Mouse over image to see a historical view looking east on Center Avenue in Bay City.

With the passing of each generation memories are being lost unless they are shared and recorded. These memories of what life was like during an earlier period may seem insignificant now, but when they are gone -- so is a part of our heritage. It's nice to see photos, and it's interesting to read what historians write about the past, but the flesh of the past is the experience of those who lived it. Only individuals that have experienced it can capture what it was like and meant to them and their life.

For example, {Wenona Beach} disappeared long ago

and it touched the lives of many seniors who remember the joyous days of this park. Today a trailer park now occupies this property, but as one who experienced Wenona Beach -- whenever I drive by that property it still stirs up fond memories I have of Wenona Beach." For many generations this was the place many in this community spent countless hours having fun, enjoying family picnics, taking in live entertainment, swimming and so much more. It's a treasured memory that one day will vanish with the passing of those who had the joy of having this experience.

Wenona Beach is just one example, there are countless more memories that are worth passing onto future generations.

I still get the smell of fresh donuts being made whenever I walk by the old Kresge store. My mother and I traveled that path many times while she hauled me with her to do some shopping downtown. And, what about that canister system they had at the Knepps Department Store? The cashier took your money along with a sales slip and stuffed it into the canister then sent it clanking on its way over a rail system to the upstairs office. Then there was Saturday mornings when I headed over to the old YMCA building on the north-east corner of Seventh and Washington. Afterwards, it was over to the Roxy Theater, kitty-corner to the YMCA, for a full afternoon of watching Roy Rogers, Flash Gordon, Abbott and Costello, etc. They even had an amateurs night on Fridays where locals could take the stage and show off their talent.

I never had the experience of riding the streetcars that preceded the bus system in Bay City, but thanks to Robert Trudell who did have this experience and wrote it down, {Recalling Old Street Cars}, I at least have a better idea of what it may have been like to have done so.

I could go on, but the point is that someday I won't be able to share my memories and nor will you. Therefore, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on what your memories mean to you. If you believe they have value beyond your years, then, write them down so that your descendants will be able to share these memories and know what life was like during your time here.

I hope you will consider sharing them on Bay-Journal so the current generation may become aware of what life was like before they came into being.

Whether or not you make a contribution to Bay-Journal's content, don't let your gift slip away and be lost forever. Pass it onto your family -- they will appreciate it as they make their own journey into history.

Marvin A. Kusmierz