| Winter 2003 Newsletter Membership Drive
After four years of constantly increasing membership, this year almost sixty former members did not renew. Frankly, we're puzzled, and hope this is primarily a reflection of the times and not of a decrease in interest in our program.
Hopefully, dues for next year will begin to arrive right after the holidays. Remember, we're a 501(3)c, so any donations you make are tax deductible!
We thank you for your immense support in the past, which has allowed us to come a long way. And we're looking forward to 2003 being a banner year!
Journal of Beaver Island History--Volume 5
Four years after Volume 4, the next edition in this series has appeared, generating glowing reviews. Many of the articles focus on the dangers of living here, on the fickleness of weather and water, producing a litany of shipwrecks or requiring such extraordinary measures as hauling the mail by sled across the ice. Even the obligatory article on Strang picked up this theme: his demise was facilitated by the arrival of the Michigan and took place on a dock over the water, not on Beaver's soil. This article recounts the Mormon experience from the viewpoint of Warren Post, through the journal he kept, and puts it in an interesting light that differs from the usual historic overview.
Two of the articles are transcribed from tape recordings. One of them, Robert Cole's interview of Marguerite Mulligan, is from the initial Oral History project, and vouchsafes its value. The other, of our former Postmaster Frank Nackerman, a wonderful natural storyteller, was a kind of afterthought, suggested as early drafts were circulated to the editorial committee. Telling about one particular extended, almost unending crossing of the ice, it was a perfect thematic match.
Other articles focus on the way life was lived at Nomad, in the Larsen home, on a fish tug, or in Mrs. Redding's cabin. After an informative essay on our loons, the concluding article muses about the influence of the Celtic spirit on Beaver Island today. The 400+ people who have read this book since it appeared in August agree that it adds to their appreciation of Beaver Island's rich and still-vibrant heritage.
Copies are available for $15 (including tax and postage.) If you haven't seen this book, be sure to order a copy now from the BIHS!
Early June: Aidan Gallagher
Six Months in Review
Beaver Island had yet another interesting visitor from Ireland in the middle of June: Aidan Gallagher and his wife Rita from Dublin. Aidan and his father Barney are the creators of the book Arranmore Links, an invaluable source for information about Beaver Island's Irish geneaology. Barney passed away just as the book initially went to press, but Aidan has been accumulating additional information over the last fifteen years. As a result of this visit, the BIHS will collaborate on the new edition that's in the works.
Joyce and John Runberg put up the Gallaghers, and Joe O'Donnell (who delivered a wonderful book about the O'Donnell's 150th family reunion, held on Beaver Island last year) took them out to lunch the next day. In an extended tour with Ernie Martin, Robert Cole, Jim and Ann Sunkes, Joe, and Bill Cashman that culminated in a slow walk through the cemetery, they saw the last homesite of many a family mentioned in their book. Later, in the Print Shop, Robert recorded on video an interview in which Aidan could not help demonstrating his extraordinary charm.
Mid-June: Open House
Thanks to the Volunteers, both museums were ready for Open House, the mid-June beginning of regular hours. At the Print Shop the agricultural images (from photographs donated by Katherine Ricksgers) were replaced with crisp new copies, which were annotated with information based on her remarks. At the Marine Museum there were new Captains' Exhibits. New books and videos were available at both museums as well.
Late-June: Hiring a Fund-raiser
In late June the Board considered contracting with a fund raiser as a way to finance its large-scale projects, particularly the Bob S restoration and the Print Shop Addition. A candidate was interviewed who would have taken the position if the Board was unanimous in its approval. Seven voted yes; one abstained; and one voted no. One of the problems involved the terms of the contract, over which negotiations broke down in July because of pressing summer demands.
July: Museum Week
When people make their plans to visit Beaver Island, they generally target three times. If they can get here for the annual Fourth of July, they can see how many people will fit on the Island by counting heads at the Parade. Home-coming offers them the opportunity to rediscover why they've held a grudge for forty-two years against someone who might be their second cousin. But Museum Week allows them to sit back and relax while a few more of the many pieces in the mosaic of our heritage are filled in.
