Meanwhile, back at the ranch....hey....where's the ranch? (updated entry, with mystery solved)

We drove through Northport so I could get some photos and try and spot the old Woodruff Ranch. Some things looked familiar; many things did not. Ultimately, even after three passes by the area just south of town, we were unsuccessful in spotting the cottage. It must have been absorbed by some kind of development; I noticed a marina, some fancy cottages, and a number of orchards that seemed new in the mile or two south of town.

Addendum: Patty Geisler told Grandpa in an email about some recent contact with the current owner of the Woodruff Ranch:

On Thu, Oct 11, 2012 at 7:13 AM, Patricia Geisler <pattygeisler@gmail.com> wrote:

Three or four years ago while we were up at the family "rally" at Leelanau State Park, Richard called Mrs. Taylor.  He, Ryan, Laurel and I visited the Ranch.

Richard and Ryan took notes and measurements to forward their plan of "rebuilding it board for board" in Gore Bay.  Laurel and I got the grand tour of the inside and chatted up the owners.  The house itself has been little changed except that the back room is now all fixed up in to a big dining room--the old dining room has furniture that takes advantage of that view out the bay window (a literal bay window, isn't it?)  And the kitchen has been vastly improved.  The whole place is "decorated".

Mr. Taylor is a retired air traffic controller.  Mrs.--I forget whet she did, but she does believe in ghosts--always an off-putter.  However, she warmed to Laurel and me as soon as it was revealed we both read the New York Times editorial page.

Geoff found it on google maps, tho it was rather difficult. The driveway layout is more extensive, and there is a garden in the circle they created. I'm not surprised if Karen couldn't locate it from the road; the driveway entrance is shrouded in foliage, and you can't see the house.

Audrey Shane and husband own a lot off the water and up the hill between Northport and Omena, where I think they may have started building.

As working class kids, we count ourselves very lucky to have had access to a place like The Ranch! Certainly it left a lasting impression.