New carpeting that runs down the center of the Les Cheneaux Maritime Museum's O.M. Reif boathouse is a welcome addition, bringing warm colors to the museum. The carpet, made to look like a rug, was donated anonymously. It complements new lighting and extensive renovations that provide a brighter interior. Carpeting, a new boat, weather proofing, and other renovations to the 80-year-old O. M. Reif boathouse are among improvements made this year to the Maritime Museum in Cedarville. Les Cheneaux Historical Association volunteers also organized the collections to improve the displays.

Work to the building this spring included a new sill plate, support posts, roof, siding, and window sills. New lighting illuminates the reorganized displays and boat motors dating to 1920 are now housed in their own room.

A Gus Alexander display tells the story of the man who once served as the unofficial mayor of Coryell Island. In the early 20th century, he was a popular guide, managed a boat livery and gasoline station on the island, and ran an ice business and a water taxi between the mainland and the islands.

Other new displays include artifacts and photographs of the retired U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw, donated by Mort Pomeroy, a collection of Michigan Rental Boat safety inspection tags, on loan from John Andree of DeTour, and an antique rowboat donated by cottagers Olivia Maynard, Reba Fournier, and Elizabeth Peabody, the three daughters of Sam and Betty Benedict, who owned Little LaSalle Island.

Other improvements include a revamped life jacket collection and reorganized library.

Next year, the Historical Association will improve its security lighting and add an exit door. Curator Sadie Nye said the museum's miniature Mackinac Bridge display will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Mackinac Bridge.