DescriptionThis volume covers the early history of the area and the family which lent the Boardman river its name. The river is just over 50 miles in length, from the swamps of Kalkaska county where the North and South branches begin, to its exit into the West arm of Grand Traverse Bay in downtown Traverse City. A mile by mile illustrated survey of the river describes interesting history and sites along the way. Special pages also discuss literary references to the Boardman river from Hemingway to contemporary children's books. Many maps, historical postcards and contemporary photographs illustrate the text. Table of Contents: 1. The river ; Poem: "The vision" by Rambler -- 2. The mission and early settlements ; Historical fiction of the Boardman River -- 3. Navigation and transportation -- 4. The river as a source of power and industry ; Ernest Hemingway and the Boardman -- 5. Recreation on the river: children's/young adult stories, Timber by Harold Titus -- 6. Environmental concerns: modern novels set in Traverse City, the many books of Gloria Whelan -- 7. From beginning to end: north branch of the Boardman River, south branch of the Boardman River, from the forks to the mouth -- Bibliography -- Image sources and acknowledgments -- Index.