2011
PROGRAM & EVENT REVIEW
December 13, 2011 BHA Annual Meeting
The Bayfield Heritage Association, Inc. held its annual membership meeting at the Landmark Restaurant facility in the Old Rittenhouse Inn in Bayfield, Wisconsin. The social hour was followed by a “potluck” style dinner with entrees furnished by the Inn. Jerry Phillips, 2011 BHA, president conducted the annual business meeting with discussion of the years numerous activities. The membership unanimously approved the recommended slate of Directors including Linda Weber, Linda Kunelius, Beth Cozzi, Jan Haupert and John Hanson for 3 year terms and Pam Wilson for a 2 year term to complete the term of Marilyn Winterer who is now living in North Branch, MN. Restated bylaws which better reflect current operational practices of the BHA were also approved.
The Landmark Restaurant was full to capacity for this once a year event with socializing, good food and the Christmas decor throughout the historic Inn leaving everyone with a night to remember
After dinner, BUT before desert, Jerry Phillips presided over the short business meeting
This event completed the Bayfield Heritage Associations 34th year since its founding in 1977. We continue to grow and evolve with the goal of expanding the Museum, Educational and Research offerings to local citizens and visitors alike. In the past 4 years Heritage Center visitors have come from 44 states and 9 foreign countries which documents a national and even global outreach of the organization.
Ojibwe "Medicine Maps" of the western Great Lakes byTom Vennum
Unfortunately a medical emergency occurring on the day of the program caused it to be cancelled only hours before it was to be delivered. The Board of Directors and volunteers of the BHA wish Dr. Vennum a speedy recovery.
The following is an excerpt from Dr. Vennum's book:
"Ojibwa Origin-Migration Songs of the mitewiwin"
"ONE OF THE MANY DUTIES once performed by a priest of the now nearly defunct mitewiwin ("Grand Medicine Society") of the Ojibwa Indians was serving as tribal historian, or kanawencikewinini (lit., "preserve-man"). With the aid of mnemonics inscribed on sacred birchbark scrolls (mitewTkuwuss), the mite priesthood recorded from oral tradition and in considerable detail material relating to the origin of their religion and its dissemination among the Ojibwa people. Because the development of the mitewiuvin is so intricately bound up with the movements of Ojibwa from the east to the west end of Lake Superior sometime prior to the end of the seventeenth century, the historical facts of the migration became interwoven with the legends until ultimately they were fused into one story."
Thursday September 8, 2011 Meeting of the Board
Apostle Islands Historic Preservation Conservancy
The Bayfield Heritage Center hosted a board meeting of the Apostle Islands Historic Preservation Conservancy (AIHPC) in its lower level Pike Research Center facility. The meeting was well attended and gave the members of the AIHPC board an opportunity to meet the Board of Directors of the Bayfield Heritage Association and to tour the new facility as well as the Museum and 2011 Gil Larsen Photographic Exhibit on the upper level. The AIHPC board has provided financial support for the Heritage Center Program Series over the last several years and this meeting allowed the BHA board personally thank the AIHPC for their support.
Wednesday August 24 * 7:00 PM
This program is sponsored by the Apostle Islands Historic Preservation Conservancy
“The Treaty of 1854” by Henry Buffalo
Henry M. Buffalo Jr
Mr. Buffalo is presented this program in honor of his younger sister, Jean Buffalo, who recently passed on after a long battle with breast cancer. Jean served on the tribal council of the Red Cliff Band, at one time ascending to the position of Chairwoman, a tradition that followed their father, Henry Buffalo Sr. and Martin Buffalo.
The years between the treaties of 1842 and 1854 were marked by relative peace and prosperity for the Lake Superior Chippewa with the multiple treaties during that period discussed in some detail. The Chippewa occupied the territory from western Michigan through Wisconsin and up to Northeastern Minnesota. There was a dark period around the year 1850 when federal agents, traders and territorial agents sought to have the Lake Superior Chippewa removed from their treasured homelands. Mr. Buffalo discussed the response of the Lake Superior Chippewa, especially his Great, Great, Great Grandfather, Chief Buffalo. He displayed Chief Buffalos' pipe which was recently returned to the Red Cliff Band by the Armstrong family. The pipe had been used by Chief Buffalo and his delegation during the meetings with President Fillmore. He related how the return of the pipe in effect continues the journey of the Lake Superior Chippewa.
