This Season’s Premier Project ~ “Déjà vu
All Over Again”
Almost ten years ago, in our November 1995 newsletter, we
announced the launching of an ambitious project to restore
South Manitou’s one-room schoolhouse.
The island school, built in 1899, accommodated students of all
ages, beginning with the first grade. Eighth grade graduates
were typically thirteen or fourteen. An eighth grade education
was considered sufficient for any practical person, but some
went on to high school on the mainland.
Teachers were usually young men or women who went on,
after graduating from high school, to attend a County Normal
teacher’s school for a year or two. The wages were low;
$50.00 a month during the mid-30’s, with $20.00 of that going
for room and board. For that kind of money the teacher also
served as Principal, school nurse and custodian. The day
began early, hauling out the ashes from the previous day’s
fire, then starting a new fire in the stove to heat the room.
There was then water to pump for drinking and washing, and
as time permitted, wood to split. At day’s end, after the
children left, there was cleaning to do ... sweeping, mopping,
dusting and occasionally window washing. The School Board
also expected to find the outhouses clean and well supplied
with Montgomery-Ward catalogs.
The little schoolhouse also served as a place for meetings and
social activities. Spelling bees, recitals, skits and plays were
popular diversions for islanders. Today it remains, albeit
deserted and lonely.
Progress towards the restoration of this historic asset has been
slow, for a variety of reasons. Funding, of course, is one.
Location is another, it being rather inconvenient and expensive
for volunteers to go to the island to work on such projects.
Finally, as a practical matter,
the Lakeshore necessarily
focuses its resources where
they’ll do the most good, and
the number of visitors going to
the Island is only a small
percentage of the Park’s annual
visitation. It was not until
September of 2000 that the job
of scraping and repainting the
building’s exterior was
completed. Since then, the
Lakeshore and independent
volunteer groups have been
working inside the building as
time and limited finances have permitted. Much of the
necessary demolition work has been completed, structural
repairs on the roof trusses and ceiling rafters have been
accomplished, and some new drywall has been installed.
Much remains to be done, however.
Confident that everyone would like to see this project
completed, the Memorial Society, in concert with the
Lakeshore, has developed an ambitious project designed to get
the job done either this season or next. We have applied for
the David Evans Memorial Award, a $5,000 grant for historic
preservation offered annually by Michigan Architectural
Foundation and Clannad Foundation. If the application is
successful, the schoolhouse project will be completed this
season. We will otherwise go with a slightly more relaxed
schedule, which will allow us to fund the work completely on
our own, the project then being completed by the end of the
2006 visitor season. Once finished, the building will be
opened for interpretation purposes as a part of the regular
motor tours offered on the Island.
If you are interested in participating in this project, you can
learn about the kind of work that will be done, and
approximately when, by reviewing the grant application ...
which is available on the manitouislands.org web site, or write
to request a printed copy. A volunteer Project Coordinator,
working closely with Lakeshore maintenance and
interpretation specialists, will manage all phases of the project
for our organization, including the recruitment and scheduling
of other volunteer helpers.
You can also assist by providing information, artifacts and
furnishings for display in the restored building. 
Manitou Islands
Memorial Society
V16 No 1 Newsletter Spring 2005
Working independently, "The All Girl, Award Winning Dry
Wall Team" spent a weekend last September working in
the schoolhouse. L/R: Anna DeCoster, Sarah Wendt,
Emilie Karpi, Gwen Glatz, Debbie Dekker
NMSL Feasibility Study
Board members have initiated an informal study to determine
whether or not the restoration of the North Manitou Shoal
Lighthouse, more commonly known to locals and old-timers
as “the Crib", would realistically be within the interests and
capabilities of the Memorial Society. The offshore facility is
successor to the North Manitou Island Light. That first
lighthouse, built on North Manitou’s Dimmick’s Point in 1898
proved ineffective in
warning ships away from
the hazardous shoal that
extends far out into the
passage from the island’s
southern tip, so was soon
augmented by a lightship
stationed at the shoal’s
end. The Crib was
commissioned in 1935 to
replace the lightship and
the mainland light.
