of other research materials such as U.P. newspapers on microfilm, including copies of what is now The Mining Journal from 1846, school yearbooks, periodicals, maps, photographs, films and videos. As a matter of fact, Robyns recently cobbled together, with the help of NMU’s Audio-Visual Department, a system for convert- ing old WNMU-TV beta and VHS tapes into digital format as the original magnetic tapes will soon be so degraded they will be unviewable. He fights the same battle against time and the elements with the archives’ oral history collection on cassette tapes. Not Bringing It All Together only will the digital conversion the NMU and Central Upper Peninsula Archives preserve the preserve the material, it will also region’s industrial and political past and the university’s records make it possible to increase access to By Rebecca Tavernini it via the Internet. But there, too, is the challenge of time and resources. arcus Robyns, NMU archivist, got a call one day from a fellow in Robyns is the only staff member at Marquette who thought he might have a couple of books Marcus M would be interested in. He was heading to work, but if Marcus would like to stop by, his wife would be there. What she handed to him were two huge, old volumes—inside were correspondence and detailed plans between Cleveland Cliffs Iron Mining Inc. (CCI) President William G. Mather and influential American city planner and landscape designer Warren H. Manning about establishing and developing the town of Gwinn. It was a historic treasure chest. Marcus asked how the couple came to have these books. “My husband works at the landfill,” she told him. Robyns says that’s one of many similar situations he’s encountered in the ten years he’s been heading up and growing the Northern Michigan University and Central Upper Peninsula Archives. Creating a home for not only the university’s but the region’s historical records, before they disappear or disintegrate, is what he’s all about. Archivist Marcus Robyns strikes a pose “People think I’m a pack rat, but actually I’m anything but,” he says. “I with some political paraphernalia. spend the majority of my time deciding what to destroy, and what’s worth keeping.” He looks for legal, historical and functional value while also heed- the archives (he also teaches classes ing state statutes and federal requirements for retention. “Only about two in public history, historical research percent of the records we receive are retained permanently; others for a and archival management) and he shorter time.” But that two percent comprises invaluable materials: 150 years relies heavily on four student of CCI documents, regional historical collections, oral history tapes and tran- assistants to process collections and scripts, the John D. Voelker papers, labor archives of the central U.P., local assist researchers. Many of his government records, regional genealogy resources, local past and present former students have gone on to politicians’ files, selected church records, civic organization files and an careers or advanced education in the extensive rare book collection (see sidebar). Plus, the archives contain a host field. He’s grateful to his own

4 HORIZONS predecessors, Cliff Maier, the NMU history professor who became the first archivist in 1985 (his student assistant was Dan Truckey ’90 BS; see the article on the Heritage Cemter in this issue), and Gayle Martinson, who established the records management program and expanded the archives to include regional historical manuscript collections. In its early days, the archives consisted of a few cubicles on the first floor of the Harden Learning Resources Center. Today, the archives is still on the first floor, but in larger (though still packed) quarters. An off- site University Records Center houses files for university offices, offering 24-hour retrieval. Robyns’ goal at the archives Freshman Andrew Mallo researching has been twofold: to create the naturalization records. This record is of Charles Bargion, born in 1875, who University Records Center with its emigrated to Ishpeming from Canada. easy access—which is unique among records moved to the archives at Michigan universities; and to establish NMU (they are still labeled “Park the archives as the regional historical Records” since they were acquired depository for the central U.P. (an official at Fayette). designation), while dramatically expanding “We’ve had scholars from all the scope of its manuscript collection. One of over the country access these records,” says his first tasks, and largest coups, came about Robyns. They not only contain information about accidentally. mining, but agriculture, lumber, shipping and the local He was touring the State Archives of Michigan culture. “The Department of Environmental Quality in Lansing. “I happened upon 1,200 cubic feet of boxes often uses them to review old CCI purchase records to labeled ‘CCI,’” he recalls. “I asked about them and the see what kinds of chemicals they were purchasing and assistant archivist explained they were records from the using in the early century.” One interesting letter a mining company from the 1850s through 1960s. She researcher came across was from an interracial couple in said if I had a truck she would have given them to me Ishpeming (1859) asking CCI for a land lease so they The collections at the archives are widely could open a hotel. “What stood out in the correspon- used by researchers, by students as part dence within CCI was that there was no reference or objection to race, the company was just concerned that of their class curriculum, and by the land was an area where illegal gambling and activities people tracing their family tree. were popping up.” The collections at the archives are also widely used right then and there. The state archivist was more by students as part of their curriculum in classes such as reluctant, though.” geography, biology, environmental science, and naturally, It turned out that the records were found in the history. People tracing their family tree also draw on the buildings of the U.P. ghost town of Fayette, Mich. In archives’ genealogical immigration, naturalization and tax 1959, when the state acquired this property (a former records. Anyone can access the records; they just need to iron-smelting operation) from CCI and restored it as a sign a form of conditions for using the materials, and State Historical Park, wooden storage boxes full of explain their research project. A research strategy will records were discovered and removed. After a storage then be developed and appropriate materials pulled from stint at the Marquette County Historical Society the the files for the researcher to review onsite. records were delivered to the State Archives in 1965. It While many records may be “invaluable,” they could took him a few years, but Robyns eventually got the fetch a nice price on the black market, or from an

FALL 2007 5 unsuspecting collector— hence the onsite policy. What’s at the archives Robyns recalls being at Historical Regional Collections the University of • Citizens to Save the Superior Shoreline Records Oregon archives • Sam Cohodas Papers (where he earned his • Martha and Perry Hatch Papers bachelor’s and • Stewart Kingsbury Papers • K.I. Sawyer Support Group/Reconversion Authority Records • Mather Inn Preservation Society Records • Saint Luke's/Marquette General Hospital Records • Saint Paul's Episcopal Church Records • John D. Voelker Papers

The Archives of the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Mining Company Company records, plus records of mines owned by CCI and companies with which it conducted business.

