Postcard History

Unless it is a blistering-hot day, take a jacket or sweater with you as you board the ferry at St. Ignace, Michigan, bound for Mackinac Island and the Grand Hotel. The winds that blow through the Straight of Mackinac have just covered several hundred miles of open Great Lakes water and they are cold!

The Grand Hotel is an architectural masterpiece on Michigan’s Mackinac Island. It enjoys the rich history of America’s Gilded Age that began in 1887. The hotel epitomizes opulence and grace. The Victorian era was still pretty much alive through the second decade of the twentieth century and the hotel successfully attracted visitors from around the world. The facade and sweeping verandas lean toward a timeless elegance that can be enjoyed my anyone.

Mackinac Island itself has a history that stretches back centuries. Long before the Grand Hotel welcomed its first guests, the island was home to Indigenous peoples, including the Odawa and Ojibwa tribes. The Native Americans recognized the island’s strategic position between Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. It became a significant military site during the War of 1812, when the British occupied it and after the war its charm and picturesque landscapes attracted settlers and tourists.

The hotel was constructed by a consortium of investors on a site overlooking the Strait of Mackinac. Spectacular views of the waters and magnificent sunsets await the guests. It was built as the center-piece of a resort that epitomized refinement by featuring grand accommodations, fine dining, and several recreational activities.

It took only a few years for the hotel to develop a reputation for its hospitality. With lavish interiors designed by the famous architect and designer, Hugo H. Siegel, it showcased intricate woodwork, crystal chandeliers, and ornate furnishings. One of its most endearing features is its vast front porch that measures 660 feet, making it the longest porch in the world.

Over the decades, the Grand Hotel has undergone various renovations and expansions to ensure its continued appeal to changing tastes and the needs of its guests. It has also retained its appeal as a seasonal hotel, only open from May through October, enhancing a sense of exclusivity. Visitors can explore the island’s natural beauty by horseback, bike, or on foot, as motor vehicles are prohibited

In addition to its architectural heritage, the Grand has also played a significant role in American culture. It gained renewed fame in the 1980s when it served as the primary filming location for the romantic time-travel film “Somewhere in Time,” starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour.

Christopher Reeve is best known for his portrayal of Superman, but his role in the 1980 romantic science fiction film “Somewhere in Time” is an equally significant career marker. In this film, Reeve played Richard Collier, a playwright who becomes obsessed with a photograph of a beautiful actress named Elise McKenna. Jane Seymour acted the role of McKenna in the film.

The tale revolves around time travel. Richard finds a way to transport himself back to the year 1912 to meet Elise. He explores ways to make his love for her known, and the transcendence of time seems to work until it is ruined by a single penny found in a vest pocket.

Reeve’s performance is heartfelt and poignant, capturing the vulnerability and determination of a man willing to defy the constraints of time for love.

The film’s tender moments and its haunting score, composed by John Barry, complement Reeve’s ability to convey deep emotion, making the love story both enchanting and bittersweet.

Jane Seymour is also an acclaimed actress best known for her versatile roles in film and television. Among her notable performances was her work in the romantic fantasy film “Somewhere in Time,” released in 1980. In this classic film, Seymour plays Elise McKenna, a beautiful and enigmatic actress living in the early 1900s. The story was adapted from Richard Matheson’s novel of the same name. It follows Richard Collier, portrayed by Christopher Reeve, who becomes obsessed with Elise after seeing a vintage photograph of her. He finds a way to travel back in time to meet her.

Seymour’s performance is characterized by a deliberate blend of vulnerability and strength. The role of Elise personifies the essence of a woman whose love transcends time. Her chemistry with Reeve adds depth to the film’s exploration of love and destiny. The movie tells the story of a playwright and an actress who lived in very different eras. The themes of love and nostalgia are, however, timeless and the Grand Hotel’s historical ambiance provided the perfect backdrop.