Today retired surgeon and Crystal Mountain resident Chuck Kraus described what it took to obtain a Michigan Historical Marker for the Diamond Crossing and Thompsonville. 
 
Chuck's interest in obtaining historical recognition for Thompsonville and its railroad crossing began with a Benzie County History Tour in June of 2017.  As Chuck discovered, the process of obtaining a historical marker is not a simple one.
 
The purpose of historical markers is to educate the public about significant people, places and things in Michigan history.  According to the Michigan History Center's website, since Michigan's Historical Marker Program was established in 1955, more than 1,700 historical markers have been placed all across the state--and in several other states and Europe--making Michigan one of the premier marker programs in the nation.
 
Chuck began "grinding out" the application for a historical marker in Thompsonville in the spring of 2018.  Among other things the process included much research of primary sources and obtaining support from the Weldon Township Board and the Thompsonville Council, as well as letters of support from Crystal Mountain Resort and others.
 
Chuck's three-page application and supporting essay was filed with the Michigan History Center on May 19, 2019.  The Center requested certain additional information and on September 20, 2019 the Michigan Historical Commission approved the application.  After the drafting of text the Commission approved Local Site No. 2335 for the marker in Thompsonville.
 
The historical marker was installed on September 29, 2020.  It will be dedicated this spring, the initial dedication date having been postponed due to COVID-19.