Elm Pointe Estate
At the point where Monroe Creek winds its way to the South Arm of Lake Charlevoix stands a lovely park. Elm Pointe, the original site of a pioneer homestead, later became an estate consisting of eleven acres, a residence and lodge. This estate was granted to the City of East Jordan by owners Dr. and Mrs. George Westgate, on June 30, 1972; and gratefully accepted by the city “on the basis that all said property shall be used and devoted exclusively for public purposes.” In 1999, Elm Pointe was designed Michigan Historic Site #2004.
During the summer months the small beach and picnic areas are immensely popular. The buildings, too, are fully utilized. The main residence, with its summer home atmosphere, is an ideal setting for meetings, family reunions, showers, weddings and recitals. The main floor of the lodge houses the East Jordan Portside Art and Historical Museum. The museum has artifacts from the lumbering era, an excellent agricultural exhibit, E.J. and Southern Railroad memorabilia, a salute to the military and local manufacturing, as well as new exhibits each year. Adjacent to the museum is the Cygred Riley Art Gallery with its impressive collection of Purchase Prize paintings and crafts (1971 to 2018) from the annual Portside Arts Fair. The Fair is always held on the grounds the first full weekend of August. It offers audiences a juried selection of fine arts and crafts in a setting that celebrates man’s inspiration by nature and the desire to share that inspiration with others in a spirit of community.
The Portside Arts Fair
The fair is sponsored by the East Jordan Historical Society. Admission is free, however, all donations made at the gate benefit the Historical Society.
Fair Hours:
The Fair is open Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Free Parking:
Field parking is available directly across the road (M66 highway) from Elm Pointe. Watch for the signs marking the driveway.
Restrooms:
There are public restrooms located on site. A handicap accessible port-a-john is available.
Concessions:
The Depot-Jordan Valley Teen Center will again provide concessions as a fundraiser. The Depot is a local-non profit providing a safe place for 6th-12th grade youth to gather.
Entertainment:
Our music entertainment featured on Saturday, August 3: Cyndel Thompson, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm and Dane Tollas 1:00-4:00 pm. On Sunday, August 4, Lou Thumser 10:00 am – 1:00 pm and Nelson Olstrom 1:00-4:00 pm.
Awards:
Prize money and ribbons will be awarded on Saturday by our judge based on overall work and display. The artists selected as best of show in 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional categories will each receive $500.00. Artists receiving honorable mention awards will receive a free booth in the next year’s show. Winning student artists will receive $200 and $100. Prizes are sponsored by the Portside Art Fair, Charlevoix State Bank and East Jordan Plastics.
Museum:
The East Jordan Portside Art and Historical Society museum on-site will be open during the fair. Admission is free, donations are appreciated. Handicap accessible.
Gift Shop:
Portside art and historical society merchandise is available for purchase. The East Jordan Remembers book is back in print for just $15.00.
Beach:
There is a small sandy beach on the south side of the property with picnic tables and BBQ grills.