Historic Cottages of Glen Lake by Barbara Siepker, photography by Dietrich Floeter

Today’s feature is courtesy Absolute Michigan, and you can click to read about many more Notable Books on Absolute Michigan. The Michigan Notable Books program annually selects 20 of the most notable books published in the year. The selections are reflective of Michigan’s diverse ethnic, historical, literary, and cultural experience. Learn more about the program at www.michigan.gov/notablebooks.

Leelanau Press — More than 50 historic cottages’ interiors and exteriors are documented in this beautiful publication detailing the resort community nestled in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes in Leelanau County. Like taking a trip back in time, the book’s descriptive narratives and lavish photographs highlight each individual cottage’s lore and memories, and will delight readers with interests in local history, architecture and family traditions.

Rarely seen interior images of fifty cozy summer cottages and narratives provide a portrait of a special place and state of mind evoked by summer cottage living on beautiful Glen Lake. These cottages are viewed against the backdrop of early summer resort life in northern Michigan the first half of the twentieth century. Dietrich Floeter’s duotone photographs and author Barbara Siepker’s captivating historical narratives include personal anecdotes on each cottage. The cottage is shown in its glory and reveals its importance in the lives of its owners and the broader community. In total they document the essence of these wonderful old cottages as well as life and time of bygone years.

These rich cottage images have been captured with care and reverence by Traverse City photographer, Dietrich Floeter. His intention choice of a wide view camera replicates the type and style of camera that would have been used during the time period of the early resort era. Floeter has captured their essence through close attention to light and detail which he has meticulously set up and framed. Floeter has been a commercial photographer for twenty-three years, specializing in architectural, industrial and aerial work.

A few articles of interest include Historic Cottages of Glen Lake on the Glen Arbor Association website, Siepker’s book remembers historic cottages on the Glen Arbor Sun website and Glen Lake Book Wins Big on MyNorth.com. You may also want to check out this slideshow of Glen Lake from the Absolute Michigan flickr pool.

If you want more information or would like to purchase this Michigan Notable Book visit The Cottage Books website, which is owned by author Barbara Siepker.