Labor Archives of the Upper Peninsula Records of unions, labor leaders and publications

Cataloger and professor Steve Peters organizing contents of one of Local Government Archival Records 60 boxes of manuscripts and artifacts from John D. Voelker ’24. Records created by counties, municipalities, and townships, including Marquette, Alger, Delta, Dickinson and Schoolcraft counties. master’s degrees) when an “electrician” came in to fix some wiring in the records rooms. The next day, the archives’ Political Archives of the Central Upper Peninsula irreplaceable Oregon Trail pioneers’ diaries were gone. For • Connie Binsfeld that reason, Robyns marks his collection containers with a • Patrick M. Gagliardi cryptic file number that only the staff can reference. • James Goulette While protecting and preserving records can be tricky, • Dominic J. Jacobetti • Howard Swaine acquiring them also takes finesse. While collections some- • Charles Varnum times do fall into his lap, Robyns explains he also has to be an “ambulance chaser,” though he uses more proactive The Moses Coit Tyler Collection of Rare Books methods as well. The core of the Lydia Olson Library’s first collection, consisting “I make connections with community members, work of 2,000 titles comprising 3,000 volumes of nineteenth century with our politicians to get their papers, speak to organiza- works on American history, theology, and literature. tions and work with other archivists and historians, and yes, I read the obituaries.” Oral History Collections of the Upper Peninsula Despite the stacks • The NMU and Regional Oral History Collection Faculty, staff, alumni, and student life interviews; lectures from of boxes waiting to be the McGoff Lecture series including Gerald Ford, Alexander explored and cataloged, Ginzburg, Abbie Hoffman, General Alexander Haig, Vincent the dried-up Scotch Price and Robert Bly, among others; debates; press conferences; tape and yellowing NMU presidential addresses and special events such as dedica- newspaper clippings tions, musical performances and commencements; student oral The reading room at the archives. glued into scrap- history projects pertaining to World War II and the September books, the decaying audio tapes and knowledge that not 11 terrorist attacks; oral histories of the Ski Hall of Fame, iron everything good is spared from the landfill, Robyns says mining, local celebrations, events and U.P. ethnicities. he loves the job and its challenges. “The only thing I don’t • The Red Dust Project Oral History Collection like is that I get attached to the students who work here, 800 oral history interviews and 17 books, documenting the and when they graduate, they leave. I miss them. I hate it.” history of the Central Upper Peninsula conducted by students of That sounds like someone who really holds on to the former National Mine School and Aspen Ridge Middle School. the past. I Visit www.nmu.edu/archives

6 HORIZONS lived at the Fort. After grueling training sessions, the students learn Living History how to present the daily activities, attitudes and opinions of their characters. NMU students portray “Most students have a hard time historic characters in a with the theatrical aspect of the frontier Army fort program,” says Russell Magnaghi, head of NMU’s history department, “Learning the facts is the easy part.” Friggens adds that “first-person role- playing is the most difficult because students are depicting the social and economic situations of 1870 and acting skills are needed in order to do so correctly.” Catherine Kimar, a senior majoring in outdoor recreation lead- ership and management, plays the part of the laundress Katie Holms. “I was interested in the program after I heard about it by taking a n o

s class with Dr. Nicholson [assistant l o h

c professor of history]. Historical role i N

d playing and interpretation is an r a w important part of our curriculum in o H f

o the outdoor recreation program, and y s

e I wanted to take this opportunity to t r u o receive firsthand experience with this c s o type of a job,” says Kimar. “I related t By Ashley Dennis ’07 BS o h

P more to the laundress than the NMU student David Paddock in character at Fort Wilkins on the shore of Lake Fanny Hooe officer's wife, and the character is a more interactive part to the role- A t the northern tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, in the summer sun of playing program.” 1870, Katie Holms pulls out her washboard and tub—and sighs. Her Kimar’s character, as well as her knuckles are sore, back aching, and she hasn’t been paid in weeks, but such is “husband,” Private Jonathan Holms, life for the laundress of Fort Wilkins. Just as she begins to scrub the dirty Second Lieutenant Richard Mueller, clothing, someone approaches, “Hey, is there any cell phone service up here?” his wife Juliette, and Quartermaster Katie sighs again. Sergeant Patrick O'Neill, are based No, NMU’s Physics Department hasn’t invented a time machine with on real-life members of the 1870 the ability to blast students back to the past (yet); this is the doing of garrison. By that time, the fort dedicated history buffs, professors and students. already had a colorful history. Started in 1976 by Tom Friggens, Fort Wilkins “Living History” The fort was constructed in program has touched the lives of more than three million people. Friggens, 1844 as a frontier U.S. Army post. now a regional manager for the Michigan Historical Center and director of Some believe it was created at the the Michigan Iron Industry Museum, says the intent of the program is to urging of local residents following an “present history in an interpretive manner that encourages interest in the past.” uprising of a band of Chippewa Each summer, four to five students from Northern travel to Copper Indians on Isle Royale who refused Harbor to portray fictitious characters based on actual individuals who once to surrender their lands. Two years

F ALL 2007 7 later, it was abandoned. In the mid- 1850s, the fort was leased by the War Department to a private owner who turned it into a popular resort, but it eventually fell into disrepair. In 1867, with large numbers of troops following the Civil War, the 43rd Infantry, numbering approximately 66 men, reoccupied Fort Wilkins. As before, the geographic isolation of the post (it’s about as far north as you can go in Michigan, excluding Isle Royale) contributed to problems of morale and desertion. In 1870, the fort was officially closed as a military post. Many years later the old fort was restored by local civic groups. It’s comprised of 19 buildings, 12 of NMU senior Catherine Kimar in her role as laundress Katie Holms. Below left, and right, the restored buildings at Fort Wilkins contain displays of how they would have been used which are original structures. Fort in the 1800s and many actual artifacts found on the property or authentically re-created. Wilkins became a state park in 1923. The park also includes the museums, with 15 or so going on to recently appointed as curator for the Copper Harbor lighthouse, one of professional museum careers,” says Beaumier Heritage Center at NMU the first on Lake Superior. Tom Friggens. (see article in this issue of Horizons). Barry James ’92 BS, curator of Today, many consider employ- The actors must stay in ment with the Living History pro- education for the Michigan Iron gram to be a stepping stone to Industry Museum, participated in character the entire time museum work. the program for two seasons (1990- they are in costume. “Well over 200 interpreters 1991). Dan Truckey ’90 BS, who have spent time working in also role played for the fort, was “Interpreting provides a university education experience that evolves into museum experience,” says Friggens. One of the main goals at Fort Wilkins is to encourage visitors of all ages to participate in the historical activities, whether it be interacting with a role player or taking part in a game of stick ball. “Visitors gain an unusual museum experience by being able to interact emotionally with characters from the past,” explains Friggens. While a few people might be spooked by the actors, Kimar notes that most people are ready and willing to mingle with the characters and ask questions.