The U.S. Congress
instituted an innovative
program for lighthouse
restoration and preservation with the passage of the National
Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000. NHLPA
recognizes the cultural, recreational, and educational value
associated with historic light station properties by allowing
these to be transferred at no cost to nonprofit corporations and
other eligible entities. These groups must agree to comply
with conditions set forth in the act, be financially able to
maintain the facility, and must make it available to the general
public for education, park, recreation, cultural or historic
preservation purposes at reasonable times and under
reasonable conditions. Only those light stations that are listed,
or determined eligible for listing, in the National Register of
Historic Places, can be conveyed under this program.
Government agencies involved in the process include the U.S.
Coast Guard, the General Services Administration, the
National Park Service and the State Historic Preservation
Office. Thus far, the Board has been in touch with the Coast
Guard’s ATON Team in St Ignace, who are currently
responsible for the light, and NPS NHLPA Coordinator Susan
Vincent. Board members have also met with Dr Steve Belko,
Director of Michigan’s Lighthouse Preservation Project in
Lansing. A dialog has also been initiated with Dick Moehl,
President of the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association,
an organization whose mission includes facilitating the
process; with Mihm Enterprises of Hamilton, MI, a historic
restoration contractor with experience working on facilities of
this kind; and with the DeTour Reef Lighthouse Preservation
Society, a group which has successfully undertaken a project
of this kind with a very similar offshore lighthouse near
Drummond Island. The next step will be to physically visit the
facility with this group during the ATON Team’s next regular
visit in late July.
Nominating Island Assets to the National
Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the official federal
list of districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects
significant in American history, architecture, archaeology,
engineering, and culture. Properties eligible for listing in the
National Register contribute to an understanding of the
historical and
cultural foundations
of the nation.
The Memorial
Society has been
invited to undertake
the work of
nominating several
island structures and
historic districts.
Authoring such
nominations is well within the Memorial Society's purview.
Because of the detail required to support such nominations,
the projects are rigorous. However, the benefits of achieving
such listings are significant: (1) listed buildings and
landscapes become eligible for restoration and preservation
grants, as well as technical assistance with rehabilitation and
maintenance; (2) while listing does not guarantee that the
building or landscape will forever be protected and preserved,
it does assure that a formal impact study be completed before
any proposed changes can be carried out; (3) the honorary
designation achieved through placement on the National
Register often changes the way we perceive our historic
resources, and gives credibility to efforts to preserve these
resources as viable, functioning members of the islands'
human built landscape.
These projects involve several sites on both islands, and will
be done in close cooperation with Lakeshore personnel (e.g.;
Kimberly Mann and Bill Herd), with full access to the wealth
of Lakeshore
archival resources
and documents. The
work involves
extensive research,
including
photographing the
sites, then properly
documenting the
results on the
appropriate forms.
Funding to cover
incidental expenses will be provided by the Memorial Society,
with possible matching funds from the National Historic
Preservation Fund as Federal Survey and Planning Grants. If
you would like to participate in this long-term project, check
the manitouislands.org web site or write for more information.
A wealth of instructional material is available, and previous
experience is not required.
Manitou Islands Memorial Society Page 2
Theodore Beck Farm (“The Lodge”) on South
The Bourniques Cottage on North Manitou
Port Oneida Fair ~ “Old-Time Pastimes”
Ever make a whimmy diddle? How about a corn shuck doll, a
button hammer or a bull roarer?
In our second year at the fair, we'll be exhibiting old-time
homemade toys, games and puzzles, with some hands-on
activities for kids of all ages, playing with things they’ve
never seen before, and making
something neat to take home as
a souvenir. MIMS members
will be available to show how
it’s done, and to answer
questions about the islands
Remember your favorite
homemade toys? Are you handy
at making them? If so, you can
participate in this activity even
if you can't be in Port Oneida in
August. A member who is a
native of Port Oneida is working on the boat whistles. What
fun it would be to hear those whistles blowing all over Port
Oneida! Contribute your ideas or your own personal creations
for this year's exhibit. You’ll probably have more fun making
some of these unique things than the kids will playing with
them at the fair.
A list of “idea books” is provided on the web site. Or write for
a printed list, to share your ideas or volunteer to work the fair.
Mark your calendar for Friday and Saturday, August 5 and 6.
This is a great opportunity for younger members to participate
in a fun and meaningful event.
Reminder: Annual Reunion/Meeting and
South Manitou Island Excursion
It’s not too early to mark your calendar for this year’s annual
reunion, regular meeting and South Manitou Island Excursion.
