Bad Post Cards:

From:  The Grand Rapids Press

Pure Michigan? 

'Bad' postcards show state's less-celebrated views

 8) Flint "River"

I know Flint. I worked in Flint. People in Flint are my friends. This is not Flint.

 7) John A. Hanna Administration Building, Michigan State University

“Dear Mom and Dad, here is the bland building where people process my tuition payments. Go Green!”

The 1968 building was named after Hannah, who presided over the university for 28 years -- in a more picturesque office, we can assume.

 6) Copper Peak Ski Flying Hill

I have absolutely no doubt that the Copper Peak Ski Flying Hill, near Bessemer, is a cool thing -- in the winter! Showing it deserted in the summer makes this a great bad postcard

 5) Mackinac Island

The back of the card talks about biking around Mackinac Island, which is a lot of fun and allows riders to burn off calories after eating all that fudge. Sadly, the card doesn't show much of the trail or any bikers, save for the creepy ghost rider in the sky.

 4) Detroit.

I'm not sure it's a good thing to show off your city by telling people exactly how many feet they are from getting the heck out of it. I wonder if the Windsor side has the same sign, but in meters.

3) Ironwood

I've never been to Ironwood. But the people there must be really proud of that traffic light

 2) Northport Marina

My wife and I drove around Leelanau County last week. The post card said it depicts the Northport Marina, where, I suspect, people keep boats. It would have been nice to show some boats. I think I see one peeking out behind that van, or way off in the distance behind the shrub!

1) Blockhouse

The back tells us that this is the blockhouse between Whitehall and Muskegon in Michigan on Scenic Drive. Apparently the spot was famous for its “parking area” sign.I don't think they're going to feature this photo in one of those "Pure Michigan" billboards. But if I were looking for the parking area, that sign would be helpful.