8 HORIZONS “I don't think too many people get uncomfortable. After all, we leave them pauses and openings where they can leave if they aren't interested in what our characters have to say or don't want to interact with us,” she says. “Almost all visitors will at least greet us in return and respond to what we say.” Children are also encouraged to converse with the role players. “We want children to leave excited about what they’ve learned during the visit, to go back to the car and say, ‘Hey mom did you know…!’” says Magnaghi. Kimar points out that “some children are startled or surprised [by the characters] and run away, and others will greet us and talk with us. If you have an interactive task for them to do, such as grinding coffee, washing laundry, using a slate board, they tend to be more willing to listen to what you have to say. I've had a lot of them say that they appreciate their modern conveniences after participating in the program.” One of the main goals at Fort Wilkins is to encourage visitors of all ages to participate in On occasion, visitors will not the historical activities, whether it be interacting with a role player, like student James Simmons above, or taking part in a game of stick ball. realize that the actors must stay in character the entire time they are in awkward, if not amusing conversa- “It’s a colorful and lively costume and will ask modern-day tion. For example if a guest asks interpretation of ordinary people like questions. This can lead to an Katie Holms where the bathroom is, you and me,” says Friggens. “Instead she responds with a historically accu- of emphasis on people of importance rate answer, such as, “Well, we do like the Lincolns, visitors relate better have a privy out back of the officer's to average citizens.” quarters if you need to use it. The Everything the character does, main sinks are down that way" (the from the way he or she acts to the sinks being in reference to the mod- slightest bit of gossip they share, is ern amenities near the park gift based on extensive historical research. shop). Or if someone inquires about “The program becomes a touch- a restaurant her reply would be, “I stone in the sense that guests realize reckon that the nearby village of that human nature hasn’t changed. Copper Harbor might have a few We may have more niceties now, but places if you're looking for some human nature hasn’t changed.” I good eats.” Perhaps the most significant and The park’s Web site is unique aspect of Fort Wilkins is its www.michigan.gov/ftwilkins focus on common characters.

FALL 2007 9 What They Did with a Major in History By Cindy Paavola ’84 BS s Northern Michigan During his career, Delor has often history is taught in a way that is A University students, Steven been involved in museum program- unimaginative. It would be so much Brisson ’89 BS and Dennis ming, collection management, more meaningful if teachers had the Delor ’98 BS weren’t sure how to interpretive education and presenta- resources and opportunities to take answer the question: “What are you tions, and consulting for historical the history lessons out of the going to do with a history degree?” societies and organizations. He adds classroom. Using the five senses, “At the time, I had very that working with historical organiza- making it an interpretive learning undefined goals and no idea what to tions also involves doing publicity, experience, is the way to teach history.” do with my interest and major in presentations, marketing and writing Delor says some of his early pas- history,” says Brisson. “I just knew for many projects—all skills his sion for the subject was encouraged that I did not want to teach.” liberal arts education prepared him by his Marysville, Mich., junior high Today, Brisson is the chief well for, although he didn’t always school history teacher, Tim Evans curator for the Mackinac State realize it at the time. ’77 BS, who is involved in French- Historic Parks. Delor, too, had no Delor has also been involved Indian War reenactments. real interest in traditional classroom with or in charge of many historical Delor says NMU professors Russ teaching, but had a passion for things restorations, including a bank, Magnaghi, Jon Saari, Judy DeMark from the past. He is also a chief hospital, schoolhouse, log cabins and and Jean Kinnear made history and curator—for the St. Clair County a farmhouse. One of his most unique interpretation relevant, too. “I still (Mich.) Parks and Recreation and exciting professional challenges have materials from Jean Kinnear’s Department. Brisson and Delor are was to recreate a winter military classes in my file drawer at work and examples of two of many NMU encampment at the National I use them all the time.” alumni who have found viable, Museum of the Civil War Soldier, in Enjoying history is for everyone, fulfilling careers as professionals in the Petersburg, Va. but being in charge of preserving or business of preserving history. “We recreated about a quarter of recreating history takes specific insight. A classroom without walls ennis Delor chuckles when he recalls that he was “constantly” D questioned about his academic what the winter encampment of the “Historians get excited about major and minor choice. Petersburg battlefield would have strange things,” he says. He recalls “Family and friends would say, been like around 1864 and 1865. It finding a hand-forged nail while ‘How are you going to make a living was accurate in every detail—how the working on the hospital restoration. at that?’ At the time, I didn’t have a streets were laid out, the log huts, “I came crawling out of the dirt clue, but it really turned out well for me.” how the buildings were built. There with this chunk of old wood, Following his graduation, Delor was so much history that took place exclaiming in amazement about the worked at museums in Troy, Mich., there and for that exhibit we were nail, but most of the people around and Skokie, Ill., before his longtime able to recreate it almost exactly as it only saw a piece of iron sticking out interest in Civil War history led him was, so for visitors it was like going of old wood. They did not to Pamplin Historical Park, one of back in time.” understand my excitement, but I the top Civil War historical sites in Hands-on interpretation of history immediately felt connected to the the nation. There he worked as the is something Delor wishes school sys- building’s past. That’s what it’s always chief of programming and services tems had more opportunity to do. been like for me. I’m in this field until a family situation called him “I know how vital the basics are, because I love linking the past with back to Michigan in 2005. but history is important, too. So the present.”

10 HORIZONS which trains history museum Michigan of Old professionals. He did, receiving his MA in 1992, and then went on to work as a curator with the Wisconsin he Mackinac State Historic State Historical Society before joining T Parks, administered by the Mackinac State Historic Parks in Mackinac Island State Park 1996 as curator of collections. He Commission, includes Mackinac became chief curator in 2003. Island State Park, Fort Mackinac, While he was in Wisconsin, Colonial Michilimackinac, Historic technology became a more frequently Mill Creek, Old Mackinac Point used tool for museums and historical Lighthouse and Historic Downtown organizations. “Computers and mul- Mackinac, Mich. timedia provided us some new “A lot of NMU alumni are opportunities,” he says. “These new people who live in Michigan or have media exist and should be used— relatives they visit in the state and I people expect that. Over the decades would encourage them to visit these Steve Brisson, chief curator for Mackinac different tools for teaching about the State Historic Parks historic sites, which are a wonderful past have been developed, for state resource and something the that keep me learning every day,” instance the development of region should take great pride in. The Brisson states. professional and authentic living his- Upper Peninsula has some outstand- “I’m lucky, too, that I work with tory programs in the 1960s and ‘70s. ing historical resources,” says Brisson. a great staff,” he says. That staff also The technology that exists today He finds his job exciting in that includes David Kronberg ’90 BFA, gives us another way to present mate- every day is different, especially ’95 MA, an art and design major rial successfully.” considering the scope of overseeing who serves as exhibit designer creat- Regardless of how the history is s k ing a variety of products including r museum operations of seven historic sites. presented, Brisson finds preserving it a P

