Past 2009 Programs and Events
December 2009
More Tours the "Flood of 1942 Exhibit" at the Bayfield Heritage Center for school children
“Scavenging” for Local History
Bayfield School’s third and fourth graders got to scavenge for local history as they explored the BHA “Flood of 1942 Exhibit on Friday, December 11th. Despite the frigid weather, students arrived eager to explore the exhibit which with artifacts and photographs shows how Bayfield survived its most devastating flood in July of 1942.
Students from Ms Hulse and Weber’s third grade classes and Ms Kouba and Bavlnka’s fourth grades were met by either Sandy Paavola or Marilyn Winterer to be introduced to a “1942 Parlor.” The students agreed it was not the sort of room where they would be comfortable “hanging out” and there was no TV. But they were quick to notice the photo of soldiers in uniform as Sandy or Marilyn explained that the Flood came during wartime and many Red Cliff and Bayfield young people were away in the service.
Dee Hendrickson showed the students the mysteries of how an ice box worked and how the family would have made coffee without a “Mr. Coffee” in the 1942 Kitchen. Then after the students studied an aerial map showing the route of the Flood down the two ravines, they were given a Scavenger Hunt of twelve questions and encouraged to find the answers among the photos and exhibits. The name of the building that burned was the Turnquist, the only casualty was the Brunners’ dog named Sandy, and they counted three caskets in the devastation of the cemetery.
Ms Kouba’s fourth grade students trace the routes of the Flood of 1942 through Bayfield in preparation for their scavenger hunt for facts about the flood.
December 8, 2009 BHA Annual Meeting
The annual meeting of the membership of the Bayfield Heritage Association, Inc. was held at the Old Rittenhouse Inn on December 8, 2009 with a Social Hour followed by a pot luck style dinner. Mary and Jerry Phillips again furnished the entrée, wines and other beverages. A short business meeting was held with Annual and Capital Campaign Reports by BHA president Jerry Phillips followed by election of the following directors for three year terms which start in 2010; Jerry Phillips, Marilyn Van Sant, Bob Nelson, Bruce Burnside and Virginia Hirsch. Restated Bylaws governing BHA operations were approved. Those attending the meeting continued to socialize in the beautiful, seasonally decorated, historic Inn.
Jerry Phillips conducts the business meeting
The dessert table offered many special Holiday treats
October 2009
Bayfield School Children Tour the "Flood of 1942 Exhibit" at the Bayfield Heritage Center
Bayfield School’s first and second graders walked to the Bayfield Heritage Center to explore the “Flood of 1942” Exhibit on Wednesday, October 14, 2009. Tom Gordon and Dot Harris led the students to the front lawn of the Center where they were shown a life sized diorama with the upper cab of a 1936 pick-up truck sticking out of the mud, that portrayed the extent of the Flood damage which occurred. Tom explained that his aunt and uncle’s car was caught in the Flood. They had left their car parked at Fiege’s gas station on the corner of Rittenhouse and Broad Street while they worked on Madeline Island. When they came back from the Island after the Flood, their car was buried to the roof.
Sandy Paavola and Jan Haupert met the students inside the Heritage Center to show them the 1942 Parlor and Kitchen displays. The icebox was of particular interest to the students. When hearing how ice was cut on the lake in the winter and delivered in large blocks to the homes, one second grader observed that it would have been much more convenient if people had made the ice cubes in their refrigerators.
The children saw the enlarged flood photos of the smoking remains of the Turnquist Building, deep ravines, huge boulders in the bakery, and boats grounded in mud. They were impressed that no one had died.
They continued on the walking tour of Bayfield’s history by peering into the historic Jailhouse on Washington Avenue which survived the flood in its location next to the ravine.
Climbing the alley east of the Big Ravine they came to the historic Iron Bridge which spanned the ravine. Lying flat on the bridge to look between planks, students saw that the bridge, built in 1912, was high enough above the Ravine Park to have survived the Flood.
Additional tours of the “Flood of 1942” exhibit will be held for school children and for attendees of the Bayfield “All Class Reunion” scheduled for 2010.
Wednesday September 16, 2009 7:00 P.M.
"A House in Lake Superior" by Sherman Edwards
The Great Lake, Superior, has doomed ships of every size as ferocious storms raged, churning the inland "sea" into monstrous waves. This interesting story of how a house, destined for a new life on Madeline Island, reached a watery grave on the bottom of Lake Superior when the Great Lake was frozen over. Sherm related the little know details of the events which led up to the attempt to transport a fully furnished house across the ice. Photos taken by Sherm and others show activities on the ice and underwater as attempts were made to salvage the house and towing vehicle.
Jane Edwards, BHA Board member, introduced her husband Sherm to an audience of nearly 100 who attended this fascinating finale to our 2009 Program Series.