This year the staff of the Historical Society knew they were headed for good things when the weather finally cooperated for Monday night's traditional Music on the Porch. After several stormy years it was held on a balmy night, and each of the dozen musicians responded with an inspired performance. Glen Hendrix set a high tone at the onset with a half-dozen Irish jigs, followed by Signe Thomas' tap-dancing routine. Folk singers were abundant, including Island troubadour Barry Pischner, who performed his song on the Bradley (the words to which appear in the Journal of Beaver Island History Volume 5.) The two most appreciated acts were Northern Lights, four Island women (Mary Kay McPherson, Wendy White, Patty Cull, and Nancy Butler) who harmonize and play bass and guitar, and the Community Chorale group, well coached by Kathy Speck, which fit together all the parts of their classic songs with great depth and nuance.
Once again Antje Price played a prominent role, contributing a Door Prize for the art show (won by Ruth Benjamin), opening the Protar Home two afternoons, and talking about slides she made from pictures she has taken over the last fifty years. She has a fine eye, and the background to be able to see things in a broad context and anticipate what will become important.
CMU was also a prominent contributor. In addition to letting the Historical Society sponsor its regular schedule of Nature Walks, it ran three special walks during Museum Week--with all the proceeds going to the BIHS. The most popular event, once again, was Jim Gillingham's electrifying presentation of Amazing Amphibians and Reptiles. This show is a must for kids, who squealed in delight when the snakes were brought down the aisles by Jim's assistants and the parents scrambled for the door.
Wednesday saw two interrelated themes: John Lorenzen's afternoon talk about the similarities between Celtic culture and Native American Life, and, in the evening, Andrew Jacob's analysis of Beaver Island's stone circles. John listed affinities in art, music, and religion as implying that these two disparate cultures evolved along parallel paths. Then Andrew took this line of thought one step father. After introducing a recent discovery of a stone configuration near Font Lake that mirrors the constellation Virgo, with the stones' size chosen to represent the brightness of the stars, he brought forth evidence, at first anecdotal but then somewhat specific, that Celts came to Midwest America and marked their arrival on Beaver Island by rearranging rocks to hold ceremonies of thanks and transformation here. When noted author Connie Cappel (Hemingway in Michigan) visited us, she echoed this idea.
Robert Cole's presentation of his continuing Oral History work was very well received. Especially the tape of Earl Gallagher (who claims to be the oldest living Beaver Islander) telling the story of an infirm Islander during Prohibition who turned to moon-shining to make a living, and did well enough to buy a new Ford when the uninsured one he owned was in a barn that burned down. He was finally caught, but the judge sympathized with him and only gave him a fine, saying "How could I put a poor soul like you into prison?" "So, he never made moonshine again?" Robert was heard to ask. Earl corrected him with his reply: "No, but he was never caught again."
The Pet Show, in which a dozen pets won certificates of honor, was a success. As was the Ray Denny Memorial Art Show--although next year we intend to do a better job letting people know about the wonderful art that's always on display.
Throughout the week, old-time Islanders arrived and introduced themselves; plenty of Culls and O'Donnells, the daughter of Barney Mooney, some Strang descendants, and the granddaughter, from San Jose, of Agnes Bird's cousin, her first time here to see the place that plays such a prominent role in her family's stories. This is another reason why Museum Week is so important, besides raising funds and promulgating information about the Historical Society's projects: it makes it possible for people to more firmly touch their roots. (Agnes Bird herself arrived with three daughters in mid-September, but although Ernie Martin was ready to take them to Garden Island, the weather did not allow them to go this time.)
And of course Museum Week would not have been possible without the strong continuing support of the merchants. Thanks to their generosity, it was an unqualified success. We intend to make next year's celebration even more interesting.
