Congrats on the website and apologies for my lack of contributions.
Apparently Capt Kurtz is unaware that flora and fauna alone do not a park make,
and that history, esp. cultural history, must be an integral component. Perhaps he
is not aware that the model for a biosphere reserve [an IRNP designation] provides
for an undisturbed core area surrounded by an area where man and biophere interact.
Almost by definition therefore, physical AND cultural history must be an integral component.
NPS addresses preservation of cultural resources inthe park purposes portion of the GMP
as well as in various other areas of the plan.
Fortunately,the majority of visitors to IR who have an actual interest in the park recognize
this importance and that glimpses of the cultural sites and history significantly enhances
their park experience. It is imperative therefore that those of us who may be "living artifacts"
do what we can to ensure that interpretation of our cultural history is accurately perpetuated
Regards
MR

Mark Rude <markrude@qwest.net>
duluth, Mn USA - Thursday, May 6, 2004 at 16:49:53

I was the deckhand on the Voyageur II from the start of the season 1989 until mid-July when I departed due to a death in the family .I note that the RUDE family , east end of the Island isn't on this site . The JOHNSON family , I recall related to the Sivertsons . Had a relief Captain on the Voyageur II one trip, as I recall . Former USCG .
Martt Koski <martt@comcast.net>
Woodbury, NJ USA - Saturday, February 21, 2004 at 18:56:49

Hi folks! I can't believe it's taken me so long to get onto this site! What a great source of history! I haven't looked at it all yet but I didn't know if folks knew that my grandmother Bylo (Mary) Farmer passed away last year. I hope to get up this year to celebrate her life. I feel pretty special to have had the chance to spend some summers up there as well as share her name!
Bylo Jane Farmer <b.farmer@ecentral.com>
Boulder, CO USA - Sunday, February 15, 2004 at 19:37:53

Dear Carol,

My names is David Barnum and my family has been on the island since the 1890's. There may be some records about their presence on Isle Royale. That would really depend why they were there. They could have been cottagers, fishermen, or staying at one of the several resorts on the island. If there is any way that you could scan the pictures and send them to me, I could determine where they were located on the island, and possibly identify other Isle Royale family membersi n the picture. Our group represents every family that is still on the island, and some that are no longer there. I am pretty sure we can give you an understading of your family pictures as they relate to the island.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,
David C. Barnum
Washington Harbor, Isle Royale

David Barnum <dcbarnum@aol.com>
Cary, IL USA - Monday, January 19, 2004 at 08:59:11

I have never been to Isle Royale. However, my grandfather
George David Shannon, his wife, Susan Shannon either lived, worked or vacationed there between 1903 - 1910. We have some photos that are suppose to be from there. I am interested in knowing if there are any records indicating their presence.
Carol <chtanakh@aol.com>
Tampa, FL USA - Wednesday, January 14, 2004 at 16:14:53

Hi this web site is great. I grew up visting Chrystal Cove. My g-grandparents are Milford and Myrtle Johnson, and my grandparents run the Wenona to and from Isle Royal. I love it there and i have taken my 6yr. old daughter every year since she was 5 mouths old and she loves it. We are going there in August coming up here soon. Amyjo Tatge
amyjo tatge <amyjotatge@yahoo.com>
faribault, mn USA - Friday, July 25, 2003 at 23:56:50

The WEB site for Isle Royale Families and Friends (IRFFA) and the organization itself are now appropriately expanding to include many friends who have over the years treasured their experiences on the Island even though they don't have connections to a specific property. Our total network is rich in human history and connections.
We've sometimes felt somewhat isolated out on Captain Kidd Island with just a few treasured links to other island families and visitors. But the web that IRFFA is now weaving is enriching our lives by bringing us into closer contact with many others who love the island as we do. Especially thrilling is meeting and reading about the young parents who bring their children to share some of the same experiences they, their parents and their grandparents relished for so many years.
Let's not let the cultural history and connections erode! Keep expanding that wonderful web of Isle Royale magic that carries us through the winter and brings us back together each summer.
Sally Orsborn <orsborn@olympus.net>
Port Ludlow, WA USA - Friday, May 30, 2003 at 17:25:07

