Nestled on the wooded shore of Arbutus Lake, near Traverse City, Michigan, our independent publishing house began producing books and tapes about Michigan in 1998. Our first title, The Road Guide: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore continues to be a popular guide book. In 2001, Lea Ann Sterling and Susan Stites teamed up to write the biographies of 73 original cottage owners on Mackinac Island. Historic Cottages of Mackinac Island is in its 2nd edition. The first edition is out of print. The second edition, with added photos, continues to be popular with architecture pilgrims and Mackinac Island history buffs. Inspired by the beautiful lake setting and a love of history, Susan Stites Bays wrote Century of Summers: A History of Arbutus Lake. Starting with the history of the region and ending with reminiscences of seasonal residents, this micro-regional book is ordered nationwide from former campers at Camp Arbutus and Camp Haza Witka. 2002, Cherry blossoms filled the surrounding country side and inspired veteran food journalist Patty LaNoue Stearns to take a gourmets look at cooking with cherries. Cherry Home Companion: A Cherry Cookbook is a delightful collection from many restaurants and food writers around the country. Click on link for sample recipes. In 2002, Patty LaNoue Stearns got busy with another book about food. This title, Good Taste: A Guide to Northern Michigan Cuisine, is a collection of essays from her columns in the Traverse City Record Eagle about Northern Michigan restaurants. This title is now out of print. In 2004, Words to the Wise: A Lighthearted Look at the English Language led the line-up with its quick witted author and radio host, Michael J. Sheehan. Based on the popular radio show, Words to the Wise on Traverse Citys WTCM 580AM with Ron Jolly, Mikes popularity continues to grow with the publication of this lighthearted look at language. Grand Rapids is the stage for the October 2004 release of Almost Lost: Building and Preserving Heritage Hill, Grand Rapids, Michigan by author Thomas Logan. He writes about the remarkable preservation of Heritage Hill Historic District. Beautiful photography of both grand and humble architecture by Dietrich Floeter. Murder on Old Mission by Stephen Lewis captures the flavor of the farm community of Old Mission Peninsula near Traverse City, Michigan with a fictional account of an 1895 murder. This title is a finalist for the Book of the Year Award (sponsored by Foreword Magazine) in the historical fiction category. The Wild Up River and Other Short Stories by Jim McVey breathes fresh water, woods and the sandy hills of Sleeping Bear Dunes on the shores of Lake Michigan and the Platte River as his short stories follow the events of Jack Young who comes of age. Cover painting, Out There, by artist David Grath of Northport, Michigan. This title was nominated for the National Outdoor Writers Award 2006, Motorcycling Across Michigan by William Murphy propels you across this fine state on the back of your bike. Murphys enthusiasm for biking and love of the state makes this book an instant classic. He provides 27 tours with maps creating new ideas for a way to see Michigans countryside and small towns in a way youve never seen before. June 2005. Cover photo: Dietrich Floeter. Camptown: One Hundred and Fifty Years of Stories from Camptown, Kentucky by Kenn Grimes These short stories allow you to go back to a simpler way of life, following generations of residents in this fictional small town. The sum of Grimes sketches adds up to a portrait of the character of America’s heartland, and of our human heart. Cover illustration: Lori Whelden. June 2005, Macs Mackinac Island Adventure by Mary Beth Vachon, illustrated by Ann G. Rusky is selling like hot cakes on Mackinac Island and throughout the region. Mac stars as the Palomino who finds there are nay-sayers about trying new things. Mac explores Mackinac Island, hoofing it, riding a bike, eating fudge, touring the familiar landmarks, just like any respectable tourist. Some say horses dont go on vacations, but What did Mac do? Read about Mac and find out. For kids of all ages.
Address: Arbutus Press, 2364 Pinehurst Trail, Traverse City, MI 49686
Website: http://www.arbutuspress.com/