Business Donations to Museum Week
$100 6-24 John and Gertrude Works
$50 6-25 Pinky Harmon
$100 6-24 Ron Wojan, General Contractor
$25 6-27 Out on a Limb
$100 6-29 Beaver Island Boat Company
$50 6-29 Charlevoix State Bank
$200 6-29 Emerald Isle Hotel
$100 7-9 Bluebird B & B
$25 7-12 Burris Masonry
$100 7-14 Roy Ellsworth
$25 7-15 Montaage
$100 7-15 McDonough's
$100 7-15 Dalwhinnie
$50 7-17 Robert's John Service
$200 7-17 Haggard's Inc
$100 7-17 Gillespie
$100 7-20 Ray and Grace Matela
$25 7-16 Beaver Boat-Tique
$50 7-24 Martin Gas & Oil
$50 8-1 TDS Telecom
$25 Kwikie Duplicating Total donations $1,675
August: Annual Meeting
Unlike the annual meeting three years ago that was immortalized in the Washington Post and became known as the Thursday Night Massacre, this year's BIHS Annual Meeting was a picture of conviviality as the Board and members took satisfaction in their accomplishments of the past year. In an affair well-catered by Volunteers at the Peaine Township Hall on August 22, the successes of beginning to install displays at the Heritage Park, the publication of Volume 5, and a profitable Museum Week were summed up by president Alvin LaFreniere, who also thanked the public for renewing its support in the recent St. James Township millage vote.
Treasurer Chuck Schellenberg distributed a financial report that compared the year-to-date income and expenses to both last year and the "flexible budget" projections. The concise clarity of this document belied the fact that literally hundreds of hours went into its preparation. The audience applauded Chuck's efforts, feeling that he has allowed them to get a better handle on the Society's finances than ever before.
Director Bill Cashman presented a vision in which the next few years, besides the continuing work on many diverse projects, would see a concentration on three sequential building projects of increasing complexity, with each one augmenting the Society's self-confidence and experience and preparing it to undertake the next. His report appears in full below
Robert Cole reported on his Oral History work. This project has now created 110 hours of video tape and 103 hours of audio. Of these, about half have been duplicated and are available for viewing at the Print Shop Museum. He has also contacted five others with taped interviews and arranged for copies of their material to be made available.
Volunteer Coordinator Joyce Bartels was given a round of applause for having filled the 26 shifts that keeping both museums open requires. And not just open, but friendly (according to comments reported by the audience) and interesting, thanks to her additional project of rotating exhibits every week.
In the election that followed, Alvin LaFreniere and Chuck Schellenberg were returned to their seats, and Kathy Ruis was elected to replace Pinky, who vowed to continue to work for the BIHS as long as she no longer had to attend "those darn meetings."
Director's Annual Report--2002
All in all, the past year has been fairly successful. In looking back, a few of the Historical Society's accomplishments stand out. After years of talk, we finally got started on placing outdoor exhibits under free-standing roofs at the Heritage Park. So far, two have been erected, although they each require some finishing touches. We spent just over five thousand dollars on this, of which two thousand came from a Great Lakes Energy People Project grant.
We just produced Volume 5 of the Journal of Beaver Island History, which has received excellent revues.
Two Board members (Rod Nackerman and John Runberg) put in a solid week rebuilding the deck at the Protar Home. An intern from the Beaver Island Community School spent many hours last fall cleaning the Bob S. Robert Cole continued to record people and events, and transcribe and index new and old recordings. Phil Gregg has almost completed his restoration of the lifeboat from the Carl Bradley. We reshingled the Print Shop porch roof. The Museums opened on time with a few new exhibits, and were kept staffed by Joyce Bartels, who somehow also found time to rotate an exhibit at the Print Shop every week.
Museum Week was a financial success. Twenty-one merchants donated a total of $1,675. Music on the Porch set a record by bringing in $551.
Last spring we cosponsored the fourth annual Leadership Retreat, a meeting at which representatives from all the Island organizations pooled their ideas and perspectives on the topic of how to manage economic growth while protecting our natural environment. We also signed the Beaver Island Partnership Project agreement. We feel we are one of the organizations which work together to support the Island, culturally and economically.
Perhaps the high point of the year was the visit of Aidan Gallagher, who produced the book Arranmore Links with his father, Barney Gallagher. Before he left, we agreed to work together to update his book by including more Beaver Island genealogical information.
In the past year we faced some disappointments as well. For one, we had hoped to install a revetment last fall at the Marine Museum. We were given a permit to do the work by the Army Corps of Engineers, but the DEQ stymied our plan by refusing to grant its permit, telling us we should construct a sea wall instead. Then in the Spring some consultants from WMU offered to write a grant request to help us get funds for the Bob S restoration, but nothing came of that. Luckily we were offered a $5,000 donation to get us started on the structure we need to protect the boat, serve as a shop, and then become part of the Museum. We are in the process of completing the structural drawings.
