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Preserving
throughout
Photo above: On loan from Ron Winter, this
last known existing Alpena Flyer was built in
Alpena in 1911. Photo at right: Besser Museum founders Anna and Jesse Besser continue their legacy of support even today
through the Besser Foundation, which helps
to underwrite many programs enjoyed by
the public.
The Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan has championed the cause of preserving and promoting the unique
industrial heritage of Northeast Michigan. During the
1800s, the abundance of lakes, lumber and limestone
drew pioneering entrepreneurs to the northeastern region
of Michigan. Alpena’s first big industries were commercial fishing and lumbering.
By the late 1800s, over two million pounds of fish and
five billion board-feet of lumber were shipped from
Alpena across the nation. George Fletcher’s name stands
out in history among many of the proprietors who found
their fortune in the timber business.
Along with the timber business, Fletcher established the
Fletcher Paper Company and the Alpena Power Company.
Considered “green gold,” the timber boom created more
millionaires than did the Gold Rush. Late local historian,
Ann Taber, claimed that in the 1890s there were more
millionaires in Alpena than anywhere else in Michigan
due to the timber boom. When the timber business started
to wane, attention was given to the mining of limestone.
The limestone quarry on Ford Avenue has changed
names over the course of 100 years; but, what hasn’t
changed is the quality of cement that is produced there.
And cement is the main ingredient in making concrete and
concrete is the second most consumed substance in the
world. By 1906, Herman and Jesse Besser were capitaliz-
This exhibit, newly
installed as part of
a gift from the
Besser Company in
celebration of the
museum’s 50th anniversary, tells the
story of the 100year-old company
that was established
by Jesse Besser and
his father, Herman
Besser.
8 - Besser Museum 50th Anniversary ~ Wednesday, January 27, 2016