c gallery exhibits, hands-on elements i “One day I’m involved with an and displaying it to the public r o t and outdoor trail signs. s event on the island, the next I’m i rewarding. H

e A student position at the then t a t

S newly opened Michigan Iron c a

n Industry Museum is what set Brisson i k c a on his public history career path. M y s “That was my first exposure to e t r u public history and it was revealing to o c s me,” he says. “While I had always o t o h been passionate about history, I was- P Gardening at Colonial Michilimackinac n’t really aware of the public history Fort Mackinac side until then. Right away, public “I think the goal of places such working on a book about the light- history was very interesting to me.” as the Mackinac State Historic Parks house. For instance, right now we’re Brisson worked at the iron is in sharing our collective past with very busy doing work on the Historic museum for two summers and then the broader public. We take what Mill Creek Park, which is an early worked at Fayette State Park (in the academic historians and scholars do 19th-century water-powered sawmill U.P.) for another two summers. He and bring it to the public in a way site. We’re redoing it as a discovery also worked in the winters at the that it can be easily understood by all park with interactive activities and Marquette County Historical Society ages and by people from many new programming. There’s a lot under a Kellogg Grant project. Then different backgrounds. I think in involved in keeping a 19th century NMU professor Russell Magnaghi doing so we can find common waterwheel turning, so things like encouraged him to apply to the ground as a society.” I Cooperstown Graduate Program,

FALL 2007 11 Northern really of the island. The best time to do it helped. I’ve also was in the spring before the been lucky,” vegetation was up. I also did an Snyder says. “NPS architectural survey of the buildings, historians these including the four lighthouses. Rock days typically need Harbor is the oldest—1855. The a master’s degree newest is Rock of Ages, which was or higher. I was built in 1907.” fortunate to get a Snyder said the first beacon was job with a built to help guide boats to the bachelor’s. I grew island, primarily those transporting up a third- workers for the copper mining By Kristi Evans generation Yooper industry. The other lighthouses were near Munising erected to keep boats away from the and spent a lot of hazardous rocks and reefs. Following History’s Beacon time on Lake “Isle Royale is in the middle of Superior and in the navigation lane for ships travel- n interview with Dave Snyder the woods with my dad, who was a ing from Duluth or heading to the A ’82 BS is not your typical Q&A logger. At Northern, many of my Soo from Thunder Bay. Even with session. It begins with an “I can classes focused on the history of the lighthouses, a lot of ships hit the just go, if you want,” and unfolds Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. island and smaller ones around it. like an audio travelogue. With little The combination fit what they were There are ten major shipwrecks in prompting, he weaves insightful looking for at the time.” the area—huge ore carriers like the facts and engaging stories into a Snyder says most job seekers 532-foot-long Chester A. Congdon. finely crafted tale about his career- don’t just jump into a position in As the historian, I was also on the related adventures. This presentation- the highly competitive NPS, so he NPS dive team. We established style format is understandable, given adopted a gradual approach to gain- mooring buoys over three summers his professional background. ing entry into the coveted agency. Snyder’s livelihood has revolved After his one-year stint in Boston, r around researching history and he landed his first permanent gov- e d y

ernment position with the U.S. n formally sharing the details with S

e

Army Corps of Engineers at a man- v receptive audiences. a D

made lake near Hot Springs, Ark. y For two summers in the 1970s, s e t r he led shoreline walks past ship- For an oral history project, Snyder u o c

wrecks to the Au Sable Lighthouse interviewed folks who lived in the s o t o at Pictured Rocks. He portrayed an Ouachita River Valley before the h flowing water was dammed to form P infantry soldier on the Santa Fe Trail A Dave Snyder-led tour to his early at Fort Larned, Kansas. He spent a a lake in the 1940s. stomping grounds at the AuSable summer at the Klondike Gold Rush It was there that he heard about Lighthouse. Above left, Snyder near the Portland Head Lighthouse in Maine. National Historical Park in Skagway, a newly created historian position at Alaska. He told Revolutionary War Isle Royale. Married at the time to a so divers could secure their boats stories along the Freedom Trail in U.P. native and eager to move back without anchoring into the wreck- Boston. He served as a National to the region with their young child, age and pulling historic fabric with Park Service (NPS) historian at Isle Snyder applied and was hired. He them when they left. It’s amazing Royale and the Apostle Islands. And spent about seven months of each how intact the wrecks are, with the he has guided more than 40 tours to year on the mainland in a cold water and not many creatures legendary lighthouses in the United Houghton office and the remainder feeding on them.” States and abroad through the U.S. on the island. When Isle Royale became a Lighthouse Society. “I worked with regional NPS national park in 1931, negotiations “My history degree from archeologists on a four-year survey ensued between the government and

12 HORIZONS families who owned summer homes Michigan Island Lighthouse in the Snyder eventually obliged. After or had commercial fishing interests Apostles, built in 1857, is identical two years leading tours for the on the island. to Rock Harbor, built two years society during his vacations from the “A lot of people with money earlier on Isle Royale. NPS, he accepted a full-time built summer resort homes and had “As I interviewed descendants position. He helped write and edit a been going there for many years. of keepers, I found that these people quarterly historical journal called Some went to escape hay fever. would move around as they went The Keeper’s Log. He also averaged There were also commercial fishing through the ranks from second assis- about five tours a year. Snyder families who had lived on the island tant to keeper. They served at vari- accompanied groups along the East for several generations. They were ous places, but it was a regional and West coasts, to seven foreign poorer—and many had long- thing. Most of them stayed on Lake locales including New Zealand, standing relationships with the Iceland, Sweden and Norway, and resort families, such as readying the back in his native Upper Peninsula. cabins in the spring, winterizing While working for the society, them in the fall and bringing them Snyder was fascinated to learn that fresh fish or fresh-baked pies.” NMU alumnus Scott Holman ’65 Most families were given a life BS had bid on and won Granite lease to their property, which some- Island (off of Presque Isle) and times transferred to their children. became the first new owner of its When he was there, about 10 resort light station since the Civil War. families still used their cottages and “Lighthouses don’t change A veteran U.S. Lighthouse Society tour three families had fishing rights to participant, with his sourvenir patches. hands very often and they aren’t the island, shipping their catch to usually sold to private individuals. It Duluth. He interviewed some of Superior. Between the two parks, I happened a lot in the ’20s and ’30s, them; the youngest was born in collected maybe 1,000 photos and but not now with all of the historic 1937. about 60 oral history interviews.” preservation laws. The Holmans Even in modern times it is a As the Apostles’ primary have done stunning things with it.” relatively isolated existence on Isle contact for visitors with an interest Snyder moved to another mar- Royale. Snyder spent stretches apart in history, Snyder accompanied the itime locale, Maine, about a year from his wife, who was a teacher in head of the U.S. Lighthouse ago to take time off and explore Hancock. When the family was Society—a nonprofit historical and future career options. He does some together on the island, there were educational organization in San work for the Lighthouse Depot, a few potential playmates for his Francisco—and a group of 40 on a retail catalog operation, and he may young daughter. His food orders day-long excursion. They visited lead future tours for the U.S. were submitted to a Houghton three lighthouses, including two Lighthouse Society. grocery store and delivered by boat with working trams. In reflecting on his past, Snyder once a week. “These railroad cars were his- recalls two NMU faculty members In search of a “normal, year- torically run by coal-fired steam were particularly inspirational: Russ round schedule,” Snyder became the engines, but now they’re powered by Magnaghi, who in addition to being park historian for the Apostle electricity supplied by a diesel gener- active in local history also rented a Islands National Lakeshore. He ator,” Snyder said. “They were used room in his house to Snyder; and maintained a Lake Superior to bring coal, fuel and other supplies Ruth Roebke-Berens, who told him workplace, but could commute to up the steep bluffs to the lighthouse. he was one of her best writers. the 21 islands from the mainland in I put the group’s lunches in the tram Whatever beacon Snyder Bayfield, Wis. He spent nine years and delivered them up the bluff. follows next, his tour-guide person- researching lighthouses. They were orgasmic over the fact ality will no doubt play a role. Just “It was interesting to discover they were still operating. I also gave listening to his rapid-fire illustrative that the Lighthouse Service used a talk that night. The head of the account of his career and adventures some of the same plans in different society kept in touch after that, from my office chair was the next locations. For example, the saying I should go work with him.” best thing to being there. I

