Retailers Offer 50th Bridge Anniversary Souvenirs
By Karen Gould

In addition to books, the Island Bookstore offers an array of Mackinac Bridge memorabilia ranging from playing cards to DVDs. On Saturday, June 23, Jill Sawatzki, assistant at the shop, said a special display is planned at the store for July. Tourists are already asking questions about the bridge's history, she said, and activities planned during the celebration that begins Thursday, July 26, with the introduction of a new bridge token.

With the official celebration weekend marking the 50th anniversary of the Mackinac Bridge just one month away, souvenirs that chronicle bridge construction, history, and the Straits can be found at many area retail shops.

With commemorative items ranging from 99¢ to more than $80, residents and visitors can memorialize the bridge's past through photographs and movies, wear earrings that depict the bridge, mark the page of their favorite novel with a bridge bookmark, and take on the challenge of a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle featuring the five-mile span.

For years, tourist visits to Northern Michigan have meant taking home souvenirs that captured their memories, added to their collections, or included a Tshirt naming the location of their summer trip.

At right: Gina Della-Moretta of the Gold Mine jewelry store on State Street shows some of the gold and silver Mackinac Bridge jewelry available Saturday, June 23. Three handpainted canvas signs replicating the official Mackinac Bridge celebration poster hang on the outside of the St. Ignace business. They were painted by her mother, Yvonne Della-Moretta.

This year, retailers hope those shopping bags will include bridge memorabilia.

Interest in the bridge already has taken hold on Mackinac Island, said Jill Sawatzki, Island resident and Island Bookstore assistant.

"People come in and want to know everything about the building of the bridge," she said. "They are thrilled when they see we have the Public Broadcasting Service DVD movie, "50th Anniversary Edition, Building the Mighty Mac."

Ms. Sawatzki said she tries to keep informed on area history and summer events, including activities planned for the bridge celebration in July.

"People come to the bookstore for information like they come to the tourism bureau," she said. "I try to find out as much as I can about everything going on. When the tourism bureau closes, the next stop they go to for information is the book store."

In addition to books, bridge related items being sold at the Main Street shop include bookmarks, movies, playing cards, stationery, an appointment calendar, and a puzzle.

In St. Ignace, jewelry items featuring the bridge started arriving approximately six months ago, said Joe Della-Moretta of the Gold Mine. The store has offered silver and gold charms of the bridge for several years. The charms depict the bridge and have the word "Mackinac" engraved on them to distinguish the charm from other suspension bridges, said Mr. Della-Moretta.

Added to the Gold Mine's collection are American-made earrings from Jo Addie of the "Somewhere in Time Gallery" of La Grange Park, Illinois. Gold or silver necklaces depicting the bridge are available, he said.

"We've had interest in this memorabilia since we got it," said Mr. Della-Moretta.

Three canvas signs on the outside of the store mirror the official bridge celebration poster and draw attention to the bridge souvenirs inside. The signs were painted by Yvonne Della- Moretta.

Just up the street at the Indian Village souvenir store, visitors are greeted by a display of bridge commemorative items. Included with the traditional T-shirts, sweatshirts, and postcards are snow globes, key chains, books, hats, coffee mugs, iron-on patches, coolers, and spoons.

"Coffee mugs and snow globes are very popular," said Susan Ryan, night manager at the store. "And the coolers are going very fast."

While making purchases, visitors ask many questions about the bridge, she said. Most often she is asked when the bridge opened to traffic. The question leads to explaining that the celebration is being held in the summer, she said, when Upper Peninsula weather is more cooperative and to accommodate summer vacations, rather than at the official bridge opening date of November 1.

A commemoration ceremony also is scheduled for November 1 at Bridge View Park recognizing the historic opening of the bridge.

In February, four posters marking the 50th anniversary of the bridge were made available by the Michigan Department of Transportation. The posters sell for $4 each and are available by mail or by phone at (517) 322- 1676.