SMMS Newsletter: July 2000

GREETINGS FRIENDS!!

NOTICE of CHANGE

The South Manitou Memorial Society Annual Meeting will follow the Picnic this year!!

SOUTH MANITOU ISLAND
ANNUAL PICNIC
EMPIRE TOWNSHIP HALL
SATURDAY, JULY 29, 2000
SOCIAL HOUR STARTS 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.
FOOD WILL BE SERVED AT 12:00 NOON

SOUTH MANITOU MEMORIAL SOCIETY
ANNUAL MEETING
(will follow picnic)
EMPIRE TOWNSHIP HALL
SATURDAY, JULY 29, 2000
1:30 P.M.

News from Our President

This is the call for the annual potluck and annual meeting of the Society. It will begin on Saturday, July 29 with the social time in the Empire Township Hall. The potluck will begin at 12 noon and the annual meeting at about 1:30p.m. This is the change that was set at last year's meeting. It turned out to be a good move as the Empire Methodist Church is undergoing some construction and the meeting room there will be unavailable.

Let me bring you up to date on what has taken place since the last Newsletter. The project at the August Beck Barn has been completed, although some items discovered in the recent work will be done at a later date. The painting of the schoolhouse has been scheduled for mid-September but just recently the Park Service has indicated the time might be too late in the season. The most interesting project is one scheduled to be completed as this newsletter was being finished. Paul Rocheleau and his father, Melvin, brothers, Chris and Mike, and Uncle, Harvey, were to board up the windows and doors at the Theodore Beck house on South Manitou. The family cut all the wood to size, delivered it to the Park Service which in turn delivered it to the island and transported it near the site along with some ladders. Asked why his family took on this project, Paul replied: "It was the threat of the bulldozer. We wanted to prevent the destruction of a landmark building on the island. Securing the doors and windows buys time for historic preservation. Extinction is final. Once a building is gone, it is gone forever." (Additional information and photo's of this project will be available at the Annual Meeting).

All this brings up what is becoming clear as what is becoming a major effort for the Society. We're increasingly being approached to fund projects on South Manitou. To this end, your officers have voted to require that any proposals for financial support to be discussed at the annual meeting be presented 30 days in advance of the meeting. Also, Treasurer Joe Orbeck reports that our current income covers our expenses with not much more for anything else. So, we are proposing that we engage in some fund raising efforts to raise funds for projects on the island. I do feel very strongly that if we do not take on these preservation projects then no one else will. A part of this change will come from the Park's General Management Plan, currently under development.

Respectfully Submitted,
Donald A. Morris, President

ANNUAL MEETING
AGENDA

EMPIRE TOWNSHIP HALL:
1:30 P.M.: Meeting comes to order.
Introduction of Board Members and Members present.
Announcements

Old Business:
    Reading of the Minutes of 1999 Meeting: Lynn Roe, Secretary Pro-Tem. Vote to accept.
New Business:
    Nominating Committee Members: Paul Rocheleau
    Treasures Report: Joe Orbeck
    Theodore Beck House Project: Paul Rocheleau

Additional items from the floor:

4:00 P.M.: Adjourn

Those Whom We Will Miss

Leota Violet Hutzler Goeman, died May 9, 2000. Her daughter, Cynthia Heisler informed me that she died of a sudden heart attack after 13 months of being extremely ill. We will have additional information at the Annual Meeting. A tribute to her will appear in the next Newsletter. Her family informed me that anyone wishing to make a donation to the South Manitou Memorial Society in her memory, would bring great honor to Leota. We were told that she was taking care of all those around her right to the end. Her gentle sweet spirit will be greatly missed.

South Manitou Schoolhouse Painting
September 15-18th, 2000

In September the South Manitou Memorial Society will be painting the Schoolhouse on the island. The National Park Service will have already removed the old paint. They will have also repaired some damaged areas in the exterior structure. Our job will be to apply the final coat of paint to the building.

We anticipate 4-6 days to complete the project. The dates are September 15-18 (and additional days if necessary). We would like to have about 6-10 participants. We will be able to stay in a Village house - although some may wish to camp. A shower will be available during the week and there are cooking facilities in the house. The supplies and materials will be provided. You will need painting clothes and gloves.