The reunion and meeting always happen on the last Saturday
of July, which is the 30th this year. The excursion to South
Manitou always follows the next day; Sunday July 31st. These
events were very well attended last year, and everyone had a
great time. We’re making plans for an even better time this
year, so you won’t want to miss out. Set these dates aside now.
Check the web site for more information, and look for full
details in the Summer newsletter.
Nominating Committee Notes
Member Camille Garber has been elected by the Board as
Interim Treasurer. The Vice President and Secretary offices
are up for election at this summer’s meeting. Staff
appointments, Communications Director and Hospitality
Director, are made by each newly elected Board, to serve
during that Board’s tenure. You can learn more by reading our
booklet MIMS, Inc.; available online, or write for a printed
copy. Indicate your interest using the online form, by writing,
or by speaking to any Committee or Board member.
Secretary’s Report
Our new membership database has been in use on a trial basis
for the past several months. We currently list over 450
members and interested third parties. Thus far in this fiscal
year (since August 1, 2004) we’ve welcomed thirty-seven new
members, and received cash and in-kind contributions from
some seventy-three others:
New Members:
Contributors
Contributions received with new memberships currently total
$720, while other contributions received amount to $1,878.08,
for a total of $2,598.08 thus far in the current fiscal year.
Manitou Islands Memorial Society Page 3
Arnold Alanen
Kirsten Anderson
William R Angell III
Lee Bowen
Sandi Champion
Belinda J Coker
Karen Sue Crandall
Ed & Cynthia Dewes
Robert & Sarah Ek
Denise Elwell
Janice E Faulkner
Judi Harris
Ellis H Henniges
Steven L Hicks
Fredric F Hollister
Peter & Katy Jenks
Leon Kelderhouse
Brad Maguire
Bill McEachern
Karla Olson-Bellfi
Bill & Jayn Payne
Shana Kay Puhlman
James & Virginia Schultz
Barbara Siepker
Jeffery O
Smith
Christopher M Southwick
Pam Sutherland
John Taylor
William E Thompson
Suzi Wasserman
Gary Worden
Henry C Zavislak
Maureen (Tobin) Albright
Irwin Beck
Marcella Birghtman
Lee Bowen
Gregory Brockdorf
Mark Carlson
Sandy & Steve Champion
Laury Christie-Vaughan
Tom & Kim Cubberly
Rolf & Ingrid Deininger
Johanna DeKok
Denise Elwell
Jack & Jeannette Feeheley
Virginia K Fish
Judy Fogle
Dorothy Fox
Janet Frascato
Camille Garber
Gwen Glatz
Alan Green
Charlie Gum
Margaret Hackenberger
Dr Richard Halik
Anna Belle Hansen
Bill Goeman
Cynthia & John Heisler
Janet Helmer
Ellis Henniges
Margaret Hodge
E Gerald Holmes
John & Suzanne Hughes
Sylvia Kruger
Paula S Leinbach
Peter & Betty Mann
Beverly Manwell
Karen McIntire
Pat Nader
John & Katrine Oatley
Robert & Germaine Oberst
Joseph M Orbeck
Bill & Jayne Payne
Orvil & Merlene Richardson
Mike Rocheleau
Paul Rocheleau
Lynn Roe
R1 (Anonymous)
R2 (Anonymous)
Don Roy
Sarah Schultz
Stephen E Sheridan
Gail Skruch
Joanna Smith
Robin Tilwick
John & Dorothy Tobin
James Trew
Gene & Patricia Warner
Hazel Wiedenhoft
Donna M Winters
Joan & Randy Woods
The “Dues and Don’ts” of Memorial Society
Soliciting and Fundraising
The Memorial Society has never had dues, and probably never
will. Wishing to include all those who traditionally
participated in the old North and South Manitou Islands
Reunion, which began in 1970, the Society's founders
provided that anyone with burial rights on either island
automatically qualified for membership, and anyone else
needed only attach $10 to their sign-up form to be welcomed
as members in good standing, equal in all respects. Either
way, memberships were for life; once a member, always a
member!
Not having dues makes sense in other ways, one being that in
organizations where the membership cannot be accurately
determined, a quorum for meetings of the general membership
is simply "members present". With our diverse array of widely
disbursed members, it would be difficult to assemble even a
simple majority, especially on the prime summer weekend
when our annual meeting is held. Moreover, most people find
it more rewarding to make a voluntary contribution than to
pay a bill, which is what the payment of dues
often feels like. Our members are very
faithful in this respect; we probably
receive as much voluntary financial
support as dues would generate, and
perhaps even more!
