|
By: Jim Fitzpatrick |
|
Email: jim@nunica.com |
|
Local Farmer in Polkton Township writes for the Coopersville Observer. |
|
Along Brandy Creek By Jim Fitzpatrick
The Coopersville Observer August 1, 2011- - No. 114 |
|
The gravel right-of-way passing by Grandma’s woods breaks off to the south from Leonard Road. After less than a mile it curves to the right on the downhill slop leading to the river. This quaint country road mysteriously disappears into the slow moving waters of the Grand under the overhanging branches of a massive oak at the water’s edge.
Not so long ago there were few houses along this shady stretch called 90th Ave. Great Uncle Fred’s house is still there, not far from Grandma’s woods. His son Bernard lived in the house across the road and Fred’s grandson lives in the one next door to that one. The house and remnants of an ancient resort are still visible at the top of the hill near the curve in the road. The old Probst farm house has changed a bit but still recognizable from the days when Carl and his wife were raising a family on a bunch of the acres along 90th.
Change in the countryside is inevitable. More residents have established themselves along this pleasing drive over the years. This spring season the county road commission started work in an effort to pave this little country byway. Trees are being removed, ditches made deeper, driveways revamped and fences pushed back. A fresh new slick and smooth black-topped surface is in the making. The drive to the river will be a little less rural than in the past. Grandma surely would have had second thoughts about all of this commotion there along the path that she and her mom use to walk on their way down to the river to catch a fish or two for supper. |
