There are moments when time stands still

This is the way the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island in Lake Huron looked a few days ago. From a distance and through a bit of afternoon haze, it probably appears much the same now as it did in 1896, when it was the focal point in the novel, "Bid Time Return," by Richard Matheson. Or, as it did in 1912, when the date of the story was changed for a film version entitled, "Somewhere in Time." The hotel was constructed in 1887, and is a monument to Victorian elegance. And, it is a place where time has been known to stand still.

Time is what you make it

In the realm of science fiction and fantasy, there are, perhaps, five writers who have produced stories which I consider my "favorites."

Jack Finney wrote the novel, "Time and Again," which is one I constantly re-read. George Stewart wrote, "Earth Abides," unquestionably a masterpiece of many facets. Clifford Simak, a long-time reporter and editor for the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, was a prolific writer of novels, short stories and non-fiction books. His novel, "Way Station," is among my favorites. Robert Holdstock is an Englishman whose novel, "Mythago Wood," is a special story, I think.

Then, there is Richard Matheson. He wrote possibly the most romantic story among science fiction novels, "Bid Time Return." It is better known by the name given to the motion picture based on the book, "Somewhere in Time." He might be the most recognizable among this group of writers I have mentioned since six of his stories were made into films.

The reason I am mentioning this is because the 87-year-old Matheson died on June 23 and because I have had his story, "Somewhere in Time," on and off my mind since learning of his death. I have written about all of these authors and their books in previous posts, and my imagination is always stirred and reflects upon their "tale craft" when some event occurs to lure one of them from the recesses of my memory once more into the forefront of my thoughts.

"Somewhere in Time" was far from the top of the list in terms of being best known among the books Matheson wrote. It was for many, though, the only one which really counted. There are readers who travel to the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island where the motion picture was filmed just because of Matheson's time-defying love story and the desire it creates to touch its magical nature.

In fact, each autumn, a "Somewhere in Time" weekend event is staged at the hotel for aficionados of the novel and the film. Between the history of the island and its hotel, and the romance of a love that even time could not conquer, I assume it is easy to understand why some of us are captivated by this bit of enduring enchantment in the otherwise rather superficial world in which we pass our time.

As described by hotel staff: "This special weekend includes a screening of the film, discussions of the movie's production process, visits with returning cast and crew, and hotel guests are invited to make a cameo appearance in costume at the cocktail receptions, costume promenade, and Grand Luncheon Buffet."

So, what are you doing the weekend of October 4-6, 2013? If you have a few thousand dollars to spare and would enjoy wearing period costume to live in the world of 1896 for a few days -- or, should that be 1912? –- you might discover the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island is the perfect place to visit a moment in time which once was and which still exists if you are a believer in the existence of everlasting love.

See you there? Maybe?