We give away Memorial Society
"member stuff", instead of selling
fundraising items, or offering
merchandise as an enticement for
donations. A convenience envelope
is included with each item, and
recipients can remit if, whatever and
whenever they want. Since we're not selling anything, there is
no sales tax liability. Since any resulting contributions are not
directly connected to any purchase or gift, 100% of the
donation is deductible.
Although we're conscientious about including convenience
envelopes in everything sent out in the mail or distributed at
meetings and other events, that isn’t meant to suggest that a
contribution is always expected. Sometime during each year,
members often take a moment to write a check or put a few
dollars in one of the envelopes and send it in. Contributions
usually range from $3 to $100; all are equally appreciated and
equally acknowledged.
Our islands advocacy is a priority for many members, old and
new, and we all understand that what can be accomplished
depends upon willing volunteers and generous donors. But
we’re not just a "Friends of the Islands" group. We sprung
from a reunion of relatives and friends, who met faithfully
each summer for many years to keep "the ties that bind." That
wasn’t, and still isn’t, a costly activity. In those days, we just
passed the hat and everyone threw in a couple of bucks. For
those whose only interest is the annual reunion, that’s still
entirely sufficient, and equally appreciated.
Newly Refined Gerald E Crowner Memorial
Scholarship Criteria Honors Crowner’s
Loves and MIMS Mission
Begun last year primarily as an incentive to attract a volunteer
for our exhibit at the Port Oneida Fair, the “Gerald E Crowner
Memorial Scholarship” offered a $250 award. The only
criterion was a willingness to show up; nonetheless, we were
fortunate enough to wind up with an outstanding recipient.
For this and possibly future years, a new program has been
developed. The award will take the form of an “essay contest”,
the subject matter involving the role of settlers, the USLHS,
USLSS, and USCG, and the Manitou Passage in general in the
development of Great Lakes Maritime history and traditions.
Graduating high school seniors headed for a post-secondary
educational institution, or students already enrolled, are
eligible. Dependant children of Coast Guard personnel can
receive a preference. The application process is easy,
involving only the writing of an appropriate essay, and
submitting that with a simple application form.
The application deadline for this year’s award will be
Saturday, June 18. A special Scholarship Committee will
judge applications, with the winner notified the first week in
July. The actual award will be made as part of our annual
meeting on July 30th, the winner being our “guest of honor”
for that weekend’s events if able to attend. This year’s $500
award will be funded courtesy of Lynn Roe’s family, Margaret
Hodge (the original publisher of Crowner’s Book The South
Manitou Story), and other private donations. Copies of the
book, signed by the late author’s daughter, are still available
upon request.
New! ... MIMS Monogram “License Plates”
Twenty-one states and provinces have opted to save millions
by eliminating the requirement for front license plates. Since
they're still required elsewhere, most cars come with
provisions for front plates.
The car manufacturers
nick you $45 to $80 or
more for a plastic cover
(with their name on it) to
hide that ugly mounting
well they put in your front
bumper. This prompts
some people to use plates
that say tasteless and hurtful things like, "I'm Spending My
Children's' Inheritance" or "Get Out of My Way ... I'm Headed
for Bingo!" ... or worse.
Good News! If you need something to dress up that bare spot
(or replace what's already there), you can show that you have a
little class by displaying a MIMS monogram plate. These
attractive "onyx on snow" (black on white) plates compliment
the color of any car. Receive one of these unique
commemorative plates for your very own, complete with
stainless steel mounting screws, simply for the asking.
Manitou Islands Memorial Society Page 4
South Manitou’s “Last Family”
They came from Ionia County over fifty years ago … “almost
like pioneers”, Esther said, “except there were buildings
already here.” Indeed, they moved onto a farm built by one of
the island’s pioneers and passed on to his generations … but
now owned by Mr. Boales. They came as hired hands … Ed,
Esther and the boys … to take care of his property and his
herd of Herefords, settling in among the islands interior “ghost
farms” … places haunted by the memories of better times and
people long since departed, one way or another. Nobody left
on the island then, but a skeleton crew at the old Coast Guard
station and four aging hangers-on in the ghost town that was
once a thriving village.
