Among the Sturdy Pioneers explains the development of a boom town in northern Michigan at the turn of the twentieth century. Settled as a lumbering community, Cheboygan quickly grew to become one of the most important lumber manufacturing cities in the state. By looking at how it was settled and by whom, the book explains just how a lumber town is not only settled, but also how that settlement gradually becomes more permanent. From boom town to stable city, Among the Sturdy Pioneers illustrates how just a few entrepreneurial lumber barons helped build a town. The book also goes into considerable detail looking at the lives of these lumber kings, how they made their fortunes and why they chose to come up north.
More than just a story about lumber, though, there are plenty of additional facets of Cheboygan's early life that are covered. From other industries in town to strange stories and bizarre incidents, the book is not an industrial history per se, but a general history of the community as well. Shipping, auto manufacturing, railroads, crime and punishment, and even a brush with a rare disease add to the breadth of the work.
Cheboygan began to change dramatically as the lumber industry waned, and these events and how the community reacted are also thoroughly covered. As the town struggled to find itself after the decline of the industry, the boom town was in danger of a real bust. However, through its fortunate geographical location and aesthetic beauty, it became a remarkable year-round destination for travelers the world over.