FALL 2007 13 r e t s o p

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Fitzgerald (Avery Color Studios, Gwinn, Mich.) f y o r

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y m b LAST TRIP I n the early morning of November 9, 1975, the a historic journey of its own. Described as a “typical Edmund Fitzgerald was docked peacefully at November storm,” it gathered forces rapidly as it roared I Burlington Northern Railroad Dock No. 1 at over east central Iowa, headed for Wisconsin. By 7 p.m. Superior, Wis., awaiting a routine trip to Detroit. By 2:15 on November 9, the National Weather Service had issued p.m. she had been loaded with 26,116 long tons of gale warnings for all of Lake Superior. taconite pellets and was fueled for the voyage. Gale warnings were escalated to storm warnings in “…crewmembers were observed replacing the hatch the early hours of November 10. covers. There were no unusual incidents or occurrences Shortly after 7 a.m., the Fitzgerald contacted the and this appeared to be a routine loading and departure.” company office and indicated a delayed arrival at the Soo This was far short of record cargo. During unusually high Locks because of the worsening weather conditions. At water in 1967 she carried four loads in excess of 30,000 tons. this time the storm’s center had passed over Marquette About two hours later, in the vicinity of Two and was headed over Lake Superior. Harbors, Minn., she caught sight of the Arthur M. Due to the intensity of the storm, the Fitzgerald Anderson. The 767-foot Anderson, also carrying a cargo of abandoned the normal shipping lane along the southern taconite pellets, was downbound from Two Harbors for shore and proceeded toward the northeast, about halfway Gary, Ind. The Anderson was separated from the Fitzgerald between Isle Royale and the Keweenaw Peninsula. by 10 to 20 miles as the two steamers proceeded eastward The Fitzgerald swung eastward, following the north along similar routes. shore and continuing southeastward along the eastern Meanwhile a storm, generated over the Oklahoma shore. By 1 p.m., November 10, she was 11 miles north- Panhandle on November 8, was proceeding northward on west of Michipicoten Island.

14 HORIZONS The Fitzgerald’s was “cutting course change to corners” and by the Lake’s northern doing so was able waters followed an to keep up with old tradition born the faster in the early days of Fitzgerald. The steam navigation. Fitzgerald had This was the popular traveled closer to “fall north route,” the shore before which offered more protection from prevailing northerly heading south, according to officers in the pilothouse of the gales. The south route was much shorter, but was much Anderson. more exposed and dangerous in a gale. Both vessels ran into worsening weather conditions. The Fitzgerald passed west of Michipicoten’s West Winds and seas continued to rise through the trip. End Light and altered course to pass north and east of Shortly before noon, the Anderson changed course Caribou Island. Sometime after 7:15 p.m. something again, to 149° T. The weather had momentarily happened. In what seemed but a matter of seconds, the improved, with winds dropping to 30 knots. The waves Edmund Fitzgerald disappeared. were still running high—10-12 feet. What little knowledge we have of the Fitzgerald’s last At 12:52 p.m. the Anderson was 10.8 miles off moments on the Lakes has been pieced together from the Otterhead and altered course to 154° T. to clear testimony of the officers of the Arthur M. Anderson. Michipicoten Island’s West End Light by two to two- Shortly after joining the Fitzgerald off Two Harbors, and-a-half miles. The Fitzgerald, meanwhile, was about the Anderson received notice of the gale warnings. seven or eight miles ahead and somewhat to the east. Sometime after 2 a.m. on November 10, Captain Jesse B. At 1:40 p.m. Captain Cooper radioed McSorley to Cooper of the Anderson radioed Captain Ernest McSorley discuss an anticipated windshift. Cooper advised that he of the Fitzgerald to discuss the threatening weather. It would be changing his course to the west before passing was during this conversation that the two captains agreed Michipicoten Island to be taking the rising seas from to take the longer, safer northern route. astern. McSorley said that he would continue on, since McSorley was an experienced Great Lakes captain. he had just cleared the island. He added, though, that his His 44 years as a mariner began when he was an 18-year vessel was “rolling some.” old deckhand working aboard ocean-going freighters. In At 2:45 p.m. the Anderson changed course to 130° T. 1950 he became the youngest Master of the Lakes. to clear the Six Fathom Shoal area north of Caribou Throughout the exhaustive investigations into the Island. The Fitzgerald was observed to be about 16 miles sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, there was never any ahead. The northwest winds had swelled up to a blister- evidence that McSorley had been negligent, or ing 42 knots. Only an hour earlier they had been at 5 responsible in any way for his vessel’s loss. knots. A heavy snow began to fall and the pilothouse McSorley and Cooper concluded their first watch on Anderson lost sight of the Fitzgerald. The communication by agreeing that a northeasterly course Edmund Fitzgerald was never seen again. would be best. The gale warnings had just changed to storm The northwest seas began to build with alarming warnings with projected northeast winds of 50 knots and the speed. The Captain of the Anderson was deeply two masters wanted to be in the lee of the Canadian shore. concerned about the Six Fathom Shoal area. He thought Both vessels made minor course alterations at 3 a.m. his ship would be cutting it close and made a course and the Fitzgerald, the faster of the two steamers, began change to avoid the area. Although the Fitzgerald had to pull slightly ahead. The winds were now from the disappeared from view, the Anderson had her on the radar northeast at 42 knots. screen as being 16 miles ahead and a “shade” to the right. For nearly six hours the two ships proceeded Although no plot of the Fitzgerald’s position was kept, smoothly along similar courses. At 9:53 a.m. the watch officers on the Anderson observed her moving Anderson headed due east, and an hour and 37 minutes again to the right. later changed her heading to 125° T, proceeding south- To those “watching” the Fitzgerald through the eyes eastward, along the north shore. In effect, the Anderson of radar, she appeared to pass north and east of Caribou