Hi! What a wonderful website you're developing. I've come to it by a somewhat circuitous route. I'm married to Peter Oikarinen and we've been discussing your efforts to preserve the cultural history of the island in spite of the Park Service's unwillingness to acknowledge the presence of working families on the island over the years. Ironically, I was also Jessica Gale's Advanced Placement English teacher at Calumet High School and the essay she wrote documenting the Gale family's adventures on the island won the Mac Frimodig Essay and Scholarship competition sponsored by the Keweenaw County Historical Society. I've been engaged in having my students do original documentary essays during their senior year since the mid-1980's. Jessica's was one of the finest. I'm also a poet and Keweenaw County native and my book, Watermarks:Poems from the Coast of Keweenaw, celebrates the people and traditions of the Copper Country. I wish you the best and if there's anything I can do to further your cause, let me know! I can be reached at bsimila@chartermi.net Peter and I have already discussed the possibility of a "new" documentary narrative about the people and history of Barnum Island. There are wonderful opportunities here to explore some ideas!
Barbara Simila <bsimila@chartermi.net>
Copper City, MI USA - Thursday, May 29, 2003 at 09:26:30

I have several photographs taken in 1935. They include Chippewa Harbor, Belle Isle, Capt. Arthur Tormula(holding a 21 pound pike), McCargo Cove boats and buildings, Washington Harbor, and the Johnson Family at Chippewa Harbor. The Johnson family photo shows a woman playing banjo, another woman playing fiddle and a man playing accordion. I am most interested in the last photo of the musicians since I also play fiddle and am interested in Michigan fiddle music. Can anyone provide more information on the musicians? I will be glad to share these photos.
Glenn Hendrix <starrglenn@peoplepc.com>
Lowell, MI USA - Sunday, March 30, 2003 at 19:19:18

I have copied the comments by "Capt Willie Kurtz" to the message board. I invite you to add you views to his statement on the message board under the thread "are we laughable?"
David C. Barnum <dcbarnumaol.com>
Cary, IL USA - Saturday, February 8, 2003 at 11:19:54

Your "mission statement" would be laughable if it wasn't so self serving.When your lease is up move on and quite whining. To presume to be a "cultural link" for park visitors is absurd. Who wouldn't want a cottage at Isle Royale, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Grand Tetons, etc. This park isn't reserved for a precious few(Barnum, Gale, Merrit) but for all Americans. When the agreement lease is up, gather up, and leave. Be thankful for the history your family was able to accrue on the island.
Capt. Willie Kurtz
Copper City, MI USA - Friday, February 7, 2003 at 18:09:26

I have some pictures taken on and around the island of my Dad when he fished with my great grandfather Andrew Rude. I think I have some original nets and net mending equipment that was used at Fishermans home that my Dad left me when he passed away.He also used to fish with Sam Rude. I still have a relative that I visit every year in West Duluth. She is 92 years old and the last remaining sibling of Andrew Rude. Her name is Florence Hansen. Andrew Rude had nine children.
Wyck Linder <llinder@att.net>
Chanhassen, Mn USA - Monday, October 14, 2002 at 19:51:39

We first heard about Isle Royale from my mom and dad, Ernie and Myrtle Larson, who visited there on the America when dad's employer, Clyde Iron Works, held company outings at Singer Hotel in the '20s. Bud Sivertson and I went to school together, and he brought me to Washington Island a few times while we were in high school. My wife Donna and I honeymooned at Windigo in June 1955. Ed Olson took us over on the Disturbance, and Hal Mattson took us trolling on the Here 'Tis. For a while we owned the 24-foot gas boat, Picnic, and circled the Island with it when our children were small and learning about camping. We kept it in Andrews' boathouse on Barnum Island. George Barnum invited us to use Sunset Cottage for a week back in the '60s, and we have often visited the Sivertsons and Stroms and have known many Island people over the years. Art, Myrtle, Stanley and Clara became close friends during the many years we prepared advertising materials for their boat service. Our daughter and Liz Sivertson were once chambermaids at Rock Harbor Lodge. We are pleased with David Barnum's initiative to preserve an important part of the Island's cultural heritage. We are also impressed with the open-minded new management for this special park.
Donn Larson <parkpoint@earthlink.net>
Duluth, MN USA - Wednesday, August 28, 2002 at 15:00:53