We planned to mount our rudder at the Marine Museum last fall, and spent quite a lot of time considering how. But finally we decided that it needed significant restoration before it could be put on display. So now it's standing up in the corner of the barn--although recent conversation is in favor of mounting it as we'd wanted.
During the course of the past year, we considered how to fund the many projects on our agenda. For the first time we put some rough numbers on everything we've committed ourselves to do, including staffing and maintaining the expanded facilities, and were surprised at the hundreds and hundreds of thousands our combined projects will cost. Nonetheless we are about to take on additional work, such as forming a partnership with St. James Township to develop a restoration and management plan for the Whiskey Point Light, and working more closely with PABI. We were also offered a historic easement for Carpenter's Mill that will give us the right to restore the buildings, if we would ever choose. While we have no specific plans to do this, this was a valuable precedent; at some point in the future we may want to explore the possibility of getting other such restoration easements on other historic properties. Or creating a "cultural inventory" of the entire Island
Our rough ideas about how to proceed with each item on our agenda have taken us as far as they can. Now we have to refine our focus to establish exactly what we want to do, when and how to do it and by whom, and how to pay for it. The larger the project we undertake, the broader should be its support. For example, before we build an addition to the Print Shop or construct a roof over the boats at the Marine Museum, we should hold open meetings in which our design is presented, discussed, critiqued, and, in all probability, modified. We should involve our members and the general public in these projects as much as we can. Recently we have seen how disgruntled the public can become when it feels it has not been sufficiently consulted on proposed changes to the landscape and infrastructure.
Financially, we're in fairly good shape even though revenues are down in some areas (dues and book sales are below projections for this year.) Luckily, we included an $11,000 contingency amount in our budget forecast, so even with the revenue shortfalls and added expenses, we're doing okay. (Note: several years ago a Publishing Account was established to pay for printing Volume 4. Laurie Sommers arranged for us to be given over 200 copies of House Party, and we began depositing the revenue from their sale--at $20 each--in this account. But when it came time to pay those costs, there wasn't enough in this account so we wrote a check from the General Fund instead. Then, after we wrote another check from the General Fund to pay for Volume 5, we decided to abandon this special account and write any checks needed for future publishing projects from the General Fund. The General Fund itself resides in two places: the Checking Account, from which operating expenses are paid, and the Money Market account, which contains the bulk of the General Fund funds in order to maximize the interest they yield.)
We are doing okay, and yet we have to analyze why our revenue fell this year and ask ourselves what we can do to raise the levels. A preliminary guess is that we have to improve our publicity. For example, we might enlarge our outdoor display case at the Print Shop, and pay more attention to updating its message every week; and we might post colorful signs in such places as McDonough's Market, the airport, and the Library, proclaiming "This week at the Museums...." We have something of interest and importance, and improving awareness of it should not be unmanageably difficult. We just have to do it.
Generally, we have a pretty good idea of our priorities. We want to keep the Oral History project going (it provided two articles for Volume 5.) We want to add one more outdoor exhibit to the Heritage Park before next summer. We want to finish the design for the building over the Bob S, raise the balance of the funds, and erect it, ideally before the ravages of winter descend on the old boat once again. At the same time we want to step up our efforts to finalize our design for the Print Shop Addition, and begin raising funds for it in earnest. And of course we hope to continue our other projects, such as the placing of signs on historic sites, expanding our web site, and adding to the Captains' Exhibit at the Marine Museum.
We might put these three major building projects in their natural sequence: first the third exhibit at Heritage Park; then the roof over the Bob S; and then the Print Shop Addition. This is a sequence of increasing complexity, and cost: from five thousand to forty thousand (a hundred thousand, counting the walls, floor, and lighting) to five hundred thousand. Each step will teach us something we need to know for the next. Consequently we might adopt the following schedule:
project timetable
the third exhibit before the summer of 2003
the roof over the Bob S before the winter of 2003/04
the Print Shop Addition start in the fall of 2005
Not only will we gain experience as we go, but we will prove we know what we're doing and how to proceed. Even the first step is not simple. We feel the next exhibit at Heritage Park should be a sawmill. We have been offered bits and pieces of different sawmills, which we think can be put together to make a good display. But we aren't sure, so first we need to list all the components and then decide which to accept. In all likelihood we'll have to forage for a few missing parts.