FALL 2007 15 Island and, as Cooper later testified, closer to the Six close down. Winds there had reached 85 mph. Fathom Shoal than he wanted the Anderson to be. Sometime between 4:00 and 4:30 p.m., the Meanwhile, the seas had been building and the Fitzgerald had contacted the 490-foot Swedish saltwater winds stepping up their force. At 3:20 p.m., the Anderson vessel Avafors and asked if the Whitefish Point radio recorded the winds to be howling at a steady 43 knots beacon and light were operating. The Avafors’ pilot and the waves running up to 12 and 16 feet. Her deck replied that she wasn’t receiving the radio beacon and was awash with heavy amounts of water. couldn’t see the light. A little later the Fitzgerald learned Ten minutes later the Anderson received a call from from the Grand Marais Coast Guard that there had been the Fitzgerald, still invisible, somewhere in the storm. a power failure and that neither the beacon nor the light Captain McSorley reported that his ship had a “fence and was operational. rail down, two vents lost or damaged and a list.” Just About an hour after that call, the Avafors’ pilot put how serious this damage was would become a source of in a call to the Fitzgerald. He spoke directly with Captain future debate. It is important to note, though, that the McSorley and told him that he had Whitefish Point’s Fitzgerald said she was slowing down so that the Anderson light in sight, but still wasn’t receiving the beacon. At one could catch up and keep track of her. point in this conversation, the Avafors’ pilot heard Captain Cooper then asked the Fitzgerald if she had McSorley shout to someone off-mike, “Don’t allow her pumps going and was told, “Yes, both of them.” nobody on deck!” He also thought he heard a vent being Radar on the Anderson now showed the Fitzgerald to be mentioned. When McSorley returned to his conversation 17 miles ahead and a little to the right. with the Avafors he volunteered the information that the Fitzgerald “had a bad list, had lost both radars, and was taking heavy seas over the deck in one of the worst seas he had ever been in.” At approximately 4:10 p.m. the Fitzgerald radioed the Anderson. Cooper was temporarily away from the wheelhouse. The first mate took the call. The Fitzgerald n

o reported that both her radars were now out. She was in i t c

e need of navigational help, and the Anderson’s first mate l l o C

readily agreed to provide it. e s

u At 4:52 p.m., the Anderson was abeam of and six o h e miles off the tip of Caribou Island. On the radar the n o t

S Fitzgerald was plotted 14 to 15 miles ahead and a mile to

y s

e the right. The wind was raging now. The Anderson logged t r u

o it at 58 knots from the northwest, the highest winds thus C Families touring the Fitzgerald shortly after construction in 1958. far recorded during the voyage. Waves had swelled to 12- 18 feet and a light snow continued to fall. The Anderson made note of the damage aboard the The Fitzgerald radioed again. It was just after 5 p.m. Fitzgerald and agreed to keep an eye on her. However, no and the Fitzgerald wanted a position. The Anderson one in the Anderson pilothouse at the time of the last replied that she was 10.5 miles, 088° T. from Caribou communication believed there was any reason to be Island light, reading the Fitzgerald to be 15 miles ahead. concerned for the welfare of the Fitzgerald. The Anderson’s first mate then informed the Only minutes later, the Anderson received an Fitzgerald that Whitefish Point was 35 miles away. emergency broadcast from the Coast Guard: All ships on At 6 p.m. the Anderson was 15 miles southeast of Lake Superior were directed to find safe anchorage. The Caribou Island and was pulling out of its lee when waves locks at Sault St. Marie had been closed. The fierce as high as 25 feet came smashing across her deck. At 6:10 November storm had finally received full notoriety. Captain Cooper went below and left the first mate in Later, the Lock Master at the Soo was to state that charge of the wheelhouse. From what he could see on the his anemometer showed gusts over 90 mph and that radar screen, the first mate thought the Fitzgerald was water was sweeping regularly over the lock gates. At one working her way to the left of the Anderson. He called point vessels below the locks were reporting winds gust- the Fitzgerald to inquire about the apparent drift and the ing to 96 mph! Even the Mackinac Bridge was forced to Fitzgerald reported maintaining a course of 141° T.

16 HORIZONS m u At 7 p.m. the again made radio contact While looking for the wheelsman’s lights, the mate e Anderson s u

M and reported the Fitzgerald’s position as 10 miles ahead saw some others. They were the lights of the Nanfri, e n i and 15 miles off Crisp Point. Benfri and Avafors, three upbound saltwater vessels, about r a M

Ten minutes later the Anderson called again to issue 17 miles ahead. The Fitzgerald was supposed to have p m a routine warning. There was another vessel approaching, been closer than those three ships, but her lights were a C

y nine miles ahead of the Fitzgerald. nowhere to be seen. Cooper thought the Fitzgerald might e l l a

V have suffered a power blackout and urged those on watch t a

to study the horizon for a silhouette. Although the d e h weather was clearing, they saw nothing. p a r g Cooper felt a deepening sense of alarm. The o t o

h Anderson rapidly adjusted her radar and found three P

.