The house started it's journey but over 90 feet of water the transport dollies broke through 16 inches of ice and it began it's descent to a watery grave.
Sherm describes this underwater photo of the tow truck
The tow truck was salvaged by the "Outer Island" when the ice melted and within a day was repaired and running. It lived to work on Madeline Island for many years.
The house was not so fortunate as shown by this pile of twisted and broken lumber.
Friday August 28, 2009 5:30 P.M.
Annual Bayfield Heritage Association Fundraiser was held at the Heritage Center Today ! !
The clouds rolled in overnight and the winds were unrelenting as preparations were underway for the 5th Annual BHA Fundraiser in intermittent rain and drizzle. Three tents with partial sidewalls were prepared on the front lawn of the Heritage Center at 30 Broad Street in downtown Bayfield. The volunteers became skeptical about the anticipated turnout for the Fundraiser which generates the funds to keep the Heritage Center open for another year. As the barbequed brats, burgers and pulled pork was prepared the rain was unrelenting. The refreshment bar was opened, popcorn made and 300 cupcakes were carried into the center kitchen area. At 5:30 people began to arrive and more continued to fill the decks, halls and tents of the Heritage Center ultimately resulting in a record crowd for the Annual Fundraiser of more than 110 participants ..... no one complained about the weather and no spirits were dampened.
Admission & Raffle tickets are discussed as Popcorn & Refreshment bar are made ready
Snacks are brought out as early attendees review Live Auction Items
Bill Gover & Jim Moeller, BHA Barbeque Grillers, are preparing the entrees for the evening
The Liz Woodworth Trio "warmed up" as more attendees arrived
The Barbeque side dishes were set out as many participants viewed the "Flood of 1942" exhibits
Jerry Phillips, "Auctioneer" exhorts the crowd to bid on the Packers "Football-Ticket" package held by Marilyn, Van Sant, event organizer
Jerry pleads with bidders to raise their bid on the Fiege Cigar Box replica
Holders of winning raffle tickets are presented with the items by Kris Connell
Jerry referees spirited bidding between relatives
Some attendees bid from the Heritage Center porch, others from the cover of the tents
The last auction item held by Marilyn Van Sant is a Bessie Nourse Print which was seen by visitors to the Heritage Center Black/Nourse exhibit in 2008. Jerry Phillips, BHA President and auctioneer ends the nights Live Auction on a very positive note as the success of the event assures the Heritage Center will be able to continue it's Programs and Events into the 2010 season.
After the auction dancing & merriment ensued to the music and vocals of the Liz Woodworth Trio
Wednesday August 19, 2009 7:00 P.M.
"Apostle Lighthouses" by Bob Mackreth
Sponsored by the Apostle Islands Historic Preservation Conservancy (AIHPC)
Bob Mackreth focused on the facinating history of the first Apostle Island Lighthouse and the records of the lives and events affecting the keepers and their families who dealt with the isolation and the dangers of living on Michigan Island.
Historian Bob Mackreth related previously untold stories of daring rescues, heart-stopping ordeals, and a couple of incredible mix ups in the Apostle Islands. Living and working on a remote island in Lake Superior, or sailing on the lake' s turbulent waters often took all one’s wit and courage to survive. Research by Mr. Mackreth into historical accounts of numerous events varied by the individual observers and the writers reporting of life the threatening incident and made the research facinating when presented to the Heritage Center audience.
Wednesday July 22, 2009 7:00 P.M.
Dangerous Business! by Bob Mackreth
Sponsored by the Apostle Islands Historic Preservation Conservancy (AIHPC)
Tuesday July 14, 2009 6:00 P.M. 
Bastille Day in France and French Cooking in Bayfield
"Cooking with Yvonne"
The traditional Bastille Day picnic was recreated this year at the Bayfield Heritage Center for a sold out audience of participants. Everyone enjoyed French wine and champagne while learning French cooking techniques and experiencing the gastronomic pleasure of participating in a Bastille Day Picnic.
July 7, 2009 5:00 to 7:00 P.M.
Special Heritage Center Memorial Reception
Timothy Vincent Hartnett
Tim Hartnett, longtime Bayfield Resident, Bayfield Heritage Association supporter and previous Board of Directors member died peacefully on June 18, 2009 shortly after his 86th birthday. After his working career at Corning Glass Works and raising 5 children with his wife Kitty, in retirement, Tim became a sailor. With Kitty he sailed from Sweden to the Mediterranean, then the Caribbean and finally arrived in Bayfield where he settled down with his first mate Kitty to sail on Lake Superior. Tim enjoyed working with the Bayfield Regional Conservancy where he helped blaze new hiking trails. He had a special affinity for the Big (Ballpark) Ravine which he insisted should be called “The Bayfield Canyon”. All who knew Tim were impressed by his down to earth attitude and friendly demeanor. He will be truly missed by the Bayfield community and especially his many friends in the Bayfield Heritage Association.
