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Features Page 5 April 1, 2003 For Sale: Rare Piece of Local History JOSEPH PREVOST Staff Writer Built some 89 years ago and remaining in the family for another 79 years, the house at 300 State Street is up for sale. Currently owned by Betty Mahmoody ( of Not Without My Daughter fame), it is a rare piece of local history that she has painstakingly restored to its original condition, right down to original appliances. The house at 300 State Street was built by the Fletcher family who's patriarch, George N. Fletcher, was one of our town founders . He arrived in the area in the mid-1800's making his venture in the logging industry. tater he joined other town fathers and founded Huron Portland Cement (now owned by Lafarge Corporation) as well as other major industries. owners. Fletcher's influence has left The house has hand a very long legacy of industry woven, imported, seamless, that remains well entrenched wool carpets. It's nearly in our community. More impossible to tell they are information on Fletcher can · almost as old as the house be obtained at the George N. is. The carpet in the master Fletcher Library reference suite's sitting room cost section (211 N. first St., nearly $45,000 when it was Alpena Michigan, 989-356- imported from France and 6188). installed over half a century Mahmoody acquired the ago. stately home from the The house was designed Fletcher family in November for housing both family and of '93 for an undisclosed servants. The north end of amount. She is selling the the house was intended as home for a little over $1.2 the servant's area. The million. It stands regally on remaining two thirds were for an impressive slice of thefamily. Thunder Bay Shoreline, The kitchen, the servants' apart from its neighbors. workspace and their living Upon entering the house quarters were distinctly you·are whisked away to a separate. time when life was very No expense was spared in different and the address 300 building this house. State Street was not even Withfivemarblefireplaces, within the city limits of a grand dining room, and a · Alpena. library covered entirely in Its design and technology walnut. are a testament to the The house is constructed affluence of its original ofpouredconcreteandfilled The Fletcher House is a time machine back to the 1800s. from end to end with the best woodwork. The kitchen is separated into three rooms by function. And the windows are constructed of copper with leaded windowpanes. The basement houses a full service bar with a pool table and access to the elevator that goes directly to the master suite on the second floor. In a separate part of the basement is a fully functional bowling lane complete with original balls, pinsetter, ball return and score sheets. The pinsetter is manual though, considerably limiting single player bowling. As if that was not enough there is a private tennis court overlooking Thunder Bay. Photo By Joseph Prevost Lee Pumford of Le Valley Real Estate, Saginaw Michigan, 800-547-1918, was very accommodating in providing a tour and information. Though Mahmoody was hoping to entertain the tour of her home herself she was unable to make it but expressed her gratitude for the interest. Coast Guard Surprising Stateside Contributor to War Effort KATIEPIZZA military that is involved in the Staff Writer war effort is the Coast Guard. While they are primarily With the ongoing war in Iraq known for their works it seems necessary to focus protecting the coastline they some attention to the people are also present in the war with here in Alpena who are the use of landing craft and involved in the military. needed vehicles. The war effort is not simply While the Coast Guard "may something that only takes not have high numbers, [they] place "over there" but is also are a part of what is happening relevant inside the United [in the war]," according to States' borders as well. Chief Brad Adams of the -SlJMMER eLASSES , . . . . ,· ARE HEATING IJP This is not a new occurrence; Members of this group are the Coast Guard was involved at this time in Iraq and are in World War II causing one presently waiting for further member of the Coast Guard instructions. to receive the Medal of Honor At the moment, the U.S. is (an award given for bravery) not relying on ground fighting for his efforts. \>u.t referring to focus their Another branch that is at ntion on air tactics to involved in the war effort is the des oy targets, which is still Army. One group of soldiers relevant to the Army because that are especially involved in of their use of helicopters and Iraq are the Special Forces or other air transportation. "Green Berets" as they are The Army is considered to more commonly known. be e "main force in Iraq because [the Army is] self- and it is also important to note supporting and can that these branches are always accomplish pretty much looking for more people to anything," according to Staff join their ranks. Sergeant Todd Easterday of For information about joining theArmy. the Coast Guard or about the The reason for this is Coast Guard in general please because the Army is the largest contact Chief Brad Adams at military branch and can have 356-1656. more soldiers readily available For information about joining for whatever need may arise. the Army or about the Army It is certain that a need will in general please call Staff arise for both of these Sergeant Todd Easterday at branches in the ongoing war 356-6102. Brownbag Lunch "The State of Current Events" April 9th, 23rd 11:30-12:30 p.m. BTC 107D Left: Kappa Beta Delta Inductees at the March Induction Ceremony. Photo Courtesy Jay Walterreit. Visit our Web lite for detallt Before summer heats up, play it cool. Plan now for Summer College. Registration Begins March 17. Earn up to 16 credits in two six-week sessions. Session I May 12- June 22 Session II June 23- August 2 Plus, take an opportunity to speed up your degree while you enjoy another beautiful U .P. summer. At Northern, Naturally! Log on today ... www.nmu.edu/summer Northern Michigan University