As part of their Shay Days event, the Harbor Springs Area Historical Society is thrilled to welcome Duane Fahey, a descendant of Ephraim Shay, to present a special Harbor History Talk on both July 19 and 20 at 1:00 pm.

Fahey's presentation will take guests through Shay's early history including his time as a soldier in the Civil War. Shay fought in the western theater of the war for both Grant and Sherman and was a part of the siege of Vicksburg. Fahey will read excerpts from Shay's Civil War diary to offer a firsthand account of one soldier's experiences. From there, the presentation will cover Shay’s marriage and move to Michigan, his entry into the lumbering industry and his invention of the famed Shay Locomotive.

Duane Fahey is a direct descendant of Mary Ann Velma Shay, Ephraim Shay’s younger sister. His interest in history centers on the American Civil War, the American Revolution and of course, Ephraim Shay.

As part of Shay Days, admission to Fahey’s presentation is by donation. Call the Historical Society at (231) 526-9771 for more information or to make a reservation.

Shay Days 2019 is sponsored by the Harbor Springs Masonic Lodge #378 and Kelbel Pharmacy with underwriting support provided by the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau. For lodging information while attending Shay Days, visit www.PetoskeyArea.com.