David Taylor presents to the Old Mission Historical Society a description of life in northern Michigan during the civil war. Life among the various communities of Old Mission Peninsula, Northport, and Traverse City, is described. The growth of the area, the development of the lumber business, farming, and businesses is explained. The politics of the area and of the nation are also described. This is intended to be Part I of a two-part program, with the next part focusing on the Michigan soldiers in the battles of the Civil War.