If you are interested and able to help during this time period, please contact me and I will add your name to the list and keep you informed as to travel plans and trip preparations. You may come for any length of time.

Please call write or email - and I will respond.

Kathy Bietau
Editor, South Manitou Memorial Society Newsletter
11196 W. Clear Lake Circle, Branch, Michigan 49402
* Home Phone 231-898-2286 * Email bietau@carrinter.net

Historic Structures
Tear Them Down - or - Stabilize Them?

The Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear Group published a very interesting cost comparison between tearing Historic Structures down versus stabilizing them. Historic Preservation experts have provided the following cost comparison: To stabilize most structures for 15 to 20 years, i.e. replace a roof and repair a failing foundation, it would cost about $5,000 per building. But before removing a building on the Historic Register of Historic Places - a complete set of architectural drawings must be prepared, at a cost of $10,000 to $20,000 per building. And then the demolition and landfill fees would add an additional $7,000 more.

News from the National Park

The first 2000 Michigan Barn Preservation Network workshop on South Manitou Island was a success. Four timber framers and 36 volunteers assisted with the stabilization and restoration of the August Beck cord wood barn foundation. The work included removing encroaching vegetation from around the foundation, removing sod from off the dairy barn concrete floor, removing deteriorated sills and replacing them with new sills, pinning new sills, righting and stabilizing the dairy barn front wall and hand building a new stone foundation wall to support it. Missing cord wood from the barn was replaced with new pieces harvested last fall and dried over the winter.

Mike Mort with Equity Studios, Sturgis, Michigan was on site the first weekend to film the event. Mike is making a documentary for PBS of Historic Barns of Michigan. Mike believes that the film will be ready for PBS in two years. Barn participants will be notified of the air date.

Michigan Barn Preservation Network will finish the restoration of the barn September 1st - 5th, 2000. Anyone interested in participating should contact Kim Mann at (231)326-5135 ext 501. Photo's of this project will be available for viewing at the Annual Meeting & Picnic.

"I Remember When ...."

This issue's submission comes from Marie Smith - Who spent many years on the island with her husband Mike owning and operating the South Manitou Hotel. While on the island Marie wrote many letters to her family members describing day-to-day life on the island. Here's a glimpse - the day after Labor Day 1970.

Sept. 8, 1970 (Day after Labor Day)

Dear Helen & Family,

Things are really quiet around here tonight. Even Dad, Ed & Esther are gone. Mr. Meeker chartered the boat and brought over a generator for his place on the little lake and looked over the job today. Mike said he

seemed real pleased over it. Mike's hand has been swollen & sore so (he) went across to get a shot today & plans to come back on the mail boat tomorrow. Esther went last Sat. to spend the week-end with Ed on Beaver Island. Nobody thought there would be any round trippers Sun. but they had to bring both boats. It was really funny. Fred had his pick-up and Mike had the "junk" truck, Dave drove our Pontiac, Mike Grosvenor used Burdick's jeep - I guess they all got a free ride that day - but we all had a good laugh. Monday Dave took our car again but he only had 4 people.

     Let's see who all left yesterday - The Jenks (2 families), Shirley, Tom & Joan, The Harris's- Mr. & Mrs. & Larry, Doris & John & Wayne, The Raynor's, Betty & Freddy Kramer left on Sunday - also the Vincent's in the 1st new house up the road. The Johnson's & Brown's left about a week ago. Burdick's are closing up this week & will go Friday. June & Joe plan to be ready next Monday. We have a man & his friend (2 men) in the west unit until Friday. I'm holed up tonight in the east one but will have to vacate tomorrow for a man, his wife & son from Kalamazoo. They'll be here about a week - they were here last fall after I left. Mr. Raynor has his house quite far along by George's dock. He took his family back to go to school Sunday, but he plans to come back & finish the house outside. Wish you could see it! It's going to be real pretty. Then we have some honeymooners coming the 21-25th. Lots of others said they were coming - if they do OK. If they don't OK. Mike has too much work he wants to get done, if he can yet this fall.

