1956 Map of Alba

About this map

The Pennsylvania RR railroad corridor defines the northwestern corner of this landscape, passing through the settlement of Alba where a local Cem and the surrounding townships of Chestonia and Star meet. This mid-century survey captures a region dominated by conservation and recreation, split between the Pigeon River State Forest and the Au Sable State Forest. The interior is dotted with dozens of glacial lakes, from the large Starvation Lake and Blue Lake to smaller, family-named features like MacNeil Pond and Waddell Pond. Educational and community outposts like Barnhart Sch and Blue Lake Sch appear alongside scout camps like Camp Flying Eagle, while fire protection is evidenced by the Hayes Lookout Tower and Deward Lookout Tower. The drainage patterns of the Manistee River and the Pigeon River flow through these protected woodlands, connecting remote hamlets like Deward and Frederic.