Leaning Tree Lodge

The Reverend Esper Brothers and Their Club - Family Artifact Challenge (Day 30)

The Reverend Esper Brothers and Their Club - Family Artifact Challenge (Day 30)

In a previous post I wrote about the history of The Leaning Tree Lodge and its importance to my family for several generations. Before it became The Leaning Tree, it was known as “The Esper Club”, named after three Esper brothers, all Catholic priests, two of whom were twins. This is the story of their club.

The Leaning Tree - Family Artifact Challenge (Day 23)

The Leaning Tree - Family Artifact Challenge (Day 23)

It is impossible to overstate the multigenerational prominence The Leaning Tree Lodge has in the collective memory of my extended family. Affectionately known as “The Cabin”, it sits on the Au Sable River, east of Grayling, Michigan and has been connected to our family since the 1960s.

1951 Jeep Willys Station Wagon - Family Artifact Challenge (Day 17)

1951 Jeep Willys Station Wagon - Family Artifact Challenge (Day 17)

This 1951 Jeep Willys Station Wagon has a unique history in our family. For many years it sat, unused, in the garage of the Leaning Tree Lodge, a family cabin on the Au Sable River in Grayling, Michigan.

Hanley Photo and Frame Mystery

Hanley Photo and Frame Mystery

There’s an oval framed photograph in my family collection that I’ve not been able to identify. Here’s the story of how I took it apart looking for clues.