     I hear the Jeep just drive in. The fellows got bass and a half dozen perch. Just the kind of night for "Mike's" fishing if he were here. The wind finally died tonight but it sure blew all day. I did a big big washing - all the lines full twice but they got dry and I got them all put away. Then went in the store and bought everything I thought we might need for the rest of Sept. If anyone comes over for a ride after Monday I'll have to serve food for June and probably give the tours for Esther. She won't go for less than 5.

     Jimmy, that was such a nice letter you sent back with Grandpa last time. You sure are a good letter writer. Bet you'll get along real good in school this year. Mrs. Smith knows a lot about science & stars that you'll enjoy. Wish I could send you over a Monarch cocoon. We have at least a dozen around here. Two have hatched, 2 should hatch tomorrow or the next day. They are very pretty green with gold spots when new - but get real dark almost black when ready to emerge. Did you know that the Monarch Butterflies migrate all the way to Florida?

     I met the fella who comes to band birds. What an interesting hobby! I watched him band a female redstart. Next time he comes I'll tag him around all day. No better way to get to know the birds. He has a nice wife, a 4 year old son and another son born last June 3 - same age as Corrina.

     I got your letter & Margaret's the same day - am just exchanging them but do want it back the next time you write. I expect Mike to bring back a bushel or 2 of tomatoes to can tomorrow. So many good apples here to can too. And berries & pears should be good after everybody is gone.

     Write, Will see you Oct 2nd or 3rd.

Dad & Mum

Editor note: (Thank you for sharing this letter, Marie!)

The following are Excerpts from The Betty Kramer Collection. This Collection was donated to the Memorial Society by Roy Kramer. I thought it would be neat to share some interesting items from the collection in this. and future Newsletters:

Teachers and Remarks
SOUTH MANITOU ISLAND SCHOOL

Winter Term - Nov. 5th, 1906 - April 25, 1907 116 days - 15 pupils
1906-1907 - Mrs. Edna Axtell
"The school is in need of water pail, dipper, flag and erasers."
List of Visitors for Winter Term Commencing Nov. 5th, and ending April 20,

Mr. Harold Barnard	Mr. James Burdick	Mr. Thomas Foster
Mr. W. P. Larson	Mr. Ernest Hutzler	Mr. W.W. Fairchild
Mrs. George Hutzler	Miss Lulu Hutzler	Miss Florence Burgess
Miss Marie Baxter	Miss Gusta Johnson	Miss Emma Foster
Miss W. P. Larson	Mrs. Theo Thompson	Mrs. Thos. Thompson & daughter
Mrs. H.C. Burgess and daughter	Miss Anna J. Baxter

Roll of Honor for Perfect Deportment and Good Lessons:

Violet Hutzler	Minnie Beck	Esther Burgess
Jessie Johnson	Blanch Hutzler

Percentage of Attendance = 92%

Nov. 11, - March 27, 1907 - 1908 Olive L. Dago 97 Days 10 pupils
No. 6, age 11, 4 grade - Expelled, end of 4th month - lack's Interest.
I find the pupils of this school willing to learn and fine in attendance. The School is in need of water pail,
flag and dipper, broom, dust pan.

Roll of Honor for Perfect Deportment and Good Lessons:

Violet Hutzler	Ida Beck	Blanch Hutzler
Jessie Johnson

Good Lessons:

Lewis Hutzler

Walter Hutzler

Harley Beck

Deportment:

Ralph Thompson

Willie Beck

Visitors:

Mr. & Mrs. George Haas	Mr. & Mrs. W.P. Larson	Mrs. George Hutzler
Miss Bessie Johnson	Mrs. Theodore Thompson	Mr. Harrison Haas
Mr. Walter Tobin	Mr. Herman Werner	Mr. August Beck
Mrs. George Kelderhouse	Mr. Will Burdick	Mr. James Burdick
Mr. Andrew Burdick	Mr. Ernest Hutzler	Mr. Irving Beck
Wilbur Pugh

A New Book About the Beck Family and South Manitou Island
"The Beck Family Immigrates from Germany to South Manitou Island 1860"

Mrs. Irwin Beck, Jr., of Empire Michigan has just finished writing a book about the life of her father-in-law, Irwin Beck Sr. He was born on South Manitou Island, the son of August and Elizabeth (Haas) Beck. She tells of the Beck Family journey from Callenstedt, Germany to South Manitcu Island to Empire, Michigan. I understand the book is loaded with wondeiful photographs along with a very detailed history and many great island stories! It should be available near to this printing. To obtain a copy or additional information please write: Mrs. Irwin Beck, Jr. 8558 W. Stormer Rd. Empire, MI 49630.

