56: Upper Peninsula, Part 5: The Guardian of Phoenix

In the fifth installment of our Upper Peninsula saga, we venture into Phoenix, Michigan, a town enveloped in tales as enduring as its structures. Here, legend speaks not of bridge trolls but of a sentinel of history, guarding her domain not beneath an overpass but within the walls of a 148-year-old general store. The "troll" of Phoenix turns out to be an 87-year-old matriarch, whose presence is as much a staple of the town as the vintage wares lining the shelves of her store. From her customary perch at the front window, she oversees her kingdom, greeting passersby and patrons with a formidable scowl that has become her trademark and, unwittingly, her charm. 

As we peel back the layers of Phoenix's unique character, we are reminded that history is not just about places and events but the people who give them color and texture. To continue the journey through the rich tapestry of hometown stories, visit us at itshometownhistory.com.