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Who were the original islanders? |
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 Surrounded by water in summer, locked in by ice in winter, the Lake Erie Islands presented many hardships for original settlers. Still they came, surmounting primitive conditions, forced to trust intuition and one another. Compiled here are individual adventures written by the very people who first built quarry, vineyard, timber and fishing industries out of the wilderness.
Begin with the Cunningham's, for whom Kelley's Island was first named. In consecutive order are the following years of development. Photographs illustrate early Lake Erie steamers that graced the social scene transporting finely dressed tourists to enjoy Kelley's Island wines and hospitality. Learn the skills of testing lake ice for safe crossing to the mainland with pregnant women needing emergency hospitalization.
Many Islanders lives have been lost to the elements and risky employment tasks. Told by those who were first on the scene, those who attempted rescues and sadly discovered their expired family and friends, these vignettes point vividly to strength of community. Others recount delicious youthful moments spent "skinny dipping" in quarries and secluded beaches. Sometimes discovered, they laugh at their creative solutions to retrieve clothing.
Carol Vogler Bright spent 40 years visiting and living on Kelley's Island where she
collected and compiled the historic significance of these unique people. Her children, Eric, Erin, Adam and Amanda Elfers and decedents share seven generations of island DNA.
One hundred years are represented in photographs, diary, journals, poems, and memoir. This is a collection of island voices and echoes unlike any other. Hear the naked truths from Islanders themselves. 150 pages, price $25.00 plus 5.00 for postage and handling. Carol Vogler Bright PO 1436 Orleans, MA 02653.
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Website Information
Questions? Call the Chamber at 419-746-2360, email them or visit them at their website. Changes or corrections? How to get your business listed on this website? Email: danieljhazard@yahoo.com Click  here for a list of links to other area websites.
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