South Manitou Artwork and Jewelry

We have become aware of very nice artwork and jewelry of the South Manitou Lighthouse. Beautiflully handpainted! If you are interested - please visit the Website: www.reflectionsoftheheart.com OR Email: dgreiner@mail.riverview.net Attn: Diane Greiner. Check it Out! Great gift ideas for family and fellow South Manitou Islanders!

Editor's Note:

Remember Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park is also in the process of revising the General Management Plan for the park. This is a very important document - which we need to be involved with. The National Park Service Sleeping Bear Dunes maintains a web-site that contains much of the information we have been discussing in this Newsletter. You will find the Historic Properties Management Draft Plan there and items relating to the General Management Plan Revision Process. That address is: www.nps.gov/slbe. Take a look!! You can comment to many public documents via email at slbe@mps.gov. Get involved, it's Our Island's History!

The South Manitou Memorial Society Newsletter is copyrighted 2000/2001. Vol.11. No.2
The deadline for articles to be included in the next Newsletter is Oct. 15, 2000. Please submit to Newsletter Editor: Kathy
Bietau at: 11196 W. Clear Lake Cir. Branch, MI 49402. OR E-mail to bietau@carrinter.net


P.O. Box 177 Empire, Michigan 49630 July 2000		2000/2001 Vol.11, No.2
GREETINGS FRIENDS!! NOTICE of CHANGE The South Manitou Memorial Society Annual Meeting will follow the Picnic this year!! SOUTH MANITOU ISLAND ANNUAL PICNIC EMPIRE TOWNSHIP HALL SATURDAY, JULY 29, 2000 SOCIAL HOUR STARTS 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. FOOD WILL BE SERVED AT 12:00 NOON SOUTH MANITOU MEMORIAL SOCIETY ANNUAL MEETING (will follow picnic) EMPIRE TOWNSHIP HALL SATURDAY, JULY 29, 2000 1:30 P.M.

News from Our President This is the call for the annual potluck and annual meeting of the Society. It will begin on Saturday, July 29 with the social time in the Empire Township Hall. The potluck will begin at 12 noon and the annual meeting at about 1:30p.m. This is the change that was set at last year's meeting. It turned out to be a good move as the Empire Methodist Church is undergoing some construction and the meeting room there will be unavailable. Let me bring you up to date on what has taken place since the last Newsletter. The project at the August Beck Barn has been completed, although some items discovered in the recent work will be done at a later date. The painting of the schoolhouse has been scheduled for mid-September but just recently the Park Service has indicated the time might be too late in the season. The most interesting project is one scheduled to be completed as this newsletter was being finished. Paul Rocheleau and his father, Melvin, brothers, Chris and Mike, and Uncle, Harvey, were to board up the windows and doors at the Theodore Beck house on South Manitou. The family cut all the wood to size, delivered it to the Park Service which in turn delivered it to the island and transported it near the site along with some ladders. Asked why his family took on this project, Paul replied: "It was the threat of the bulldozer. We wanted to prevent the destruction of a landmark building on the island. Securing the doors and windows buys time for historic preservation. Extinction is final. Once a building is gone, it is gone forever." (Additional information and photo's of this project will be available at the Annual Meeting). All this brings up what is becoming clear as what is becoming a major effort for the Society. We're increasingly being approached to fund projects on South Manitou. To this end, your officers have voted to require that any proposals for financial support to be discussed at the annual meeting be presented 30 days in advance of the meeting. Also, Treasurer Joe Orbeck reports that our current income covers our expenses with not much more for anything else. So, we are proposing that we engage in some fund raising efforts to raise funds for projects on the island. I do feel very strongly that if we do not take on these preservation projects then no one else will. A part of this change will come from the Park's General Management Plan, currently under development. Respectfully Submitted, Donald A. Morris, President ANNUAL MEETING AGENDA EMPIRE TOWNSHIP HALL: 1:30 P.M.: Meeting comes to order. Introduction of Board Members and Members present. Announcements Old Business: Reading of the Minutes of 1999 Meeting: Lynn Roe, Secretary Pro-Tem. Vote to accept. New Business: Nominating Committee Members: Paul Rocheleau Treasures Report: Joe Orbeck Theodore Beck House Project: Paul Rocheleau Additional items from the floor: 4:00 P.M.: Adjourn