We also have to clean the site; the Park lot is full of debris, both organic and man-made. We need to remove the debris, smooth the land, and update our placement plan. We also have to incorporate the new bike trail. To do this, we have to become more definite about the remaining displays. Then we have to stake out the display areas, the paths, and the sign locations. This should be our goal for this fall. During the winter we can revise our site plan and complete our plan for the sawmill display; then in the spring we can install the sawmill.
Even though this might only cost five thousand dollars, our General Fund is not flush enough for us to simply pay the cost out of it. Rather we will have to raise some of the money through a combination of grants, donations, and fund-raising activities. This is a procedure that we will have to follow for the ensuing projects as well, so even though it will be intended to accomplish a specific, finite result, it will also prepare us for the next project on the list.
The roof over the Bob S represents a step up in complexity. We have to design a structure that will, first, protect the boat(s), and then be adaptable to use as a shop, and then be convertible into an adjunct to the Marine Museum. We are dealing with encroaching water levels, handicap requirements, and the right of people to see the lake. We have to anticipate what equipment will be needed, and allow for it. If the structure is to include a floor, at a later stage, it will have to involve berming the road-side earth. Obtaining permits is not automatic.
The roof itself will cost about forty thousand dollars, and the entire building, the walls, floor, lights, and wiring, a good deal more. Our experience raising funds for Museum Week has helped prepare us for raising funds for Heritage Park, which will help prepare us to raise funds for this project. We will have to project our long-range plans and put them on a calendar, with the associated numbers, to be credible to potential donors. Then we'll have to follow through.
Getting this roof up will totally exhaust us, and yet refresh us with the pride of accomplishment. However, we won't be able to do more than catch a few breaths before we start an even larger project: the Print Shop Addition. Everything we've learned up to this point will be put to the test by this challenge. In a sense, it is so daunting that the only way we can face it is by ignoring its true scope. Yet to do so is to invite problems. To minimize the potential for disaster, we will need to involve as many interested parties as we can. Not only will the Board and the staff be exhausted by this, but the membership will as well. So everyone should take a deep breath, offer a prayer, and lower their shoulder to the wheel.
This year was as much of a success as it was because of the extra efforts of several people. The Volunteers pitched in to cover the Museums, to plant and water flowers, and to rearrange displays. Robert Cole took over some of the office work when I was incapacitated. Dick and Amy Burris were constantly helping out. John Runberg and Rod Nackerman, both together and separately, logged many hours making needed repairs. Ruth Kelly purchased and installed flowers and continued encapsulating our archives, and also contributed a TV/VCR for viewing Oral Histories. Jean Carpenter provided flowers at the Marine Museum, and Dorothy Willis looked after the Memorial to the Dead at Sea. Chuck Schellenberg invested hundreds of hours in the ongoing task of straightening out our finances and keeping them straight; without his professionalism, we would be in a heck of a mess. And Joyce Bartels has done a truly marvelous job coordinating our staff of Volunteers, sorting through and organizing our records, and changing displays in the Print Shop. Through some miracle she has not succumbed to burn-out--at least not yet.
The Board too has done a fine job. Many opportunities for disaster have presented themselves, usually in a comely disguise, and the Board has adroitly steered its way around them. This is not easy, and requires a sixth sense and a great deal of luck. But as our activities increase in scale, these qualities will be needed more and more.
Our road forward is becoming more complex, but will also prove more rewarding, as long as we keep advancing. With the continuing help of those who have already contributed so much time and effort we should be able to accomplish things in the next few years that will honor the Island and make us all proud.
BIHS Millage passes
In August our quarter mill levy was up for renewal--and thankfully it passed. The voters of St. James Township deserve our sincere appreciation for this, as do those in Peaine who empowered their Board to approve an equal match. These funds give us a solid footing on which to base our projects. We are doing our best to reciprocate by helping make Beaver Island a deeply interesting place to visit or to live.