WE DID IT!! KEPT OUR PROMISE OF "GOING HOME" AGAIN THIS YEAR. MY HUSBAND AND I TOOK THE BOAT FROM GRAND PORTAGE AND WERE ABLE TO VISIT THE WHOLE TRIP WITH MEL AND MONICA JOHNSON (MY COUSIN & WIFE) ON BOARD THE WENONAH. WHAT A GREAT TIME WE HAD. WAS VERY IMPRESSED WITH WINDIGO AND ITS FACILITIES. HARD TO BELIEVE THERE IS ACTUALLY FLUSH TOILETS AND ELECTRIC HAND DRYERS --WHAT A CHANGE FROM WHEN WE LIVED AT CHIPPEWA HARBOR (UNTIL 1953).!! ALSO HAD A CHANCE TO VISIT WITH THE PARK RANGERS THERE AND SHOWED THEM PICTURES OF WHAT CHIPPEWA HARBOR USED TO LOOK LIKE AND HOW WE ALL LIVED THERE. NEEDLESS TO SAY, THEY WERE A LITTLE AMAZED AT WHAT ACTUALLY WAS THERE A LONG TIME AGO. THAT TRIP WAS ON FRIDAY. ON SATURDAY WE AGAIN BOARDED THE VOYAGER AND WENT TO ROCK HARBOR LODGE AND STAYED THE NIGHT. SUNDAY LEFT FOR GRAND PORTAGE AGAIN. WE WERE LUCKY THERE WERE HIKERS TO PICK UP AT CHIPPEWA SO I REALLY WAS ABLE TO "GO HOME" AGAIN. LOOKED THE SAME TO ME AND I HAD THE ADVANTAGE OF CLOSING MY EYES AND "SEEING" ALL THAT OTHERS COULD NOT. AT WINDAGO, WE AGAIN BOARDED THE WENONAH TO CONTINUE OUR VISIT WITH THE JOHNSONS. SURPRISE - THERE WAS ALSO ANOTHER 2ND COUSIN AND FAMILY ON BOARD ALSO. ISLE ROYALE FAMILIES REALLY ARE EXTENDED AND THE BOND NEVER DISAPPEARS EVEN IF THEY ARE NOT RELATED. SO---ALL SAID--WE REALLY HAD A GREAT TIME AND WILL BE BACK AGAIN NEXT YEAR. WILL TRY AND GET SOME PICTURES ADDED TO THE ALBUM HERE WHEN POSSIBLE. THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR HARD WORK ON THE WEB SITE. WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM ANY OTHER "ISLE ROYALE ORIGINAL".
NANCY STEGMAN (JOHNSON) <stegsr@msn.com>
MT. PLEASANT, MI USA - Saturday, August 24, 2002 at 17:44:56

I have only visited Isle Royale once, in the summer of 1991,
to do some scuba diving and hike around. We crossed over from Grand Portage with our own boat.
I believe that the families of Isle Royale have a legitimate and constructive role to play in the future of the island. I have very much enjoyed my visits to various National Parks over the years and the effort to preserve wild areas is a proper and necessary role for the federal government to play. However, I believe that the NPS (typically) gets carried away with their concept of administering such areas as "wilderness". I am witnessing the same thing on North Manitou island.
I commented to the (only) ranger on North Manitou that the old buildings and autos, trucks, tractors, etc. were very interesting, they helped tell the human history of the place. His reply was that if they had they money the NPS would probably bulldoze that stuff into holes and cover it up. I was shaken. North Manitou, as with Isle Royale will never be a pristene 'wilderness'. I have no quarrel with maintaining the place like a wilderness but why destroy artifacts which tell the human history?
The NPS has a sad history of shunning people who have connections to the sites the NPS administers. People, like the families of Isle Royale, who could add a great deal to the experiences of visitors (and the mission of the NPS).
An example is the lady who as a little girl witnessed the sinking of the THREE BROTHERS at South Manitou island. The NPS had no interest in her story until the sand slewed away from the ship some years ago. Suddenly she was a wonderful resource of information with an interesting story that adds a personal tie to a (local) historic event.
One of my cherished experiences among my visits to North Manitou island is speaking to one of the original inhabitants in 1986. Her book telling her experiences(published later) is a treasure, almost as great as listening to her.
I wish the best to the families of Isle Royale and hope to visit again some day. Hopefully you will be there when I do.

