A Beacon of Hope & Healing in Algonac, MI
Nestled within the tranquil Community Museum Memorial Garden of the Algonac-Clay Township Historical Society in Algonac, Michigan, stands a unique and deeply touching creation: “The Wind Phone Making Waves.” More than just a piece of art, this replica of a Chris-Craft Utility model boat, housing an old rotary phone, has become a poignant symbol of remembrance, healing, and connection for countless individuals.
The story behind this remarkable installation is one of perseverance, faith, and a desire to help others. Built by Steve Ponke, his son Tegan, and Steve’s brother-in-law Jeff, the construction of “The Wind Phone Making Waves” presented its own set of challenges. “We had to learn how to bend wood… in February, not easy!” Steve recounts. However, through patience, dedication, and a bit of research into woodworking, they brought their vision to life.
For the creators, the process itself was therapeutic, helping them through a tough time. Steve had lost his mother and had read the origin story of the Wind Phone in Japan during her hospice stay, and he had thought then to create a phone in her memory. Now, the “Wind Phone” continues that mission, offering solace to others and it to show real connection it carries his mother land line # on the dial.. As Steve reflected today on the creation, he stated, “Even if not for a spiritual call, it’s also art that makes people feel good. And that is how God would want us to do it, and to help as many people as possible.”
Steve said they had never built anything like this; it started in the weeks following her passing. The inspiration for this phone housing started with Steve and his son getting out into the garage to keep busy and had a canoe bookshelf design planned. As if led to do more, then things kept falling into place to become something special.
Soon a friend, Mr. Arntfield from our Scout troop provided the landline phone, and another friend Mr. Heyza gave them the idea to look at the Chris Craft utility model and it proved to be perfect and they used it. Steve’s son Tegan helps with design and build, and through the winter the boat is taking shape. The hardest point was learning how to bend the wood during the colder days. There are many unique elements into it, such as a piece from an Airstream trailer awning serving at the boat’s windshield, and a door stopper serving as the boat white sternlight, many things hand made that add to its charm.
In April 2024 when Steve first presented the completed Windphone to the Algonac Clay Historical society, the thoughts at first were they liked it, but should it be put inside, or out?
Then someone who was a clinical psychologist stood up for this, and gave many reasons people living with depression need an outlet, and that this needed to be posted outside!
Steve’s brother-in-law Jeff Osterland helps to install it into the perfect garden near the river.
The “Wind Phone” has touched the lives of many. People visit the Memorial Garden specifically to use the phone and reflect upon their loved ones. The most surprising aspect, according to Tegan, has been the outpouring of memorial items left at the phone – from flowers symbolizing hope to personal mementos – which demonstrates the community’s deep affection for this special place. For Steve, the greatest surprise has been the “acceptance of people that it is a good thing and medicinal to your heart.” He even recalls overhearing a person sharing a story with a friend while approaching the phone, a testament to its impact.
The significance of the “Wind Phone” goes beyond its physical presence. It serves as a space for individuals to communicate with those they’ve lost, whether through silent reflection or whispering words into the receiver. It’s a place where grief can be acknowledged, memories can be cherished, and healing can begin. It truly is “The Wind Phone Making Waves,” creating ripples of comfort and connection throughout the community.
I had the pleasure of meeting Steve and his son, Tegan, during the Algonac Pickerel Festival, and they are two amazing individuals doing great things in their community. It was a few days after our visit when Steve emailed me with his personal story, which is shared below.
Steve had a tracheotomy in his neck, which was done at an accident scene +35 years ago. He worked the midnight shift and crashed on the way home, 2 blocks from his house. His larynx was broken, a couple vertebrae fractured and he was in dire need of help. Well, Mr. Yonaka who was going to work that morning, came out to the crash scene and used his pocketknife and pen to give Steve a trachea vent. This got him breathing until the ambulance arrived. The man saved Steve’s life. After he learned that Mr. Yonaka recently had a stroke and passed away on the 4th of July. Steve wasn’t sleeping well, very sad all weekend. He hadn’t used the Wind Phone since last year but after learning the tragic news, “I was steered back to it by faith to say thank you, not just from me, but from my wife and kids too. The world would be a lot different without him.”
Before my first day back to work, it really helped me to stop and say, “Thank you, Mr Yonaka”.
To locate the Wind Phone Making Waves in Algonac visit The Telephone of The Wind location directory.
A Healing Experience