Partnership Project
The BIHS is continuing to take part in the Partnership Project, which is attempting to bring together all of the Island organizations and to get all those concerned with our future to develop a consensus about where we want to go and how best to get there. At the early-November meeting Director Bill Cashman was assigned to one of three standing committees, which concerned with Eco-friendly Tourism and Technology. This group suggested some feasible goals for 2003, and at the next meeting (January 21st at noon at the Peaine Township Hall) will see what can be done to implement them.
Status of our Bank Accounts on 12-31
Memorial CD (12584) $1,086
Strang #0910031443 $218
Museum Week #0910030992 $1,929
Building Fund #0910029870 $11,526
Money Market #67001873 $13,388
Checking #7008154 $1,289
The principal balance of our Endowment Fund with the Charlevoix County Community Foundation has reached $23,515, but because of the market, its market value on 9-30 had dropped to $19,100. This Fund contains particular donations made to it on our behalf, including memorials, the most recent of which was in honor of long-time summer resident and author Alfred Gates. When there were earnings, we "plowed them back" to increase the size of this fund, which we hope will ultimately provide an income to pay the operating expenses for our staff and facilities. We are obviously a long way from that time.
(Note: we have finally reached agreement on a feasible plan by which the six thousand dollars we are owed from that unfortunate incident that surfaced in September of 2000 will be paid back to us over the next five years.) Our Oral History Program
Since last June Robert Cole has recorded interviews with Isabelle Mooney Alimenti, Lester Connaghan, and Agnes Bird, and transcribed several others: Pat Bonner, Doyle Fitzpatrick, Archie LaFreniere, Shirley Gladish, Mary Bert McDonough, Jay Oliver, Grace Cole, Young James Gallagher, Grace Bonner Rousseau, Helen Pike, Bea Boyle, and George Anthony. Copies of many of these recordings and transcripts will be available at the Print Shop Museum next summer.
Another aspect of his work has been to record events that fall within the idea of contemporary history: some of the street paving, the Christmas Cantata and the caroling groups, Homecoming, and the Twinning Ceremony. In years to come we shall be very pleased to have this material available, and no doubt shall kick ourselves for not having instigated this aspect of the Oral History program sooner.
As people continue to leave us we have become more aware of the importance of this project. Anything else we are committed to, the Heritage Park development, the Bob S roof, or the Print Shop addition, can be put off a year or two without much loss, but not the recording of people's comments and memories. Consequently we are increasing our emphasis on this project. We intend to apply for grants to cover at least part of the cost of this emphasis, and are asking our members to make a special donation.
Our long-range goal is to make this work self-supporting by publishing a series of books containing these stories and ear-marking part of the revenue thus generated for its continuation. But we need your help to get this off the ground. So if you share our belief in its value, please demonstrate this by sending a check.
New Life Members
Please welcome those old and new friends of Beaver Island who became new Life Members in 2002:
Kevin & Snowe Green; Stephen & Eleandre Hagerman; Jackie Madigan; Bob & Sue Welke; Paul & Anne Glendon; Ann Cavanaugh; Gary & Shirley Vogt; Ron Stith; and Ed & Shirley McCauley
Bob Miles' Charlevoix II
After a 27-year wait, the second volume of photographs taken and collected by Bob Miles in and around Charlevoix has now been published, and this sensational book was worth the wait. All of the photos are captioned, and a well-written running narrative sets them in a context of the changes to come to Charlevoix in the past hundred and fifty years. A few concern Beaver Island directly, and many involve sights or characters that have entered the Island vernacular. They are organized into thematic chapters, such as early settlers, vessels that entered the village or didn't quite make it, the homes, businesses, schools, and other buildings, Bridge Street, and notable visitors. And there is a comprehensive index.
Put together by a committee headed by Bob's son David, this hardbound book is a "can't put it down." It's available from the Charlevoix Historical Society for $45 (plus tax and postage), a bargain for its 470 large pages, at P. O. Box 525, Charlevoix MI 49720.
Help with the Whiskey Point Light
After years of effort, the Townships are moving forward toward the goal of restoring this important landmark and making it part of the attractions that draw tourists and please Beaver Islanders. St. James Supervisor Don Vyse has asked for our help in creating a program for this restitution, and we have agreed to do everything we can. At present this will consist of technical support but not funding. We've been offered some help by the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers' Association.
