A museum featuring furniture crafted from twisted and misshapen roots of white pine trees. All furniture was made by the late Raymond "Bud" Overholzer.
Shrine of the Pines is a nonprofit organization that was originally started by the late, great Raymond "Bud" Overholzer. He moved to the area from Ohio with his mother and wife, Hortense. Bud had a passion for the outdoors. An avid fishermen, hunter, and taxidermist, he took to the beauty of Northern Michigan's forest/woods, primarily white pines. Bud managed to turn remaining stumps and roots from the logged woods into beautiful furniture, which were originally made for his taxidermist shop. Bud was a magician with his hands, having constructed over 200 pieces of furniture with only hand tools and homemade glue. With the creation of many pieces, over a span of 30 years, Bud and some friends constructed a log cabin (museum) as a gallery to showcase his creations in 1939.
After the passing of Bud in 1952 and his wife, Hortense, in 1959, the furniture was willed to the Boys' Town of Clinton Township. The property had changed hands a few times before a group of local patrons purchased the property in the 1980s. Constructing a board of officers and members, Shrine of the Pines, Inc. became a nonprofit organization to help the preservation of the furniture. With the help of tourism and donations, the site continues to display the beauty and amazing art of one man's gift.