Barry Stephan
Grand Rapids, MI
Barry Stephan <BCS97DD@aol.com>
Grand Rapids, MI USA - Thursday, July 18, 2002 at 18:34:03

I visited Washington Island over the past weekend (July 13-14, 2002) and had a tour of Barnum Island. What a wonderful place, and what an informative website! I will follow your "cause" with interest! Thanks David!
Mary Sommerness <MarySommerness@aol.com>
Grand Marais, MN USA - Monday, July 15, 2002 at 07:20:27

What an almost incredible understanding of the past this 5th generation Barnum conveys, as his deep respect for the island gathers supporters. We've known so many of these various family members who were far from "enthusiasts," they just accepted Isle Royale as "where they lived - and it sure beat starving!"
As the fishing members of the family came back to their dock each day - often survivors of naked fear - the younger members began the cleaning and storing process. There was simply no way this almost endless processing could be described as anything but the work it really was!
But it was their American Adventure! With their effort came an understanding of the new language, and increased shared respect in this adventure of freedom.
Jim Marshall <Jmarsh9773@aol.com>
Duluth, MN USA - Tuesday, June 25, 2002 at 14:56:36

Very nice website. Eventually I'll add some of my favorite shots, several from a still memorable ride around the island in '99 with Mark Rude. I've only made six trips to Isle Royale, but I've had moments out there unrivalled by trips to the Grand Canyon, the Everglades or anywhere else. A glorious aurora borealis show from Siskiwit Bay. The late September hike from Little Todd to Siskiwit in full autumn color. An afternoon on the shore of Lake Desor. Its a special place.
Brian Lambert <BLAMBERT@mn.rr.com>
Edina, MN USA - Tuesday, June 11, 2002 at 14:04:43

I have made 20 week long fishing excursions in mid-July over the past 25 years. I should have started going there many years sooner. Someday I'll have my own boat to make the journey. I start planning my next year's trip on my boat trip back from Isle Royale to Grand Portage. This is a special place for hikers, naturalists, canoeists/kayckers and yes even the former fishing families and motor boaters.
There is room for all. Disharmony is stirred up by the NPS & Michigan Tech. What is their hidden agenda? Do they really need someplace like this they can take their big donators too? We all need to follow the same rules that are applied equally and fairly.
Mike Melin <blainemelin@juno.com>
Blaine, MN USA - Sunday, June 9, 2002 at 20:12:42

I have been extremely fortunate to grow up spending time each summer in Washington Harbor. As a child I looked forward to family picnics, evenings on sunset rock, and hide and seek in the dark. We anxiously awaited the arrival of the Wenonah each day, and for Grandpa (Stanley Sivertson)to blow the whistle and wave. As an adult, I look forward to the time I can spend on the island, and hope that my children have the same fortunate opportunity to grow up there as I did.
Kelli DeBolt Strom <kellynkay@aol.com>
Minneapolis, MN USA - Tuesday, May 14, 2002 at 11:05:04

Great new web site. What a unique way to enlighten the general public of the history of Isle Royale life and families. I was raised at Chippewa Harbor, daughter of Holger and Lucy Johnson. Father passed away Nov 1953 and mother, November 1976. My last year living on the Island was summer of 1953. Have only been back once, in 1963 to visit with Mel and Myrtle Johnson, my Uncle and Aunt. Time, work and family has not allowed a return trip until now. My husband and son and friends visited by boat from Copper Harbor last summer and stayed at Chippewa for a couple of days. My husband and I are planning a trip from Grand Portage to Rock Harbor July this year. It will be so good to "go home again". Hopefully there will be more visits.
Question: Are you planning on or can you add a site for CHIPPEWA HARBOR? I would like to post some pictures if you are interested - building, boats etc. Please advise.

