Historic White Pine Village

The Western Michigan White Pine Muster is an event paying tribute to those who have served in military action throughout our history. The Muster will have memorabilia, vendors, interpreters and/or veterans from Pre-1840, Civil War, WW I, WW II, Korean and Viet Nam. The two-day event will be held at the Western Michigan Fairgrounds, just east of Ludington, Michigan. The Muster will feature skirmishes, cannon firings, live firing of weapons (flintlock, percussion, cannons, gatling gun, bolt action, Browning Automatic Rifle, Thompson, Garand-M-1, and AR 16), medical demonstrations, communications demonstrations, fashion show, and camp life interpretation. New this year will be vendors selling period wares.

Ernie Pyle, portrayed by Dr. Rick Plummer, will be reporting “dispatched from the front lines”, as we feature the events and history of WWII this year during the White Pine Muster.

Saturday will feature an Old Time Base Ball game at 10:00 A.M. played according to 1860 rules just as the Civil War soldiers played the game in the fields during the war. No gloves were used and the striker (batter) is out if the ball is caught on the first bounce.

A hospitality tent provides a setting for veterans to enjoy fellowship and reminisce with friends. Trucks, guns, clothing, and memorabilia from all periods will be on display as well as re-enactors and veterans to give visitors a first hand account of each period of our history. On Saturday a ceremony including an honor guard will be held next to a veteran memorial sign honoring those from Mason County who have paid the ultimate price of giving their life for our country.

Vendors already committed to be on the grounds during the two day event are: Steve Haystead – Beekeeper, Cherry Hill Honey (beeswax, candles, honey, observation hive); Ralph E. Babcock – Wooden Toys and Boxes (wooden toys and boxes with pegs and glue); Gary and Jan Hill – Red Hawk Traders (trade silver, red flannels, and period housewares); Douglas Koch – Standing Bear Trading Post (cups, leather, clothing, bath salts, bath soap, silver, belt bags, necklaces, candy, beef jerky, pineapple rings, herbs, sheep skins, fur bags, knives, and wood carvings); Dan Cox – Silver N Beads (silver, beads)

Historic White Pine Village’s famous Concession Stand will be on the grounds serving hot roast beef sandwiches, walking tacos, hot dogs, chips, pop, and coffee.

Saturday evening, the Western Michigan White Pine Muster Committee will host a formal banquet (Muster Dinner) for quests that have made advanced paid reservations. Information about making a reservation can be obtained by calling Historic White Pine Village at 231-843-4808 or email at info@historicwhitepinevillage.org.