Hancock History Audio Tour

For Immediate Release, April 29, 2023

Contact – Ron Beeber 313.498.0155

 TAKE THE HANCOCK HISTORY SELF-GUIDED AUDIO TOUR

Would you like an easy way to reminisce, or expand your knowledge about Pentwater history?  The Pentwater Historical Society (PHS) is pleased to announce the new Hancock History Self-Guided Audio Tour.  It’s free, and easily accessed on one’s cell or hardline telephone simply by dialing 231.720.0291, and following the prompts.

Each of the six audio narratives runs between five and nine minutes.  They describe some of the history that occurred on six blocks of Hancock Street – the 500 block between Fifth and Sixth streets, 400 block, 300 block, 200 block, 100 block, and the block between Lowell and First.  As weather improves, each narrative might best be enjoyed while sitting in front of the Village Marina, water tower, Chamber of Commerce, Village Green, Hancock Building, Cosmic Candy, Village Hall, and Methodist Church.  There, residents and visitors can imagine Pentwater’s early days as they listen on cellphones, perhaps through an earpiece while sipping a beverage.

One can listen to all six narratives in succession, starting at the Village Marina and entering 500 + pound, either while strolling along Hancock Street or sitting on a bench.  Just follow the prompts.  It’s perfect for dog walkers.  Or, one can access individual recordings anytime, like while sitting on a bench waiting for a shopper, or just people-watching.  Simply enter 5-0-0-pound (# KEY) to learn some history about the 500 Block of Hancock, 4-0-0-pound for some history about the 400 block, and so forth.  To learn some history between Lowell and First streets, one must enter 9-9-pound.

“It was fascinating to compile and record these narratives over the winter,” said Ron Beeber, a PHS volunteer docent.  “A lot of the content is drawn from past issues of PHS newsletters that are posted on the pentwaterhistoricalsociety.org Website under the Research heading.  Some landmarks had to be located by matching content to historic photos of the Village.”

The content heard in these six recordings is just the tip of the iceberg of what’s known about Hancock Street’s history.  The PHS hopes this Self-Guided Audio Tour will trigger many Pentwater me

mories, and that listeners will post some on the Pentwater Historical Society Museum’s Facebook page.  What a treasure trove of memories!

The idea for sharing Hancock Street history this way was inspired by Mary Schumaker’s suggestion a few years ago that the PHS offer docent-led tours along Hancock Street during the holiday shopping season.  It would build upon the popularity of the summertime History Cruise on Pentwater Lake.  PHS trustees Bart Zachrich and Beth Russell conducted a few strolls, but encountered some real wintry weather.  Then, two years ago, a few docent-led tours were offered on already-busy summer Saturday mornings.  So the Historical Society hopes this Self-Guided Audio Tour proves to be more convenient.  One can just add 231.720.0291 to their cellphone “Contacts” — labeled as “PHS” — and listen anytime, from anywhere – the street, car, or one’s home.