Again - great job, great site and keep up the good work. Will visit the site at least once a week - I look at the Eagle Harbor Cam site every morning just to get a "Lake Superior Fix" for the day.


NANCY STEGMAN (JOHNSON) <stegsr@msn.com>
MT. PLEASANT, MI USA - Sunday, May 12, 2002 at 15:11:13

I greatly enjoyed seeing the variety of pictures. I hope that people will continue to add pictures. I'm looking forward to being up to the island, and I hope to meet some of the people on the other side of the island this summer.

Kind Regards,
Matthew Barnum
Matt Barnum
Barnum Island, MI Isle Royale - Tuesday, April 9, 2002 at 17:34:57

My stepdad is Greg Snell he married my mom nine years ago last week, horray for me, and my daughter! Now we know what the rest of you do, what an honor and a privledge it is to have a unique access to such a glorious place. Really enjoy the older photos and any stories you might have, especially regarding anyones expieriences in the late fall or winter, it those stories exist. Cross country skiing, snowshoeing, I can only imagine. Great Job on the website what a wonderful way to communicate with those who share a common passion...
christopher <clmeads@aol.com>
mpls, mn USA - Friday, April 5, 2002 at 14:08:43

Has anyone seen Molly yet?! (:
Alicia Thompson <alicia@cpinternet.com>
Duluth, mn USA - Tuesday, March 26, 2002 at 15:30:43

I have been told repeatedly how rich my heritage is because of the roots it has in Isle Royale. I wait in anticipation for each summer to roll around in order to get to the island. The memories I have of Isle Royale are vast and cherished. I can only pray that future generations of us "Sivertsons" can continue to invest our lives and hard work (Thanks Grandpa Enar and Grandma Betty) into future memories on the island.
Amy Buerke <amy.buerke@sinex.com>
Duluth, MN USA - Tuesday, March 26, 2002 at 11:53:44

This is a great site! I am a fifth generation Isle Royale Sivertson family member (my grandparents are Betty and Enar Strom; Betty's father was Art Sivertson, grandfather was Sam Sivertson) I look forward to my Washington Harbor visits every summer, and my prayer is that the families maintain their heritages on the island, for my future kids' sake! I am passing along this site to the rest of Betty and Enar's 20 grandchildren.
Michael Buerke <michael.buerke@fridley.k12.mn.us>
Fridley, MN USA - Tuesday, March 26, 2002 at 11:18:51

Great idea! I put on some pictures of our early days on the Island. I mentioned a couple of URLs for related web sites: http://www.dartmouth.edu/~chance/GallopingGhost.pdf and http://www.dartmouth.edu/~chance/oldtimers/oldtimers.htm.
The first is one of our father's children's books that place on Isle Royale. The second is a video of stories told by oldtimers at a recent Isle Royale Historical Association meeting. It would be nice if these could actually be links. Do you plan to make this possible? Of course they could also be on a Links list which I gather you are planning. Laurie Snell
J. laurie Snell <jlsnell@dartmouth.edu>
Hanover , NH USA - Saturday, March 23, 2002 at 12:57:28

What a wonderful idea! We also have many photos we would be happy to share. I hope this will become an important communication tool for all of the life-leesees. We have many common interests, and it would be great if we could work together on some of them. Thanks for doing it.
Ellen
Ellen Caskey Gabriel <egabriel@madison.tds.net>
New Glaurs, WI USA - Friday, March 22, 2002 at 20:01:28

Hi fellow life leasees--This is very nice and what a good idea. Many of you may not know but my dad, Dave Connolly, died this year. He had suffered for a few years with Alzhemeir's. Until the last year of his life the mention of Isle Royale would spark a glint in his eye. He would tell stories or listen avidly to any news about his beloved island. His first summer there was in 1911 when he was 9 months old. In the days before plastic baby holders he was put in a butter crock to observe the goings on. I believe his last year there was in 1994. He had been coming up since the mid 80's with his buddy Bill Collins and raising all sorts of devilment on the island.
Our family has many old and new photos of Isle Royale and would be glad to share with whomever.
I hope to see some of you this summer. I will be up in mid June. I am not sure when Ellen and all the boys are coming this year. More later. Ellie
Ellie Connolly <ewconno@earthlink.net>
madison, wi USA - Friday, March 22, 2002 at 15:51:47

