Today retired urologist and local historian Chuck Krause returned to Sunrise Rotary to talk about his recently released book, Thompsonville in Time:  A Northwestern Michigan Story, 1890-2020.
After retiring five years ago, Chuck and his wife moved from Ohio to Crystal Mountain.  A tour sponsored by the Benzie Historical Society sparked an interest in the diamond railroad crossing in Thompsonville.  Chuck determined that the diamond crossing was historically relevant, prompting him to plunge into an ultimately successful effort to have a State of Michigan hisorical marker installed in Thompsonville,  After a Covid delay the marker received formal recognition in June of 2021.
 
Chuck was asked to join the Benzie Historical Museum's Board of Directors, and Executive Director Barb Mort asked Chuch to prepare a 20-page pamphlet about Thompsonville.  Chuck knew there was much more to be written about Thompsonville than could be summarized in a short pamphlet and decided to write a book instead.
 
This required more research, but getting information was only the first step.  Writing began in late 2019 and included much time spent in Chuck's basement.  After a good measure of aggravation and frustration--including a paper shortage--the book was published on September 29, 2021.  It is now available in hardcopy or paperback at the Benzie Area Historical Museum, Crystal Mountain, local books stores and on line.  Profits from the sale of the book will go to the Benzie Area Historical Society.