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Rick Brewer: While Driving the back roads of Mecosta County, one may feel like they are in the Parisian countryside. That's because you might stumble upon a replica of the Eiffel Tower.
As part of her summer roadside attraction series, WCMU's Tina Sawyer brings us this report from Paris, Michigan.
Tina Sawyer: This Eiffel Tower statue isn't quite as large as the original. It's wrapped in Christmas lights and is made entirely of...
Jaydin Johnson: Steel bed frames.
TS: Yes, bed frames. That's Jayden Johnson. He is with Mecosta County Parks. He says this replica of France's most famous structure was part of a school project about 40 years ago.
JJ: Which was built in 1980 after Jim Huffman of the Chippewa Hills area, his students and him discovered a bunch of old steel bed frames in the area and created this. I believe it's a 1 to 54 scale replica of the Eiffel Tower, and they were kind enough to donate that over to the parks.
TS: And the bones of the replica, the bed frames? They tie in to another historical site on the grounds: the state's second only fish hatchery.
JJ: During the 30s, 40s, as the hatchery was still operating through the DNR, and President FDR was doing all of his stuff with the Work Progress Administration, the campground did act as a site. There were, I believe, there were about 8 cabins dedicated to housing for employees of the campground that were employed and funded through the Work Progress Administration.
TS: Jaydin says they recently moved the monument from the back of the park to the front, with closure of the back ponds to the public. He says this, and decorating it with Christmas lights, has allowed it to be more of a focal point for visitors from near and far.
JJ: We do get a few European tourists sometimes, like from France or Germany, stuff like that, and sometimes they'll get the full get up on for some pictures.
TS: The hatchery also draws sightseers.
JJ: So, at the moment it presently sits as more of a historical monument, but as we're working with the community Save the Ponds organization, which is working to raise funding to renovate all of the pond areas as well.
TS: But until then, pack some croissants and take a few pictures with the Eiffel Tower. (To Jaydin) Have you ev er dressed in a beret when you come out here?
JJ: Sometimes. (Laughs)
TS: From Paris... Michigan, I'm Tina Sawyer, WCMU News.
The Eiffel Tower and Hatchery are located at Paris Park and Campground, five miles north of Big Rapids.
