If you close your eyes and take a mental trip back in time to Blackwater Falls, you will recall that just past the Davis City Cemetery on the left sits a small pull along camper inside a wooden split rail fence. You will also remember pieces of black velvet painted with bright images of local landscapes attached to the fence. You may even remember the man who produced his art work on the site, Earnest Hertig. He also painted landscapes of local interest as well as Swiss images with oils on board. He was one of many artists who became known as “Highway Men” because the artists would sell their art work along well travelled roads. Mr. Hertig had a permanent spot on the Blackwater Falls Road. What was left of the pull along trailer was removed some years back and parts of the split rail fence still remains. Hertig died on Aug. 9, 1971, and was buried in the Godfrey Hertig Cemetery near Alpena. His parents were Godfrey and Emma Schmidlen Hertig. Ideas or comments contact Tim Turner (304) 478-3389.