n distinct targets. But they were the Nanfri, Benfri and o i t

c Avafors, not the Fitzgerald. e l l o Both the captain and the mate attempted to contact C e s the Fitzgerald by radio. They reached no one. u o h Thinking— and by now, hoping—that the radio might e n o t be out of order, the Anderson tried to contact the William S y s Clay Ford. The Ford, anchored behind the shelter of e t r u Whitefish Point, received the Anderson loud and clear. o C Only a 16-foot, badly mangled section of the No. 1 lifeboat was Cooper then called the Coast Guard at Sault Ste. ever found. A remarkably small amount of material was recovered Marie. He reached them on channel 16 and was instruct- from the disaster, which claimed the lives of 29 men. ed to switch to channel 12, normal procedure. When he The Coast Guard Report describes the exchange this did so, there was no follow-up. Cooper called the Nanfri way: “At 1910 (7:10 p.m.), the mate called the Fitzgerald to see if she had anything on her radar that might be the again and told them, ‘There is a target 19 miles ahead of Fitzgerald. She didn’t. us, so the target is nine miles on ahead.’ Fitzgerald asked, It was about 8:25 when the Anderson finally made ‘Well, am I going to clear? And the mate said, ‘Yes, he is successful contact with the Coast Guard in Sault Ste. going to pass to the west of you.’ Fitzgerald replied, Marie. Cooper told them he’d lost track of the Fitzgerald ‘Well, fine.’ As the mate started to sign off, he asked, ‘Oh, on radar and that he was worried. According to Cooper, by the way, how are you making out with your problem?’ the Coast Guard was unimpressed, and told the Anderson and the Fitzgerald replied, ‘We are holding our own.’” to keep her eye out for a missing 16-foot boat in that Those were the last words that anyone ever heard area. Whether a 16-footer was missing was not Cooper’s from the Edmund Fitzgerald. immediate concern. He believed that there was a 729- Captain Cooper returned to the pilothouse as this foot boat missing, and 10 minutes after his previous call final conversation was being completed. At that time, the he radioed the Coast Guard again to make a stronger Anderson was 25 miles north-northwest of Whitefish appeal: “I am very concerned with the welfare of the Point. The officers observed the Fitzgerald on the radar to steamer Edmund Fitzgerald. He was right in front of us be 9 miles ahead and a little over a mile to the east. This experiencing a little difficulty. He was taking on a small casual observation was to be the last time anyone on the amount of water and most of the upbound ships have Anderson was certain the Fitzgerald was on the radar screen. passed him. I can see no lights as before, and I don’t have By now the snow had stopped altogether and visibil- him on radar. I just hope he didn’t take a nose dive!” I ity in the storm-darkened evening improved. The wheels- man aboard the Anderson peered ahead and saw—or Frederick Stonehouse ’70 BS ’77 MA has thought he saw—two lights off the port bow. The lights authored 30 books on martime history, including were white and red, and the white one appeared to be Great Lakes Lighthouse Tales, Great Lakes Crime: Murder, Mayhem, Booze & Broads, forward of the red one. After studying them carefully, he and his latest, Haunted Lake Huron. He has decided the red light must be on the shore, and although served as an on-air expert for “National he tried to point out the white light to the rest of the Geographic Explorer” and the History Channel watch, no one else could see it. and teaches martime history at NMU. Learn more at www.frederickstonehouse.com.

F ALL 2007 17 Take the NMU Quiz How much do you know about your alma mater? Compiled by Melissa Conner ‘07 BS

1. What courtroom drama, written by an NMU alum, 6. In September 1983, Sgt. Maj. Jimmy A. Powell of the was filmed in Marquette in 1958? Military Science Department did something so a. 12 Angry Men b. Inherit the Wind outrageous that it made national news coverage and has c. Anatomy of a Murder d. Witness for the Prosecution been used by the U.S. Army as an example of what to avoid in class. Was it: 2. In 1954, freshmen were required to wear what during a. Fired a loaded weapon in class homecoming week initiation? b. Brought a live chicken to class and bit off its head to a. A button b. A beanie show the students how they could live off the land c. A suit and tie d. A yellow or green shirt c. Made students eat a nail d. Threw a live hand grenade out the window 3. Dr. Emerson Garver of which academic department conducted experiments in a “makeshift hut” behind Kaye 7. There was talk of closing NMU down due to low Hall in 1961? attendance in which year? a. Chemistry b. Criminal Justice a. 1925 b. 1947 c. Biology d. Education c. 1950 d. 1989

8. What professional football team used Northern Michigan University’s campus for summer training in 1962? a. Dallas Cowboys b. Chicago Bears c. Detroit Lions d. Green Bay Packers

9. One year, around 1930, students were kept on campus during Thanksgiving break due to: a. Typhus outbreak downstate b. Meningitis c. Blizzard d. The Mackinac Bridge closed

10. How many students made up the first class 4. The Hedgcock Fieldhouse was often nicknamed “The of 1899? Bullpen.” How did this name come about? a. 50 b. 30 a. It’s where the NMU baseball team practiced c. 40 d. 20 b. It hosted an annual indoor rodeo in the 1950s c. It was often the scene of chaos and frustration as 11. From 1965 into the early 1970s, Northern News students waited in long lines and competed for “class featured a section titled “Friday’s Fairest.” Was this section cards” during registration about: d. The original campus mascot, “Bully” was kept in a a. Well-liked professors b. Popular dishes at dinner cage there c. Attractive co-eds d. Weekend weather

5. Which United States president received an honorary 12. The statue of Abraham Lincoln in the University doctor of laws degree from NMU? Center was given to the university by: a. Ronald Regan b. Herbert Hoover a. Anonymous faculty member b. Professor Luther West c. Harry Truman d. George Bush c. The Class of 1916 d. The State of Michigan

18 HORIZONS 13. On October 6, 1977, Northern Michigan 19. What are NMU’s traditional school colors? University students made an attempt to get into the a. Emerald Green/Gold Yellow Guinness Book of World Records. What was the event? b. Pine Green/Yellow Gold a. Holding a gigantic musical chairs game c. ForestGreen/Old Gold b. Seeing who could stand in Lake Superior the longest d. Forest Green/Autumn Yellow c. Baking the world’s largest pasty d. Making the biggest human pyramid 20. What is “The Heart of Northern?” a. Pin given to sorority members b. The academic mall c. Mound of earth in the shape of a heart 14. NMU d. a veterans memorial on campus students were not always known as 21. Back in 1900-1901, what was the combined price the “Wildcats.” for room, board, books and registration? What was a. $58 b. $82 Northern first c. $102 d. $138 known as? a. The Cubs 22. What was the first franchise on the NMU campus? b. The Teachers a. Starbucks b. McDonalds c. The Bobcats c. Domino’s Pizza d. There never was one d. The Snow Trotters 23. Who was Charles Meyers, who wrote “The Normal Girl’s Dream”— a melody dedicated to faculty member Eulie Rushmore? a. An inmate at Marquette Branch Prison b. Eulie Rushmore’s husband 15. Up until 1915 what class was required for all c. A student of Rushmore’s students, regardless of major? d. A fellow faculty member a. Chorus b. Geometry c. Economics d. Ballroom dancing 24. A popular 1970’s entertainment group considered “NMU’s Entertainment Ambassadors” was known as the: 16. Which first lady came to NMU’s campus and a. Jazz Cats b. Snow Angels talked about “Changes in the United States in the Past 50 c. The Dreamers d. The Fantastics Years?” (Answers on next page) a. Betty Ford b. Jacqueline Kennedy c. Eleanor Roosevelt d. Helen Taft

