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A Point of View: Blackberry Ridge 1871 - 1884
The writings of Charles W. Jay, erudite, eloquent, and often hilariously satirical, offer a rare glimpse of 19th century life along Blackberry Ridge, the current location of Cherry Point Farm and Market in Oceana County. In a wider context, this collection is a valuable portrait of the resilient and thoughtful pioneers who came to the Michigan wilderness and made it the productive cornucopia we now enjoy.
After years of poring through microfilmed archives of local newspapers, Barbara Bull has selected a series of writings by Jay and others that has all the elements of a novel, especially when his neighbors take exception to some of his more critical observations about difficulties of life on “The Ridge.” Sparks fly - and a great read is the result.
After years of poring through microfilmed archives of local newspapers, Barbara Bull has selected a series of writings by Jay and others that has all the elements of a novel, especially when his neighbors take exception to some of his more critical observations about difficulties of life on “The Ridge.” Sparks fly - and a great read is the result.
285 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 11, 2024
I found the content interesting however it was a difficult read for me.
I enjoyed some of the newspaper stories but I had a hard time keeping interested enough to want to finish it.
I enjoyed some of the newspaper stories but I had a hard time keeping interested enough to want to finish it.
January 23, 2016
Barb, who collected, edited & published the writings & articles in this book is a friend.
We live much of the year in this very area, just a mile south "Blackberry Ridge".
However, those confessions revealed, this is a book that I would thoroughly enjoy - about a community /area in these early years. I seek out books of this type and how special to have one set in our own backyard
For me it has some similarity to a more adult version of Little House on the Prairie - Little Fruit Farms on the Shore, with it's wonderful insights into everyday life, livelihood and community.
But even moreso, it's the PROSE in the writings of Charles W. Jay, which are indeed, as described by Barb - "a gift". There are many "laugh aloud" moments when you finish a sentence and realize it could be one of the best "zings" you've heard. Also has well written poems, historical and personal newspapers blurbs and we so enjoy this step back in time to the somewhat scholarly and flowery language that is so enjoyable to read and ponder. . . .
. . . . and some local gossip....
We began reading a library copy, but soon knew we needed a copy for re-reading, highlighting and sharing with cottage visitors. If any "Pointers" are reading this commentary, get your copy and share with the various generations of your Point Family.
If they are all sold, get on the waiting list for a reprint.
We live much of the year in this very area, just a mile south "Blackberry Ridge".
However, those confessions revealed, this is a book that I would thoroughly enjoy - about a community /area in these early years. I seek out books of this type and how special to have one set in our own backyard
For me it has some similarity to a more adult version of Little House on the Prairie - Little Fruit Farms on the Shore, with it's wonderful insights into everyday life, livelihood and community.
But even moreso, it's the PROSE in the writings of Charles W. Jay, which are indeed, as described by Barb - "a gift". There are many "laugh aloud" moments when you finish a sentence and realize it could be one of the best "zings" you've heard. Also has well written poems, historical and personal newspapers blurbs and we so enjoy this step back in time to the somewhat scholarly and flowery language that is so enjoyable to read and ponder. . . .
. . . . and some local gossip....
We began reading a library copy, but soon knew we needed a copy for re-reading, highlighting and sharing with cottage visitors. If any "Pointers" are reading this commentary, get your copy and share with the various generations of your Point Family.
If they are all sold, get on the waiting list for a reprint.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews