When you think of Crystal Falls, MI, you probably think of snow, Rusty beer cans, and Jon's model trains. However, I learned today there is more to the town.
While sitting in a traffic backup today in Southberry, CT, I caught up with a Uhaul truck. The picture is not very good but the truck featured Crystal Falls as a vacation destination. Strangely, it did not even mention snow, Rusty beer cans, or Jon's model trains. Instead, it talked about ancient mushrooms. Who knew Crystal Falls has so much to offer?
For a lot of you, it is Jonny, his train layout, his can expeditions and that’s all good. I enjoy reading everyone’s exploits up there.
For my wife and I, it was like stepping back to a simpler time. Our first visit was in 1976 for our fifth anniversary. All the businesses in town closed at closed at 5 PM. We were going to try the Riverside pizza in Iron River but we locked the cottage key inside before leaving. Went to the owner who opened it up for us and he said nobody locks anything up here! It’s not that way these days.
The people were not just different, they were friendly and nice to be around. Businesses recognized you. “Hey! You’re back up. How long you staying? Some places were required visits on any trip. Bruno’s at the Greyhound station had the best sliders. Ken’s bakery was a required stop upon arriving and maybe a second visit before leaving. Fob’s was a required meal several times during a visit.
If you went to a store looking for something and they didn’t have it, the clerk might point you to another store that he or she knew had it. The people and the place just made you feel good! For over 30 years, we would visit at least once a year but more often than not, it turned into two or three trips a year. We were just comfortable being up there. Sad to admit health and age makes the trip difficult to impossible these days.
Wasn’t aware of @YooperAho or @kamsquared until I hooked up with the RB. I’m sure we passed somewhere during out visits. Maybe they were the kids we honked at to get their bikes the hell off the road!
Regardless what Crystal means to any of you, for us it was the best of times and memories…
Riverside Pizza is one of the best pizzas I have ever had!!! I love Fobs!!! Many a pre dumping breakfast there!
Greg Gromosiak-RB#699 B.C.C.A.#3197
Former Rusty Bunch President, Current Editor, Miami Valley Guzzelette scrabble1959@yahoo.com Turning dirt since 1972
Looking for either Red Top "Old Cincinnati" Beer O.I.!!!!
Lovegun wrote: ↑Thu May 18, 2023 11:07 am
Riverside Pizza is one of the best pizzas I have ever had!!! I love Fobs!!! Many a pre dumping breakfast there!
Yes, Riverside has good pizza, but do they have to cut it in 1 inch squares?
RockBob, Rocko, Rockford Bob, Pinhead
Collector of all things from Chicago and cans I dig Ironguts Union #11
Rockbob wrote: ↑Mon May 22, 2023 11:47 amYes, Riverside has good pizza, but do they have to cut it in 1 inch squares?
They're probably closer to 1 1/2 x 2 inch squares and it's just part of what is known as UP UNIQUE! Makes it more of a "finger food" and easier to eat.