Laurie Sommers donations
In mid-December musicologist Laurie Sommers, a professor at Valdosta State University in Georgia, donated copies of six CDs she had made. One is of the Twinning Ceremony from two years ago; another is the ride on the Tour Bus taken by our Arran More guests. Four of the tapes are like a continuation of the House Party CD, having been recorded at the Parish Hall on the Twinning weekend, October 6, 2000. These will be made available to members.
Ship Locator
Nancy Peterson has sent us the address of a site that locates the ships on the Great Lakes and details about who they are:
Reef.atmos.colostate.edu/drummond/GLSHIPS/
Ireland Trip: ON!
Speaking of the Twinning Ceremony of 2000, plans to return the favor by visiting Arran More have finally reached fruition. In early March at least 40 Islanders will leave from Chicago, with others going a day early or, in true Island style, a day late. The BIHS is working to create a special gift for them to take: a map showing exactly where all their homesteads here were located. For more information contact Cindy Cushman-Gillespie or Paul Cole.
With any luck, we'll obtain some great footage.
The American Girl
Upon hearing the rumors that the American Girl might be acquired by the State in a trade for the Cisco and taken out into the lake and sunk to make a new dive refuge, noted Mt. Pleasant artist Dawn George offered to donate her painting of the familiar tugboat to the BIHS so it could raise funds for an intervention by auctioning it off during Museum Week next summer. Since we might have to scrap the Gertrude K, the BIHS is looking for one more good boat.
Hunting Foundation Bequest
In mid-December the Hunting Foundation donated $1,000 to the BIHS, which was deposited in the Building Fund. Another comparable donation, from the estate of Helen Strang Roff, was pared down to less than half by the accumulated legal fees involved with probating her bequests.
Seamus Metress plans Book
Long-time supporter of the BIHS and University of Toledo Professor Dr. Seamus Metress is working on a book about the Irish in Michigan, and has asked us to contribute a few pictures. We feel this will be a major contribution, and are glad to pitch in.
Josh Broder Digs In
When Helen Collar passed away, she left the research material for her long-contemplated study of Beaver Island's history in several boxes. Her family chose her grandson Josh Broder to organize this, but other commitments have kept him from digging in--until now.
The Strang Video
John Leben and Jeff Gural have made considerable progress this year: a draft of their shooting script is finally finished. With the continuing increase of interest in James Jesse Strang (thanks to Washington Island's Bill Olsen, the Strang Writers' Club has added new members to its e-mailed newsletter every season, for example, and we now have copies of the intelligent articles on Strang written by Dr. John Quist), and the credibility gained by the three years of work that have gone into creating this script, hopefully funding will become a little easier than it has been. Hopefully this dream will become a reality!
It's Spring!
Not really, but Spring is close--right around the corner. We have a lot of work to do: create the sawmill exhibit; make improvements to the Barn; build a sea wall; finish the design of the roof over the Bob S; expand the Oral History program; plan Museum Week; and put out the Spring Newsletter, in which we'll include an envelope for your annual dues--but you don't have to wait.
As of the first week in January, there's still no snow on the ground on Beaver Island. Before we know it, we'll be inundated. No sense putting it off any longer; it's time to get to work!
And Finally: Thanks!
To the wonderful Volunteers! They rose to the BIHS's most important challenge: keeping the two Museums open every day and providing interesting insights to our visitors. Each presented their unadulterated personal opinions about the nuances of past and present life on Beaver Island to the 20 to 100 visitors they saw each day, without holding back, and each of them did a fantastic job of representing Beaver Island. So our heartfelt thanks go out to Carol Bearss, Audrey Beilman, Maureen Bussell, Chuck Carpenter, Alice Crown, Nancy Cull, Laraine Dawson, Barb and Bill Fox, Donna Hardenberg, Pinky Harmon, Ruth Kelly, Doris Larson, Jane Maehr, Sel Pierson, Antje Price, Margaret Reibel, Katherine Ricksgers, Pat Rowley, Leone Schellenberg, Ron Stith, ohnny Runberg, Ken Tatlor, Charlotte McDonough, Bill Turner, Rena Thorsen, Sue Welke, Janet O'Donnell, Rod Nackerman, Nancy Smith, Donna Spanhak, and Joyce Bartels. The membership wishes you all the best. |
