BEAVER ISLAND ORAL HISTORY PROJECT: 1950s-1970s

[BI Historical Society]

BEAVER ISLAND ORAL HISTORY PROJECT: 1950s-1970s

The Historical Society is organizing a Beaver Island Oral History Project based on Island events during the 1950s, '60s and ’70s. The public is invited to attend group sessions moderated by Ed Wojan at the St. James Township Hall. The meetings will be twice a month on the first and third Mondays in January, February and possibly March. The February and March dates will be confirmed at the January meetings.

The events will be live streamed by Joe Moore and recorded for future Society publications. Please consider attending and sharing your stories or tuning in to reminisce Island memories! Naturally, the meetings are family friendly. Beverages will be provided. Feel free to bring a dessert

PLACE: ST. JAMES TOWNSHIP HALL

DATES:
JANUARY 7, 2019 7-9 P.M.
JANUARY 21, 2019 7-9 P.M.

[BI Historical Society]

Below is an outline of the topics and questions for January meetings.

1950’s Oral History Meeting
January 7, 2019
Discussion Topics

1. People on Island from 1950 – 1959

2. Population through 1950’s
(census 1950 ?, local unofficial counts)

3. Ferry Service
(North Shore to Emerald Isle first Beaver Island Boat Co.)

4. Change in the Economy
(From Logging, Fishing, Farming to Summer Home Construction & Tourism)

5. Civic Association
(Beaver Beacon)

6. Restaurants
(Killarney Inn, Rustic Villa Grill, King Strang Hotel)

7. Businesses in 1950’s
(Cabin Rentals, McDonough’s & LaFreniere Stores) (List …..)

8. Facilities
(Change in Phone systems, New Medical Center, Change in School Buildings, the start of CMU Biological Station & Fire Station)

9. Tourism
(Perch runs, Rabbit & Deer Hunting, other Islands Fishing, Tours, Cabin Rentals)

10. American Central Corporation and Port St. James Subdivision

11. Health Care

 
1960’s Oral History Meeting
January 21, 2019
Discussion Topics

1. People on Island from 1960 – 1969

2. Population through 1960’s
(census 1960 ?, local unofficial counts)

3. Ferry Service
(Beaver Islander, Dock)

4. Change in the Economy
(Home Construction, Game Fishing)

5. Restaurants
(The Beaver Tail, Circle M Supper Club, King Strang Hotel, Beaver Lodge)

6. Businesses in 1960’s
(Cabin Rentals, McDonough’s & LaFreniere Stores) (Rest of List …..)

7. Facilities
(Change in School Buildings, CMU Biological Station & Fire Department)

8. Tourism
(Perch runs, Rabbit & Deer Hunting, Other Islands Fishing, Tours, Cabin Rentals, Dawn Patrols (fly-ins), Homecoming Week)

9. Health Care

[Mojave Bob]

This sounds like way, way too much fun. I wish I could attend!

[BI Historical Society]

The meeting has been rescheduled for tomorrow evening. Same time and place. Stay safe out there!

[medic5740]

Beaver Island News on the 'Net will be live streaming tonight's Oral History Gathering from the St. James Township Hall. It is available to anyone, anywhere at http://beaverisland.tv and begins a 7 p.m.

Joe Moore, editor
Beaver Island News on the 'Net

[BMcCaw]

Joe,

Thank you for broadcasting this meeting, It is great to tie together the history, stories, and connections of the island. Please post how I can subscribe to your service.
I look forward to the next meeting on the 60's.

Brendan

[medic5740]

The subscription page has a link below:

http://beaverislandnews.com/Subscription%20page.htm

I, too found the meeting fascinating, and we'll continue to live stream these meetings as well as record them.

Joe Moore, editor
Beaver Island News on the 'Net