Monday August 22 * 1:00 PM "Early Bayfield History" by Bob Nelson
The Heritage Center hosted a meeting of the Bayfield Civic League with a short business meeting followed by Bobs discussion of how the Bayfield area was settled by enticing people from the east coast to come and find their fortunes in the new land on the shores of Lake Superior. The early settlers, land grants and the history leading up to the creation of the City of Bayfield in 1858 was reviewed. The attendees were treated to deserts and refreshments before adjournment.
Saturday August 13 * 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Bayfield Heritage Center Raspberry Social Fundraiser
Over 150 people enjoyed raspberry shortcake courtesy of Irene and Dick Radke at the Bayfield Heritage Center on a perfect summer day. The Radkes handpicked and specially prepared raspberries were ladled over Irenes homemade shortcake and topped with extra heavy cream, freshly whipped ....... a treat everyone raved about after the first bite.
The refreshing treats were enjoyed on the Heritage Center porch or inside the Center with everyone served by our volunteers
Mother and daughter shared a shortcake and new volunteers, Greg and Kate Gunderson took time out to enjoy what they were serving
Wednesday August 10 * 7:00 PM
This program is sponsored by the Apostle Islands Historic Preservation Conservancy
“Gert Wellisch - A Sand Island Pioneer” by Bob Mackreth
Bob Mackreth related the story of Gertrude Wellisch (1896-1966) who was a liberated woman before the term was invented, challenging gender roles and using imagination and determination to help preserve one of the Northland's most beloved landmarks: the Sand Island lighthouse. "Gert's" indomitable spirit can be felt at several sites that still stand on the island she loved: not just the lighthouse, but also the magnificent West Bay Lodge where she spent her youth, and "Plenty Charm," the cottage she shared with her partner in later years. Bob presented a virtual tour of Sand Island arguably the story of the true Apostle Islands pioneer.
Bob Mackreth highlights Gert Wellischs life on Sand Island to an interested audience
Bob relates Gerts life at the Sand Island Light in the 1920s (above left) and her cottage "Plenty Charm" at East Bay (above right) as well as her early years at the West Bay Club (below) owned in a partnership by her father. The structure is now being maintained by private parties and hopefully by the Park Service when they acquire the property.
Wednesday July 13 * 7:00 PM
“Apostle Islanders: A Trip on the CW Turner”
by Bob Nelson
Historian Bob Nelson men told stories of the fishermen and their families who lived on the islands and earned their livelihood from the deep waters of Lake Superior. Illustrative stories of the pioneer fisherman, families, and fish companies of the Apostle Island archipelago informed and enlightened the audience. Bob described the culture which evolved in the fish camps and showed how the fishing industry utilized the tools of their trade.
Saturday July 9 * 1:00 PM
The dedication of the Pike Research Center located in the lower level of the Bayfield Heritage Center was attended by 12 members of the Pike family including Drake Pike, whose generous donation funded the construction of this "state of the art" facility. About 100 individuals attended this landmark event for the Bayfield Heritage Association which will expand the Educational and Research offerings at the Bayfield Heritage Center.
Drake Pike stands in the Bayfield Heritage Center lobby in front of the door leading to the lower level Pike Research Center. The photos above and below show the recently completed research center facility which will open to the public as soon as post construction re-location of archives and artifacts can be accomplished.
Individuals gathered in the museum area to hear remarks from and introductions by Jerry Phillips, BHA President
Introduced were Drake Pike (Left below), whose donation was instrumental in funding the research center construction, Bill Van Sant (2nd to left), who led the Capital Campaign to raise funds and Dr. Ellsworth Brown (far Right), of the Wisconsin Historical Society who praised the efforts of the BHA affiliate of his organization.
Judy and Andy Larsen, Julian Nelson and Robert Hadland visit with Drake Pike
Eli Hamilton, the youngest member of the extended Pike Family, takes some nourishment then poses with his parents Sarah and David Hamilton
The 12 individuals pictured are the representatives of the extended Pike family who came from Boulder Creek, California in the west, Brunswick, Maine and Lynchburg, Virginia in the east and Hong Kong in the Far East
Tuesday June 21 * 7:00 PM
The Heritage Center hosted a Roads Scholar Group, with many attendees from Illinois, and they were presented with a newly expanded program entitled the "The House that Sank" by Sherm Edwards, Madeline Ferry Lines captain.
