town's past and present.

The Legend of the Maple Tree Planter

One popular story behind the planting of the maple trees is that a man named John Finkle came to Bear Lake in the 1880s and decided to plant the trees because he missed the fall colors of his hometown in New York. Finkle allegedly went around town asking people to donate saplings or seeds to add to his growing collection. Despite the fact that there's no concrete evidence that John Finkle ever existed, many locals insist that he was the one responsible for the maple tree-lined streets.

A More Plausible Explanation?

While the Finkle story is charming, there may be a more plausible explanation for the trees' origin. It's possible that the trees were planted by an organization called the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR). The GAR was a fraternal organization composed of Union veterans of the American Civil War. The group was known for establishing public works projects, such as building roads and bridges, as well as planting trees. Bear Lake was home to a chapter of the GAR, and it's possible that the group was responsible for the maple trees.

The Trees Today

Regardless of who planted the trees, they remain a beloved feature of Bear Lake. In fact, the town celebrates its maple tree heritage every year with the Bear Lake Days festival, which includes a parade, food vendors, and various other activities. The trees also continue to support the town's economy by attracting tourists who want to witness their dazzling fall colors. While the mystery of who planted the maple trees may never be fully solved, their beauty and significance to Bear Lake will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.