Gwen Frostic Prints

Photo credit: Robin Heaberlin

 When I was a kid, every Bear Lake vacation meant a trip to Gwen Frostic Prints in nearby Benzonia, Michigan. It was a magnet for most young mothers and Miss Mary was no exception. Vacations weren't much for Mom. Sure, there was a little time at the beach but for the most part it was meals and cleaning, the same as at home. I was surprised to hear Mom say this once.

 But her annual visit to Gwen Frostic was something she wanted to do and we all willingly went along.

 In those years, Gwen Frostic (1906-2001) was still living and likely to be there. As owner and president of Presscraft Papers, Frostic had a ready production line for her wood block prints and writings. Her shop (pictured in this blog) opened in 1964.

 There are a dozen original Heidelberg presses still operating. In past years they were quite active, many running at once. This year there was but one clanking away (Tom  and I visited on Monday, 06/10/19).

 The shop has remained virtually unchanged since I first visited over half a century before.
 The opposite end of the facility houses a small display case honoring Frostic's life and work. It includes several pair of her eyeglasses.

 I'm touched by the epitaph she penned before her death: "Here lies one doubly blessed. She was happy and she knew it."

She is buried in the Benzonia Township Cemetery.