This website is great. I hope to contribute something. We will get some photos but I would also like to try to donate some interesting film, if it's possible. My father passed away this summer (Jud Snell.) I happened to be on the Island at the time of his death, received great support from the rangers and was able to get to Phoenix within 24 hours of the news. Tommy flew in on a Sunday to get us, our stuff went back on the Queen, we drove all night to MPLS., and flew to Phoenix, it was quite a time. When going through my father's garage I found a strange box with several old flims. Three of them were labled "Isle Royale." The oldest is from 1929. I have no idea who shot the film, they could be from my grandfather Roy or Betty Savage's family. My father married Betty later in life. They spent summers together at Isle Royale and got back together many years later.

The film is in tough shape but looks like it could be saved. I am trying to find someone in Minnesota to convert it to digital and VHS. I don't know whats on the film but I bet there are trees, water, boats, people and at least one moose.
Roy Snell <roysnell@aol.com>
Plymouth, MN USA - Thursday, March 14, 2002 at 16:52:45

I look forward to seeing many of you this summer. It should prove to be an interesting season

MR
Mark Rude <markrude@qwest.net>
Duluth , Mn USA - Tuesday, February 26, 2002 at 15:18:31

Super!!! I waited a long time to see this happen. I enjoy passing all the history of Isle Royale and the Original Families that lived there on to the lodge guest that tour aboard the MV Sandy.
Captain M.V. Sandy <rgedda@chartermi.net>
Hancock, MI USA - Tuesday, February 19, 2002 at 18:47:55

I'm so glad to see all who have had the chance to write in.
Thanks, Dave, for being the link!
Your sis, Mary

Mary Reyes
Tucson, AZ USA - Saturday, February 16, 2002 at 16:04:07

This is a beautiful website creating a wonderful opportunity for discussion and interface between us all. Thanks to those who spearheaded it's creation.
Steve Gale <gales4@springsips.com>
Steamboat Springs, CO USA - Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 09:31:04

This is a great idea. I hope more people log on and use the web site. Isle Royale has always been so important to our family. I've only missed 3-4 summers in the 43 years Grant and I have been married. Keep up the good work.
Marilyn Merritt <marilyn_merritt@rdale.k12.mn.us>
New Hope, MN USA - Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 15:23:00

Glad to see this leap forward for IROFA.
Am sure plenty of us have some great pictures
and stories to share. Thanks to the Barnums
for doing this!

Grant Merritt <merritt@kwgc-law.com>
Minneapolis , MN USA - Monday, January 21, 2002 at 09:07:14

Thanks to all involved in getting this site up and running. I hope my family (Merritt's) can help add to it and pass on the word that it exists. We all have so much to share here about our 'island paradise!'
~1/20/02
Carolyn Klein <carriebeth68@hotmail.com>
Plymouth, MN USA - Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 12:47:04

We have many pictures dating back to 1934, Captain Kidd Island, Belle Isle area. Another primary link to the island was lost when Marjorie McPherren died on September 16, 2001. Who's left? Bylo Farmer,.... Thanks to all who care about and are attempting to preserve the histories and continuation of Isle Royale Original Families. We share a unique heritage.
John F and Sally Mcherren Orsborn <orsborn @ olympus.net>
Port Ludlow, WA USA - Friday, January 18, 2002 at 10:13:54

Always searching and interested to preserve historic photos that have not been included in the book published in 1995 or already donated to the park service. The key moving forward is to create and continue positive dialogue among all the interest groups that have real and valid attachments to Isle Royale. That will triumph over a lack of vision.
Tom Gale <tgale@pro-ns.net>
St. Paul, MN USA - Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 21:44:28

I have some old pictures I would be glad to share with you.
james Markham <jmarkham@chartermi.net>
houghton, mi USA - Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 13:06:41

:-))
Fred Bieti <fbieti@up.net>
USA - Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 11:48:40

Welcome to Isle Royale Families Association's Guest Book
Ken <ken@kobweb.net>
Hanover Park, IL USA - Thursday, January 10, 2002 at 00:31:29