The splendid isolation and tranquility of the Island has a way
of enchanting harried visitors with delusions of escapism.
Ambitious men came to the Island, and left with development
schemes abrewing in their brains. Boales and his “Lee Island
Associates” from Detroit were among the last. Like those
before them, the Associates found their bubble gradually
floating away as possibilities that seemed so easily within
reach in their dreams dissolved in the face of demographic and
marketing realities. Hoping to salvage their investment, Mr.
Boales turned from luxury resort developer to beef production.
Mr. Harrold built a “marina” … a small dock with a store …
and fixed up one of the farmhouses for use as a guest “lodge”.
The rest of the associates gave up their interest in the project.
And so, the Rikers settled in as salaried overseers of William
Boales’ cattle operation, moving into the old Conrad Hutzler
place with the boys, Russell, Richard and little Ronald ... 7, 5
and 1, respectively. It didn’t take Mr. Boales very long to
discover that his beef operation
wasn’t panning out either, so
difficult decisions were once again
called for. For Boales, the choices
were scant, since the property he
held evidently had little economic
value. But for the Rikers, it had
become “home”, and leaving would
not have been easy. Thus, they
became tenants, leasing the
property from Boales and operating
it on their own … doing whatever it
took to make ends meet.
“Whatever it took” included raising beef cattle, selling feeder
calves, producing fresh eggs for sale on the mainland,
maintaining the telephone company’s line across the islands,
and keeping up the island’s roads for the County Road
Commission. Ed worked on lake survey boats when he could
during the summers, otherwise he and Esther could be found
serving as tour guides for day visitors … driving them to
various points of interest around the island, showing them the
world’s largest white cedar trees, or the wreck of the Francisco
Morazan. Summers were good times, especially for the boys,
as George Grosvenor’s ferry brought back familiar summer
resorters and a regular stream of day visitors.
But as the days grew short and the leaves began to turn, the
seasonal loneliness and isolation would return as the few
summer residents boarded up their cottages and left, and
George’s appearances became increasingly less frequent.
Nevertheless, there was livestock to care for and winter
maintenance chores to do. While the boys were still young,
Esther turned her living room into their “schoolhouse”. Later,
she would spend winters with them on the mainland, where
they could finish their education in a “real school”, leaving Ed
to tend the farm alone. If George could make the crossing,
they’d sometimes be able to return on the weekends. But most
often, that was risky. More than once she and the boys walked
the seven miles across the ice from Glen Haven to spend a
weekend at home with husband and father.
The years went by … the last of the old islanders left, the
Coast Guard decommissioned the lighthouse, then closed up
the Lifesaving Station and finally they too sailed away for
good. Their boys had become young men, eager to discover
what life held in store for them on the mainland. As the
island’s last tragedy, Ronald, then sixteen, drowned while
swimming at the Morazan with a summer friend. Six years
later, Ed and Esther Riker were obliged to leave when Boales
finally sold out. It was not a happy time. “I just have to start
looking someplace”, said Esther, “and I start remembering.”
“We’re loosing our identity.” Standing at her boy’s grave, she
promised “I plan to be buried here, right beside him.”
In Memoriam
Edward & Esther Riker
We note with regret the
passing of long-time
Memorial Society members
Edward and Esther Riker.
Edward, who was 84 and
died February 7th, was
preceded in death by Esther,
his wife of sixty-one years,
who passed away December
4th of last year.
The Rikers operated farms on South Manitou Island for some
twenty years, and were the island's last permanent residents.
They raised polled Herefords, their operation gradually
expanding from the Conrad Hutzler farm to encompass also
the August Beck and Theodore Beck farms. The Rikers were
year-around residents on South Manitou, Ed eventually
wintering on the island alone while Esther accompanied their
boys to the mainland to attend school. They were the last to
leave South Manitou, finally departing in 1973 as title to the
farms passed to the Lakeshore.
Surviving Edward and Esther in the immediate family are sons
Russell and Richard and five grandchildren. A third son,
Ronald, died accidentally on South Manitou the summer of
1967 at age 16, and was laid to rest in the island cemetery. The
cemetery will also be the final resting-place for his parents
Edward and Esther. A memorial service has been tentatively
planned for May at the South Manitou Island cemetery.
