October 14-16, 2016, Petoskey, Michigan
"1919: The Beginning of Something"
1919 was the last year Hemingway spent in the Walloon Lake-Petoskey area. Newly home from the war, he spent the summer at the family cottage on Walloon Lake and then, after being asked to leave the family cottage, stayed on into the winter in Petoskey. Home from the war he enjoyed great popularity around town, speaking of his war experiences to groups, attending dances and parties, enjoying the company of the Petoskey girls, and beginning his career as a serious fiction writer.
This year our keynote speaker will be Dr. Donald Daiker, Professor of English Emeritus at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. A well-loved professor and sought-after speaker, both nationally and internationally, Dr. Daiker is undoubtedly going to be a highlight of our weekend. We encourage you to visit Dr.Daiker's website at www.miamioh.edu.
The conference opens Friday evening with registration and heavy hors d'oeuvres at the historic Perry Hotel and closes Sunday afternoon. Friday evening there are plans for discussions on the world around Hemingway in 1919, including Chicago and Petoskey.
On Saturday we will have breakfast at Jesperson's of The Torrents of Spring fame; tours, including underground Petoskey -- it was during prohibition; a reenactment of Hemingway's famous "War Talk" at the Carnegie Library where it happened; and participation in the city's Hemingway Harvest Days events. The keynote dinner with Dr Daiker will be on Saturday evening.
You don't want to miss our Sunday program where we will read letters by Majorie Bump (Main) as she recalls her first encounter with Hemingway when she was thirteen and her account of the actual "End of Something" in 1919. Check out the Michigan Up North website for more information on Hemingway's Northern Michigan Connection.
If you are not a member of the Michigan Hemingway Society for 2016 you may join online now. To register for the conference click here.
If you choose accommodations at the historic Perry Hotel, where Hemingway once stayed, rooms are available at the rates shown below. If you stay over on Sunday night (recommended) the Sunday night rate is $99 for your room. Make your reservations early. Please mention you are requesting "hem2016" lodging for the Michigan Hemingway Society Fall Conference.
- Stafford’s Perry Hotel: (800-737-1899)
- Cushman Room $184
- Park House Room $214
- Imperial Room $294
Other hotels available include Stafford’s Bay View Inn: (800-258-1886) the Terrace Inn (231-347-2410) and Bay Inn (888-321-2500). Additional lodging may be found at the Petoskey Area Visitor's Bureau.
We hope to see you Up North in October for an informative and enjoyable weekend with friends who share a passion for Hemingway in an environment he treasured!