USA: … and 50 years for Eldean

Family-owned Eldean Shipyard celebrates its fiftieth anniversary this summer. The 326-slip marina and resort on Lake Macatawa, Michigan has expanded many times and pivoted through the years to adapt to customer needs and desires, economic pressures, low and high water, and even a war.

The marina’s history began over 100 years ago with the start of Jesiek Bros Shipyard in Holland Harbor, five miles west of Holland near the shores of Lake Michigan. At that time, Macatawa was both a resort town and also a transfer station for both passenger steamships and trains delivering people from all over the Midwest. The Jesiek Bros Shipyard began as builders of both wooden runabouts and sailboats. During World War II the marina assisted in making 70ft sub chasers for the USA.

Herb and Roger Eldean purchased the marina and boatyard from the Jesiek family in 1973 and the marina has been family owned and operated ever since. Over the years, many relatives have worked in the business, doing nearly every job from boat launching to pool attendant and boat detailer to boat salesman.

Patricia Eldean owned and operated the Sandpiper and Piper restaurants at the marina location for over 30 years. Roger, and his wife Carol, retired several years ago and Herb continued to manage the marina until 2022. Wade Eldean, son of Herb and Patricia, currently runs the marina with his wife Kris.

To celebrate the important milestone, the marina is supersizing its annual start-of-the-season Memorial weekend party with the help of local caterers and live music from the Black River Band (Black River is the historical name given to Lake Macatawa).