17. President John X. Jamrich was characterized and known for wearing what? a. Stormy Kromer cap b. Flannel shirts c. Green suspenders d. Bow ties

18. Who wrote NMU’s alma mater? a. Biology Professor Luther West b. Francis Scott Key c. Speech Department Head Forest Roberts d. Bruce Springsteen

FALL 2007 19 Quiz Answers

1. c—Anatomy of a Murder, based 18. a—West wrote “Hail Help Wanted: on the novel by John Voelker ’24 Northern” in 1949 For Student Life Exhibit The Beaumier Heritage Center 2. b—a beanie 19. c—forest green and old gold is in the process of creating a (though a more olive color was used new exhibit on campus life that 3. c—Biology. (Soon after, plans prior to the 1960s) will open in April 2008. This were drawn for West Science.) exhibit will focus on the life of 20. c—“The Heart of Northern” students at NMU from the early 4. c—registration was a raised berm shaped like a 20th century through today and heart. It was a romantic place on how things have changed. In 5. d—George Bush campus in the 1920s. It was the site order to tell this story, they are for engagements, pinnings, May looking for your help, in the 6. b—the chicken festivals and band concerts. It was form of stories or anecdotes located in the grass area that is now about Northern from your time 7. c—1950 on the east side of Cohodas Hall. A on campus and artifacts that recreated heart is now by Jamrich Hall. may be used in the exhibit. Here 8. a—Dallas Cowboys are some sample topics (though 21. a—$58 any stories are welcome): the 9. a—typhus outbreak dining halls; work experiences; 22. c—Domino’s Pizza dorm life; organizations you 10. d—20 (19 women, 1 man) were involved in; your freshman 23. a—prison inmate experience; campus controver- 11. c—it contained a weekly sies; technology; favorite instruc- photo of an attractive female 24. d—The Fantastics. The group tors and staff; off-campus hang- student. It was a take-off on was composed of NMU students. outs; and music. Playboy’s “Playmate of the Month.” They toured with the USO to Some examples of the types military bases and recorded albums. of artifacts we are looking for 12. c—the class of 1916 include (please contact us before sending or dropping off any): 13. a—Holding a gigantic musical old computers, typewriters, slide chairs game. In 1978, NMU rules, and other school equip- students created the world’s largest ment; stereos, TVs, lamps and pasty. And in 2005 during Finn other dorm room items; clothing Grand Fest, the world’s largest sauna (especially with Northern’s name (containing around 600 people) was on it) worn on campus; signs, stoked up behind the Superior posters, and other printed Dome (although it’s unofficially material; photographs from your recorded that during Finn Fest in life on campus; general memen- 1996 at NMU 658 participated). tos from your time at Northern; and audio and video recordings 14. b—the Teachers of events and activities. If you have memories or 15. a—chorus Questions are drawn from A Sense artifacts you would like to share, of Time, Russ Magnaghi, NMU please contact Daniel Truckey at 16. c—Eleanor Roosevelt Press, 1999, and Northern Michigan the Beaumier Heritage Center at University: The First 75 Years, [email protected] or 17. d—bow ties Miriam Hilton, NMU Press, 1975. 906-227-1219.

20 HORIZONS Backyard Treasure 1917 Smith-Corona typewriter By Kristi Evans was propped on a stand for A visual effect as Dan Truckey ’90 BS gave a recent presentation as the new director of the Beaumier Heritage Center at NMU. He explained how his grandfather had used the now-primitive device during his 40 years as a clerk with the Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad. This began a brief synopsis of his family’s ties to the Upper Peninsula. Truckey firmly believes in the value of artifacts to illustrate family stories and that there are many rich legacies waiting to be shared. He says the Heritage Center will not attempt to supersede county historical societies and other museums, but will complement them through its broader mission. Heritage Center Director Dan Truckey aims to create a museum of the Upper Peninsula “This is the only place that seeks John Beaumier ’53 BS and his and educational history of the region. to tell the story of the entire Upper wife, Mary Jane, contributed $1 Photo boards document the arrival of Peninsula,” says Truckey, who was million to establish the center, which the early immigrant workforce and hired in July. “We have an opportuni- was dedicated in December 2006 at the ensuing struggle for labor rights ty to present historical elements that its temporary home in the Superior in the mining and timber industries. haven’t been told yet or explored as Dome. Truckey said the hope is to Display cases contain glass bottles far in-depth as they could be. I relocate it permanently if tentative bearing the names of former U.P. envision the center as a gallery, plans to renovate Lee Hall into an breweries, preserved Finnish repository and public gathering space alumni facility are carried out. cardamom bread and other that also offers educational programs Visitors who passed through the traditional foods. and professional development oppor- center this fall were offered a glimpse The Cornish pasty has been a tunities. Community outreach will be of the professional and personal life familiar staple of the Yooper diet. In an essential component, whether in of the late Sam Cohodas. His family his presentation, Truckey drew an the schools or to promote lifelong operated “sanitary fruit stores” in analogy between this portable delicacy learning. There are so many possibili- Marquette, Ishpeming and and the region’s history. ties. I’ve formed an advisory board to Negaunee—all three opened simulta- “Everyone knows that no matter help define the center’s goals and neously on the same spring morning what’s inside, the crust is the most future direction.” in 1919. Cohodas Bros. became one important part. The cultural heritage Truckey would like to unveil a of the nation’s largest wholesale fruit of the U.P. is like the crust—it holds major exhibit every spring and inter- and vegetable companies when it everything together. We can learn a sperse special programming through- acquired orchards in Washington and lot from those who came before us. out the year. He is planning an canneries in lower Michigan. Sam Our future is in their past. To start a inaugural U.P. Folklife Festival March later entered the banking business museum dedicated to the U.P. has 15-16 at NMU. The event will fea- and was known as a community been a dream of mine. With my ture artists, musicians and dancers leader and philanthropist. family’s long connection to this whose creative expression reflects the The center’s exhibits cover the region and to Northern, it couldn’t be U.P.’s ethnic heritage. ethnic, cultural, religious, industrial more perfect.” I

FALL 2007 21