Sunday, April 11, 1965 dawned warm and hazy at Manitou Beach in Lenawee County, unusual for the time of year, but welcomed
by the home and cottage owners around the area. Snow had been on the ground as recently as April 1, and the change in weather encouraged many to start spring cleaning, take a relaxing drive, attend worship service at church, or go to the lake to open up the cottage for the season.
The sun rose just before 6 a.m., revealing a day more pleasant than the one before, when temperatures only reached 54 degrees under a cloudy sky. The forecast called for showers in the morning, ending by the afternoon. Highs were only predicted to be in the high 50s to around 60, but it was obvious by lunchtime that the day was going to be much warmer....