Manitou Islands Memorial Society Page 5
Camille L Garber
Interim Treasurer
Camille Garber comes from a
family of entrepreneurs. Having
grown up in the family retail
business, on her own initiative,
she earned a cosmetology license
from the State of Michigan when
just seventeen. After graduating
from high school, she returned to
retail, holding management
positions in several local stores,
ultimately becoming co-owner of
Our Vintage Shop and Antiques
in Mt Pleasant. Wishing to pursue
a career with a national company, she earned an Associates of
Arts degree at Mid-Michigan Community College as a part-
time student, then sold her business and enrolled at Alma
College where she earned a BA/MBA degree just eight years
ago. Recruited by the giant pharmaceutical firm Merck & Co.,
Camille managed northern Michigan territories responsible for
sales exceeding $5-million annually. She is currently
responsible for transportation and staff payrolls at Traverse
City Area Public Schools.
Camille’s involvement with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
began while in college, where her interest and energy quickly
won a Board position. She is extensively involved in volunteer
activities, working with such diverse activities as Traverse
City’s Old Town Playhouse, Rolling Century Farms, and as an
Election Inspector for the City of Traverse City.
Camille has developed a passion for historical architecture,
mostly from her travels in Central and Eastern Europe, and is
keenly interested in renovation project possibilities. She and
husband Mike Rocheleau reside in Traverse City where they
enjoy (in her words) “a landscape of wonderment.”
Making a Difference
By making bequests and other "planned gifts," you can
continue your personal advocacy for the islands indefinitely.
What better way to honor the people and places that have had
an impact on your life, than to contribute from your estate
through a bequest. Gifts large and small are important. Such
giving is not only for the rich! Depending on the current tax
laws, leaving a gift to charity could reduce the estate tax
burden on your heirs significantly. To learn more, call the
National Committee on Planned Giving at 317-269-6274, or
visit www.leavealegacy.org.
News from the Park ...
SLBE Draft “Fire Management Plan”
Because of the devastating wildfires in the west, and the
resulting controversy over government management policies,
all NPS units were ordered to come up
with new "Fire Management Plans."
In short, the Lakeshore has been
operating without a specific plan,
under the general guidance of
"Director's Order #18", which simply
calls for the suppression of all fires
within parks that have not yet developed
a plan. Of the three alternatives suggested
in the new draft management plan, the
Lakeshore's "preferred alternative" allows prescribed fires and
wildland fire use on the islands. “Prescribed fires” could be
deliberately set by park personnel for some particular reason,
such as to reduce the fuel potentially available to wildfires, to
selectively control vegetation, or as an open field/cultural
landscape management tool. Appropriate reasons could also
include practical considerations such as cost, safety, public
health, etc. "Wildland Fire Use" (or "WFU") means permitting
fires ignited by natural processes or accidentally by humans to
burn, ostensibly for the same reasons.
Naturally, these options would not apply to the islands'
historic structures, which would continue to be fully protected.
While prescribed fires and wildland fire use would not be
permitted, mechanical means could be employed as necessary
to reduce their vulnerability to wildfires. Prescribed fires could
be used in areas designated as cultural landscapes, but not
wildland fire use. While sometimes characterized as a "let
burn" plan, neither prescribed fires or wildland fires would be
permitted to burn indiscriminately and uncontrolled.
The plan developed for the Lakeshore is available online at
http://www.nps.gov/slbe/ and printed copies are available
from the Lakeshore.
Park Announces Antique Apple Tree
Pruning Workshop for 2005
The Park invites you to participate in a pruning workshop on
Friday, April 22, from 1:00 – 4:00PM at the Kelderhouse and
Lawr Farmsteads in the Port Oneida Rural Historic District.
The workshop will focus on maintenance of neglected apple
trees, how to bring them back into production, and maintain
their health. You’ll learn 1) how to identify and properly
remove dead materials from abandoned trees, 2) proper
pruning of the canopy for optimum maintenance and apple
production, 3) maintaining tree health, 4) how to maintain
ground cover under the tree, 5) watering and care of the tree,
and 6) equipment safety. With all the “antique” apple trees
found on both islands, this workshop could be the genesis of
some very rewarding future projects.
Manitou Islands Memorial Society Page 6
Partners for this inaugural
workshop include the Leelanau
Conservation District, MSU
Northwest Michigan Horticultural
Station, and the County Extension
Master Gardener Program.
