Dedication of the little store

There is a little building in the park across from the cottage, originally the association caretaker kept keys to the cottages and other things there and used it as an office. When I was a child it was used for the park caretaker to store mowers and equipment but a few years ago it was renovated and cleaned up and a little store opened for people to come buy candy, newspapers, donuts, have coffee and buy or trade in a book. It did so well that a deck was added on so people could visit and enjoy the morning or come see the sunset.

This weekend it was dedicated to Anne McGrail, or Grandma McGrail as lots of us called her. She was a driving force, not only in her large and loving family but in running the store. A plaque was added to the building in her memory and her son Tom gave a lovely speech.

It makes me happy knowing that the little store will keep running on the weekends and kids will still come for penny candy and maybe a donut. And the little store is right next to the sidewalk that leads to the water fountain with a plaque in memory of my grandparents. I like to think that Grandma McGrail, my grandparents and the Johnsons, among others are enjoying being together still while their families continue the friendships built many summers ago on the beach and in the cottages along the lake. A little slice of heaven for sure.

While we were visiting after the store dedication the Coast Guard Cutter Mackinac left the channel. We went up the hill to watch that too and snap a few pictures.