Wednesday June 15 * 7:00 PM
“Gil Larsen from Bayfield, Wisconsin to Master Photographer”
The Larsen Family Program was presented by Mimi Larsen Becker and Andy Larsen. They provided insights related to their father, his close connection with his family, his art and his love of the outdoors. The backdrop for their presentation was the 2011-2012 “Gil Larsen-Small Town, Big Camera Photographic Retrospective” exhibit. The attendees had the opportunity to view the photographs selected for the exhibit and to appreciate the works of Bayfields “Master Photographer” who achieved international acclaim for his photographic talents.
The Gil Larsen Family Jerry Phillips introduces Andy and Mimi
Mimi Larsen presents Family History and Andy, in a wig, adds color comments
Saturday June 11 * 1:00 PM
Grand Opening of the Gil Larsen Photographic Exhibit
The Grand Opening of the Gill Larsen Photographic Retrospective, "Small Town, Big Camera" was held from 1 to 4 PM at the Bayfield Heritage Center with about 80 attendees coming to view more works of Mr. Larsen whose images were also used in the Bayfield Heritage Center “Bayfield Flood of 1942” exhibit. That exhibit is still available for viewing in a condensed form at the Center.Andy and Mimi Larsen, Gils Children, were in attendance and answered questions about their fathers career as a world renown photographer whose roots were in Bayfield.
Jerry Phillips, BHA President, & Don Albricht, Exhibit Creator, address the attendees
Some of the Grand Opening guests Mimi Larson next to a childhood photo of herself
Jerry Phillips with 3 Chinese college student visitors at the Heritage Center exhibit opening
Also open to the public for the first time was Phase II, the North Wall, of the Hadland Hall museum room in the Heritage Center.
Friday June 10
The Wisconsin Humanities Council held their annual meeting in Bayfield this year with a public reception and program at the Bayfield Pavilion on Thursday June ninth. The Bayfield Heritage Association, Inc. had the honor of hosting their business meeting at the Bayfield Heritage Center on Friday June 10, 2011 with a preview of the two newly mounted exhibits prior to their Grand Opening on Saturday.
Wisconsin Humanities Council working session at Heritage Center
Saturday May 28 * 8:30 AM
AM Fountain Garden Park Plant & Yard Sale
The day before the sale the Fountain Garden Park basked in beautiful Bayfield sunshine.
The morning of the sale dawned with a steady rain with no prospect for clearing before the sale was to start. The volunteers of the Bayfield Heritage Association were undaunted and arrived early to set up tents for the comfort of visitors and staff alike. Spirits were not dampened throughout the morning as rain and drizzle came and relented. The sale was a success, although not raising as much as in sunny 2010, and the funds will help support the Fountain Garden Park for the 2011 year.
Marilyn Van Sant rang the bell to start the sale and visitors selected their plantings from a large selection of donated items
Refreshments baked and prepared by the volunteers were very popular and donations at this table contributed to the funds
Plantings were carefully wrapped by other volunteers and payments were cheerfully accepted
Saturday March 26 * 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Mortgage Burning Party for Members
About 50 BHA members attended this historic event nearly 35 years in coming. They came to celebrate and witness the burning of the Mortgage/Line of Credit/Construction Loan financial documents which financed the construction of the Bayfield Heritage Center at 30 North Broad Street in downtown Bayfield, Wisconsin.
Jerry Phillips, BHA President, introduced many of the attendees who had contributed greatly to make the dream of the founders of the Bayfield Heritage Association, Inc. finally come true. Special thanks were given previous board members including Phil Souchery, Vermont Johnson, Ruby Larson, Ed Flitz, Shirley Anderson, Phil and Sheree Peterson as well as to Mary Rice for her invaluable support as the Board of directors sought a home for the organization. He chronicled the events which led the BHA to its current home on Broad street.
Jerry and the attendees applauded Bumpy and Lucy Sense (pictured on the left) who were responsible for much of the early construction and operation of the Heritage Center. Marilyn and Bill Van Sant (on the right) were recognized as instrumental in the recent "Heritage Vision" Capital Campaign which paid the final construction loan, allowed construction of the lower level Research Center to begin and increased the BHA endowment fund. Marilyn has spearlheaded the introduction of new exhibits and refurbishing of the museum.
The mortgage/construction loan is burned by Marilyn Van Sant and Bumpy Sense