We used to visit the Shrine of the Pines in Baldwin, MI and Mr. Ray “Bud” Overholtz, the builder with some
frequency. The family legend was that my Dad helped Mr. Overholtz build the Shrine around the time he built Brookwood. All I can tell you today without Dad being here is that they definitely knew each other and were on first name basis- as Arnold and Bud.
The Shrine is a magical place. The building itself is made of white pine logs, something that even in 1939 when the cabin was built was becoming scarce. Everything inside is made of waste material from the unparalleled pine woods of Lake County MI. Mr. Overholtz found huge tree stumps and roots all over the area, unearthed them and transported them to his workshop in Baldwin MI where he would craft them into works of glorious art. His root pieces showcase the glory of Mother Nature and the unbelievable skill and art of his workmanship. He had two methods of working as I remember. Sometimes he would look into the heart of a stump or a set of roots and see the miracle of a frame, a candelabra or a chair. Other times he would decide he needed wood to build an item such as a table and would search for just the right pine stump for the job, perhaps discarding many before the end product. His pieces were carefully cut from the heart of the wood and then hewn and and hand polished to gems.
Every piece of furniture you can imagine, and most every accessory is represented in the pines. There are rooms that would represent the rooms used by woodsmen. hunters and fishermen. You will find bedrooms, a parlor or lounge, a dining room, a game room, a gun area……..it is all very amazing! All of the taxidermy in the cabin as I recall was done by Mr. Overholtz as well.
This is truly a sight I believe you need to see yourself to appreciate. Please do visit the Shrine of the Pines. Consider making a generous donation as well…….the Museum is a Michigan Historical Site. It is in need of repairs to the roof. Keep this art treasure available for future generations!
8962 South M-37, Baldwin, MI 49304
http://www.shrineofthepines.com
