Note
One of the best remembered was the Edgewater Inn, located in a large frame structure connected to Charley's Boat Livery. Looming foursquare at the base of Mason Street, it didn't look like much until you got up the steps to the top floor, where the main feature, as I recall it, was a wide, screened-in porch. Diners sat at tables almost overhanging the river with an ever-changing view of busy boat traffic against the peaceful backdrop of the forested opposite shore.
It was run by Louise Heistand, Charley's wife. The meals served there were justly famous in the area, and there was often a line of people waiting to get in. I have never been a devoted fish eater, but from their menu I always chose whatever Lake Michigan fish was being offered. The cooks always had the pick of the fishing fleet catch before it was rushed off to the Palmer House and other Chicago establishments, and they knew everything there was to know about cooking it. Your serving arrived golden brown, crusty and fragrant, breaking open to delicate, white flakiness. There were hot breads, potatoes and veggies, but the memory that can still make my mouth water is that of a beautiful succulent entree, the equal of which can't be found today.
I don't know how many summers the Edgewater Inn was in operation, but I recall how distressed we were when, on our arrival one season, we learned it had closed. Fortunately, then we discovered Wave Crest, run by Ethel Marcotte, Louise Hiestand's sister, in an attractive converted dwelling, quite far south on the Douglas lakeshore. No unique specialties still tickle my taste buds, except for the hot breads and desserts , but I always looked forward to what I knew would be a delicious meal when we planned to go there.
-- from SDHS newsletter inserts formerly posted at https://sdhistoricalsociety.org/publications/NLHist/NLHist/P115-116.phpNote
One of the best remembered was the Edgewater Inn, located in a large frame structure connected to Charley's Boat Livery. Looming foursquare at the base of Mason Street, it didn't look like much until you got up the steps to the top floor, where the main feature, as I recall it, was a wide, screened-in porch. Diners sat at tables almost overhanging the river with an ever-changing view of busy boat traffic against the peaceful backdrop of the forested opposite shore.
-- from SDHS newsletter inserts formerly posted at https://sdhistoricalsociety.org/publications/NLHist/NLHist/P115-116.phpNote
Mr. & Mrs. Hiestand lived in the house, called “The Edgewater Inn” that is between the current “Mermaid” restaurant and “The Annex” coffee shop. He ran that boat livery for many years and Mrs. Louise Hiestand operated a restaurant in the house.
-- Vincent Mocini in email to Jack Sheridan, August 2022Note
Regarding Vincent Mocini’s Aug. 11 Letter to the Editor regarding our July 28 “Trippin’ Thru Time” feature: Edgewater Inn was the name of the riverbank restaurant operated by Louise.Their home was located above on Water Street. She did not operate a restaurant in her home.
-- Cynthia Sorensen, Saugatuck Commercial Record, August 18, 2022
