In a previous post I wrote about the history of The Leaning Tree Lodge and its importance to my family for several generations.
Before it became The Leaning Tree, it was known as “The Esper Club”, named after three Esper brothers, all Catholic priests, two of whom were twins. According to the 1957 “Constitution of The Esper Club”:
“The purpose of this club shall be to perpetuate the memory of the Esper Brothers, Namely the reverends Peter, Michael, and George Esper; and further to provide a recreation center for its members; and further promote a greater friendship and association among priests.”
These photos and documents were left at the Lodge when it was purchased by my grandfather, Michael John Hanley Jr. (1924-2015).
Father George Esper
1957 Constitution of The Esper Club
Here is an article from The Fowler Post (Michigan) from 1948 that was also included in the documents and photos.
The Fowler Post - May 6, 1948
Several photos of other priests, mostly unidentified, were included in the collection.
“Father Thomas Bertrum”
Unidentified Priest - Photographer’s stamp says “Young and Carl - Cincinnati U.S.A”
Unidentified Priest - Photographer’s stamp says “Asch Studios 505 Fifth Avenue New York”
Of the many other documents included in the collection (mostly deeds, deed transfers, land contracts, tax payments, etc.) here are two of the oldest. The first is a 1919 land contract between Newton B. Goodar and Estalla V. (his wife) of Grayling, and Rev. Peter Esper of Detroit, Michigan.
The second is a letter from 1933 written from Rev. Peter Esper to the Grayling, Michigan Treasurer detailing a tax bill being paid on the property. I am not entirely sure what the connection between the Goodars and the Espers is.
1919 Land Contract
1933 Tax Letter
In searching the online newspaper archives I found the following articles of interest.
I hope to some day tell the fuller story of the Esper brothers but for now I will let the selected documents speak for themselves.
I will leave you with a few photos that show how the spirit of the Espers lives on in this well loved place my family calls The Leaning Tree Lodge.
A 1979 photo, shortly after my grandfather, Michael John Hanley Jr. (1924-2015) (far left) purchased the property. Note the Esper Club sign posted on the tree. That is my great grandmother, Ida Rhoads Sears (1900-2002) in the black and white dress. Other people identified are: Jean Sorenson, June Wirtz, and Gene Bagwell, presumably friends of my grandparents.
Present day, looking up from the dock on the Au Sable River towards the lodge. The Leaning Tree Lodge sign is posted on the same tree where the original Esper Club sign was.
Inside the lodge is a decorative shield.
As a nod to the original club, the 1944 Articles of Incorporation of the Esper Club also hang on the wall.
Two original Esper Club signs now hang above the work bench in the garage at The Leaning Tree.
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