Participants will receive “hands
on” training in all techniques.
Experts from these three County
offices will provide technical
information and instruction, with
the Park serving as host. Previous
knowledge and experience is not
required. The purpose of the
workshop is to teach the techniques and train homeowners and
the interested public how to restore to health and maintain
antique apple trees.
We’ll meet for a 1:00 PM orientation session at the Port
Oneida Schoolhouse. Follow M-22 north from Glen Arbor
about four miles, then turn left on Port Oneida Road. Wear
sturdy shoes and gloves. Handouts, tools and materials will be
provided, and there is no cost. Rain date: Friday, May 6th at
the same time and location.
Registration by April 18th is requested. Advance sign-up is not
mandatory, but would be helpful to event planners. If planning
to participate, please advise Park Historic Architect, Kimberly
Mann at 231-326-5135 x501, send your name, address and
telephone number to kimberly_mann@nps.gov or use the
reply envelope provided with this newsletter.
2005 Barn Workshop: the Granary at Port
Oneida’s Martin Basch Farmstead
This marks the 9th consecutive year that the Lakeshore in
partnership with the Michigan Barn Preservation Network has
provided a public barn workshop, an event that has proven
instructive, as well as a lot of fun. This year we’ll be working
on the granary at the Martin Basch Farmstead in the Port
Oneida Rural Historic District.
Martin Basch, a former soldier and war prisoner, emigrated
from Germany to North Manitou Island in 1868 with his wife,
leaving several children behind in Hanover. Fifteen years later
they purchased 110 acres in Port Oneida for about $5 an acre.
Basch was a blacksmith, and a master carpenter who helped
build many of the farms and churches in the Port Oneida -
Good Harbor - Arcadia area. His handiwork is still evident in
the pediments and circular gable windows of the farmhouse.
The Lakeshore and Michigan Barn Preservation Network are
providing the skilled labor to put on this workshop, and will
be assisted in hosting this year’s event by Preserve Historic
Sleeping Bear and relatives of Martin Basch. You’ll receive
“hands on” training in all techniques involved in repairing
hewn sills, replacing log floor rafters, repairing wall frames,
windows, doors and replacing wood floorboards and siding.
Special skills or previous experience is not required, there is
no cost, and the Lakeshore will provide all necessary tools and
materials. Wear sturdy shoes and gloves, and bring a sack
lunch. Campsites are available upon request
This year’s workshop is scheduled for Friday and Saturday,
June 18 and 19, beginning at 9:00AM each day at the Martin
Basch Farm. To get there, take M-22 north from Glen Arbor
for about five miles, then turn left on Basch Road, left on
Kelderhouse Road, then right on
Baker Road.
Advance registration is not
required, but would be helpful. If
planning to participate, please
advise Park Historic Architect,
Kimberly Mann at 231-326-5135
x501, send your name, address
and telephone number to
kimberly_mann@nps.gov or use
the reply envelope provided with
this newsletter.
Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear Organizes
Another Project on South Manitou
Sometime late this summer, the chicken coop on South
Manitou’s historic Conrad Hutzler farm, and the fields around
the farm, will receive some special attention, courtesy of
PHSB. George Conrad Hutzler, was George Johann Hutzler’s
half-brother, the two being among the island’s original
homesteaders. Conrad arrived in 1867, some 11-years after
Johann, who is credited as the island’s first full-time farmer.
Conrad’s farm, under the stewardship of his son and grandson,
brought the island some prominence as the primary site for
Michigan Agricultural College (today’s MSU) development
projects, which produced the highly successful Rosen Rye and
Michellite Bean varieties. This farm also turned out to be the
island’s last, being operated by the Riker family until they
departed as the last islanders to go.
Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear was founded in 1998 for the
purpose of saving, maintaining, and interpreting historic
structures and cultural landscapes within Sleeping Bear Dunes
National Lakeshore. PHSB focuses its efforts on policy,
project development, partnerships, public education and
private funding. To learn more, call PHSB’s Administrative
Assistant Susan Pocklington at 231-334-6103, write
phsb@leelanau.com or visit www.leelanau.com/phsb/.
Manitou Islands Memorial Society Page 7
Manitou Islands Memorial Society
PO Box 177
Empire MI 49630-0177