1956 Map of Frankfort

About this map

Crystal Lake dominates this mid-century survey of the Benzie County shoreline, where the community of Beulah sits at the eastern tip and the port of Frankfort marks the outlet to Lake Michigan. The map illustrates a rural landscape transitioning through the 1950s, evidenced by a high density of decommissioned local institutions such as the Lincoln Sch and Cooley Sch. The Ann Arbor railroad line skirts the southern shore of the lake, connecting the lakeside settlements with the interior. Long-standing maritime landmarks are well-documented, including the North Breakwater Lighthouse and Point Betsie, while the presence of the Frankfort Landing Field and the Honor Lookout Tower reflects the mid-century infrastructure for transportation and forestry management. Several smaller water bodies like Platte Lake and Lower Herring Lake punctuate the surrounding townships of Homestead, Joyfield, and Gilmore.