Those Whom We Will Miss Leota Violet Hutzler Goeman, died May 9, 2000. Her daughter, Cynthia Heisler informed me that she died of a sudden heart attack after 13 months of being extremely ill. We will have additional information at the Annual Meeting. A tribute to her will appear in the next Newsletter. Her family informed me that anyone wishing to make a donation to the South Manitou Memorial Society in her memory, would bring great honor to Leota. We were told that she was taking care of all those around her right to the end. Her gentle sweet spirit will be greatly missed. South Manitou Schoolhouse Painting September 15-18th, 2000 In September the South Manitou Memorial Society will be painting the Schoolhouse on the island. The National Park Service will have already removed the old paint. They will have also repaired some damaged areas in the exterior structure. Our job will be to apply the final coat of paint to the building. We anticipate 4-6 days to complete the project. The dates are September 15-18 (and additional days if necessary). We would like to have about 6-10 participants. We will be able to stay in a Village house - although some may wish to camp. A shower will be available during the week and there are cooking facilities in the house. The supplies and materials will be provided. You will need painting clothes and gloves. If you are interested and able to help during this time period, please contact me and I will add your name to the list and keep you informed as to travel plans and trip preparations. You may come for any length of time. Please call write or email - and I will respond. Kathy Bietau Editor, South Manitou Memorial Society Newsletter 11196 W. Clear Lake Circle, Branch, Michigan 49402 * Home Phone 231-898-2286 * Email bietau@carrinter.net

A New Book About the Beck Family and South Manitou Island "The Beck Family Immigrates from Germany to South Manitou Island 1860" Mrs. Irwin Beck, Jr., of Empire Michigan has just finished writing a book about the life of her father-in-law, Irwin Beck Sr. He was born on South Manitou Island, the son of August and Elizabeth (Haas) Beck. She tells of the Beck Family journey from Callenstedt, Germany to South Manitcu Island to Empire, Michigan. I understand the book is loaded with wondeiful photographs along with a very detailed history and many great island stories! It should be available near to this printing. To obtain a copy or additional information please write: Mrs. Irwin Beck, Jr. 8558 W. Stormer Rd. Empire, MI 49630. South Manitou Artwork and Jewelry We have become aware of very nice artwork and jewelry of the South Manitou Lighthouse. Beautiflully handpainted! If you are interested - please visit the Website: www.reflectionsoftheheart.com OR Email: dgreiner@mail.riverview.net Attn: Diane Greiner. Check it Out! Great gift ideas for family and fellow South Manitou Islanders! Editor's Note: Remember Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park is also in the process of revising the General Management Plan for the park. This is a very important document - which we need to be involved with. The National Park Service Sleeping Bear Dunes maintains a web-site that contains much of the information we have been discussing in this Newsletter. You will find the Historic Properties Management Draft Plan there and items relating to the General Management Plan Revision Process. That address is: www.nps.gov/slbe. Take a look!! You can comment to many public documents via email at slbe@mps.gov. Get involved, it's Our Island's History! The South Manitou Memorial Society Newsletter is copyrighted 2000/2001. Vol.11. No.2 The deadline for articles to be included in the next Newsletter is Oct. 15, 2000. Please submit to Newsletter Editor: Kathy Bietau at: 11196 W. Clear Lake Cir. Branch, MI 49402. OR E-mail to bietau@carrinter.net
Copyright 2000/2001 Vol.11, No.2