Michigan Low Pond

Michigan Low pond

In 1948 Michigan Low pond was known within the town of Riverside. In the summers families would join there to swim, fish, camp and pretty much any outdoor activity you could think of. In the winter it was shut off to the public and you were restricted from entering. But foolish kids love to be rule breakers, don’t they? One day, Johnny And Frank, both 9 years old are best friends living in Riverside and they wanted to go fishing. The winter had casted ice on top of Michigan Low pond and Johnny was convinced that ice fishing was the way to go. Frank tried to explain to him how there probably isn't any fish swimming around in Michigan Low with it being this cold. But low and behold Johnny didn't want to hear it. Frank had nothing else to do so he went with Johnny anyway.

They both get to Michigan low and Johnny starts hacking at the ice to create a hole in the middle of the pond. Frank takes a seat on the ice next to the hole and pulls out a thermos full of hot chocolate his mother made for him. Johnny casts a fishing hook into the hole of the pond.

They wait patiently for a bite but seem to wait there longer than Johnny hoped. They sip on the hot chocolate they decided to share. Johnny stares down at his cup and sighs,

“I wish I had some marshmallows.”

Frank agrees with Johnny and then all of a sudden popping bubbles come from the hole in the ice. Johnny reels up his hook as fast as possible thinking he caught something.

“Nothing is hooked.” Johnny whines.

Frank just stares at the bubbles as they kept going and going.

Four large marshmallows rose from the water peering out from the hole. Johnny and Frank are stunned. Looking down at the dark colored water and the vibrant white candies. They hold the marshmallows in their hands.

“Didn’t you wish for marshmallows?” Frank asked. Johnny slowly nods his head yes as Frank takes a bite of the white sweetness and is stunned!

“That's the best marshmallow I’ve ever had!” Frank cheers.

Johnny takes a bite out of his and smiles greatly.

“Give me the rod Johnny!” Frank takes the rod and gives himself a second to think.

“I wish for the model airplane from Richards toy store!” Frank says with excitement.

The bubbles start to rise from the hole of the ice. A big tug on the fishing rod jolts Frank toward the hole.

“AHHHH! Johnny help!” Frank yells.

Johnny goes behind Frank and grabs the fishing rod with him and pulls tight. The bubbles stop and the string from the rod comes flying out with no effort. Frank sits on the ice flabbergasted as the model airplane he saw at Richards toy store lands in his lap. A large grin comes from Frank and Johnny as they realized the power of Michigan Low pond.

“My turn!” Johnny screams as he leaps for the fishing pole and Frank jumping on Johnny to get it for himself.

A toy car, a pair of red roller skates, a brand new bicycle, a helmet to match and it kept going and going, bigger and bigger. Johnny hacked at the ice more and more allowing their demands for bigger objects to arise from the water. Their hands hurting and gaining more stress from gripping and pulling for their wanted goods. A pile of toys and riches sits on the frozen pond gaining with more height.

The pile became so large the ice began to crack. The boys didn’t pay much attention.

“One more!” They would say. But it kept being the last one after the 14th toy and now they have lost count.

The ice began to rawr and break. The boys noticed and became scared as the ice started to move. The boys lunged for their new goodies and toys. Trying to hold each and every one in their tiny arms. The ice broke under their feet dropping them into the cold waters. Johnny and frank let their arms open wide dropping the grasp of the toys. Each toy falling back down under the dark colored water.

Legend has it at least one of the boys survived... Otherwise the story would have never been told. After the ice broke and sent those wishes back down into the water the ice froze back up and acted like it never broke its ice in the first place and as if Johnny never made the hole there either. Those have said the ice acted as the web and whatever was sending those amazing wishes up to the surface was the spider. Or maybe it’s just a lesson to tell those to be careful for what you wish for. Michigan Low pond still stands in the town of Riverside and the stories roam the streets as well. Leaving the beautiful pond to rest and waiting for someone else to enjoy its company.