Ferndale Pioneer's Harrowing Trip to the Area in 1821

History is such a kick - and decidedly more fun when one has lived it and can refute what books officially "say" about a time, place or people. But props have to go to all who braved many dangers, not just mere annoyances.

An excerpt from "Ferndale of Yesteryear" by Maurice F. Cole captures a series of historical vignettes, many in the words of the actual settlers of the area. As infuriating as modern road construction is, imagine the existence of all-mud roads, winding perilously through swamp and forest, as pioneers fought their way north in travels from Detroit.

One eye-witness account is quoted in Cole's book, written by a hardy man who managed to survive it in the early 1820s:

"When I arrived in Detroit with my family some time about the first of May, 1821, I was obliged to hire a wild pair of French steers; no teams in the country. I loaded and started for the new home; quite late in the day arrived at Mrs. Chappel's, or Mother Handsome, as she was commonly called. A turnpike had been made for five miles, and then a horrible road through swamps and marshes. After passing some distance it became dark, road terrible; wife walking, leading one, and carrying a great boy of about thirty pounds. Oxen wild and ungovernable; spirits sunk; almost sorry that I ever undertook to bring my family to suffer and die in those terrible woods. Presently two men came up and cheered us on, and agreed to stick by, if all night, to help with team and children...Those men were indispensable at that time...About 10 o'clock saw a light from a window; had concluded to sleep out without fire or supper; finally got to White's tavern and camped on bar-room floor, house filled with lodgers..."

Next time you are attacked by a coven of wild orange-and-white-striped barrels, try and keep it in perspective, OK?