BELOVED FRIEND PASSES ON

On August 20, 2007, Enar Strom died unexpectedly on Barnum Island. Enar was 79 years old. He was known on Isle Royale as the “caretaker” of Washington Harbor. He spent the last quarter of a century with his wife Betty, who grew up on Washington Island, from spring through fall living in the AC Andrews cabin on Barnum Island. Enar took care of, and restored many of the historic buildings and docks on Barnum Island and Washington Island. These include the big and little fish houses, nearly all of the cabins on Washington Island, the big boathouse, the Barnum Cabin, the Dunwoody Cabin, the AC Andrews Cabin, the first Barnum log house,  all of which are still standing and in pretty good shape as a result of Enar’s dedication to preserving the cultural history of the area.

Enar was a man of many abilities. He had a unique spirit of warmth, friendliness and a keen intelligence, which was particularly on display in his sense of humor. People of all ages and backgrounds could immediately recognize what a wonderful person he was upon first meeting him. He was a man unafraid to show his faith and patriotism and particularly his love of Isle Royale. At every evening meal he would say grace by singing, as would all the guests “Oh the Lord’s Been Good to Me”. 

Under the best of circumstances working conditions on Isle Royale are not easy. His preservation work on the island demonstrated a decided innovativeness, and resourcefulness in rebuilding and restoring buildings and structures that are eligible for the National Register of Historic Sites.  He often worked alone, and was tireless in his efforts.

Enar was beloved by all, crossing every generation. He had a particularly close relationship with NPS personnel, who frequently visited Enar and Betty. Every fall Enar and Betty hosted a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for all park people who remained in Washington Harbor. It was during the fall season that Enar and Betty participated in the fall assessment fishing for many years, along with Milford and Monica Johnson of Amygdaloid Island.

Enar believed in the goals and efforts of IRFFA and attended summer meetings on both ends of the island. He planned to attend his first winter IRFFA meeting this year as he and Betty had moved their winter home from Arizona back to northern Minnesota. Though he won’t be there, IRFFA plans to feature a tribute to Enar as part of our dinner program, which will be held in Duluth at the Inn on Lake Superior on January 19, 2008.

AUGUST 20: A DAY OF SADNESS AND “OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE”

It was a day of shock, grief, sadness and “outstanding performance” as outlined by the letter by Lou Schindler, Barnum Island resident, to Phyllis Green, the Superintendent of Isle Royale National Park.  The drama of that day will never be forgotten by those involved. Lou’s letter is one of thanks and appreciation for the work of the many NPS personnel who rendered assistance to Enar that day. We are sharing this letter to honor those people.

outstandingperformance.pdf

SUMMER MEETING ON BELLE ISLE

Our 6^th IRFFA Summer Meeting held on Belle Isle was attended by about 33 IRFFA members. After the meeting, a dinner was held on Johnson Island, hosted by Jim and Carla Anderson and Paul and Patty Stariha. We were very pleased to have Dr. Phil Scarpino as an honored guest. Dr. Scarpino is conducting a Context Study for NPS that is due out in 2008. We were also pleased to have Liz Valencia, NPS Chief of Interpretation and Cultural Resources with us for the dinner.

Phil Scarpino talking to IRFFA

IRFFA INTERPRETIVE PROGRAM AT WINDIGO

David C. Barnum, great grandson of George G. Barnum held an interpretive program at Windigo Ranger Station on behalf of IRFFA on July 25th. The topic was the history of George G. Barnum I and his life and times, and his unique connection to Isle Royale. It was a well attended and received program.

7^TH WINTER MEETING TO BE HELD IN DULUTH JANUARY 19, 2008

www.theinnonlakesuperior.com

IRFFA will be holding its 7^th winter meeting in Duluth at the Inn on the Lake. The day meeting will go from 10am – 4pm with a lunch break. The IRFFA board is working on the agenda for the day meeting. There will be more information on this at a later date.  

The day meeting will be followed by a social hour at 6pm, dinner and an evening program featuring a tribute to Enar Strom. 

The Inn at the Lake will make rooms available to IRFFA members for $99.00 per night. Please contact the Inn for reservation. Contact David Barnum at dcbarnum@aol.com  or (847)639-2446 for any other questions.

DAVID STOKES OF STOKES MEDIA HOUSE DOES IR FLYOVER FILMING

www.stokesmediahouse.com

On June 16^th  David Stokes, photojournalist and documentarian did a filming flyover of Isle Royale. Peter Schliep of Barnum Island supplied the airplane and pilot skills. The flyover was done with permission and in coordination with NPS. The primary focus of the filming was to get aerial shots of the various cultural landscapes around the island including Washington Harbor, Crystal Cove, Belle Isle, Tobin Harbor, Rock Harbor and Siskiwit Bay. Most of the filming was done above 3000 feet AGL. It is anticipated that further aerial filming will be done next summer.