A special reception for Tim was held at the Bayfield Heritage Center following the 4:00 P.M. Memorial Service at the Bayfield Presbyterian Church. After an emotional memorial service many of Tim's friends followed a bagpiper from the church to the Heritage Center to celebrate Tim's life with stories and recollections as they viewed family photos in the building he helped to create.
Sunday June 28, 2009 5:00 P.M.
The Volunteer Picnic was held at the Bayfield Heritage Center and although the day was cloudy punctuated by occasional drizzle the atmosphere inside was cheerful and talkative as over 60 BHA volunteers enjoyed refreshments as well as a full buffet prepared by local restaurants and members of the Board of Directors. BHA President, Jerry Phillips thanked all the volunteers for their contributions to the success of the Heritage Center. 
Wednesday June 17, 2009 7:00 P.M.
"History of the Ojibwe People"
Sponsored by the Apostle Islands Historic Preservation Conservancy (AIHPC)
Mr. Robert Goslin shared his extensive knowledge of the Ojibwe people in a program which centered on the Red Cliff Tribe of the Anishinabek and their history in the northern Wisconsin region.
Left Photo: The Chippewa Indian Peace Committee—Frank Roy, Vincent Roy, E. Roussin, Old (Frank) Do ie maybe Day, Peter Roy, Joseph Gourneau, D. George Morrison
Right Photo: The Messengers: Upper row from the left- Vincent Conyer- Interpreter, Vincent Roy J., Dr. I. L. Mahan Indian Agent, no name given, George P. Warren- civil war veteran, Thad Thayer. Lower row- Messenger, Na-ga-nab, Moses White, no name given, Osho’gay—head speaker, Nay’-qua-as’- Head chief of LaCorre” Oreilles (over seven feet tall- no name given
Mr. Goslin educated and entertained a crowd of about 95 in the Heritage center about the migration of the Ojibwe nation over 500 years from the east coast of the USA to Madeline Island and subsequently to the Red Cliff and Bad River areas. A large number of Native Americans were on hand to hear his presentation.
Bob Nelson, Program Committee Co-Chair, thanked Mr. Goslin for contributing to the 2009 Heritage Center Program Series.
During the Social Hour after the program Sister Grace Ann Rabideau discovered that the large hand made round rug in the "Flood of 1942" exhibit hall was made by her grandmother decades ago. She is pictured below standing on the historic rug.
Wednesday June 17, 2009 10:00 A.M.
Staffing Volunteer Orientation Coffee was held at the for Heritage Center volunteers. This event allowed previous and new volunteers to meet each other and learn about the changes in exhibits and policies for the 2009 season at the Bayfield Heritage Center.
Sunday June 14, 2009 2:00 P.M.
Opening of the “Flood of 1942” Exhibit
The gully pictured above came from the "Ballpark Ravine" and passed through the land where the Bayfield Heritage Center now stands and where the Flood of 1942 Exhibit in now showing.
The life sized diorama of a 1936 Chevrolet truck partially buried in the sand, mud and debris from the flood located in the front of the Heritage Center welcomed visitors. The diorama is located about 100 feet from where the actual gully pictured in the photo above cut through the City of Bayfield on July 17th 1942.
The Heritage Center was filled with a crowd of over 150 visitors for the Grand Opening of the 2009 Feature Exhibit "The Bayfield Flood of 1942". Visitors were treated to refreshments and snacks while viewing the stories, newspaper front pages, news clippings and photos of the flood which devastated the City of Bayfield in 1942 and captured National headlines during World War II. Room settings of the period helped visitors visualize the time in our country when these events occurred.
Period room settings are part of the exhibit
Heritage Center visitors reviewed the Flood Exhibit at the June 14th Grand Opening of this historic exhibit.
Marilyn Van Sant, Exhibits Chair, introduces some of the individuals who worked to complete the "Flood of 1942" Feature Exhibit for 2009.
Lucille "Lucy" and Herman "Bumpy" Sense are awarded a Lifetime Contribution Award and associated Lifetime Membership in the Bayfield Heritage Association, Inc. by Jerry Phillips, BHA President
* For a more complete story of the creation and content of the Flood Exhibit please go to the Feature Exhibits Tab
or Click Here
Saturday May 30, 2009 8:30 A.M.
Annual Fountain Garden Park Plant Sale This years sale was again a resounding success and will provide some of the funding needed to support the maintenance of the Fountain Garden Park at Bayfield’s south entry. Thank you for your participation which will help us continue Bayfield’s historical description as the “Fountain City”.
"AIACF Grant Awards Program"
Thursday May 14, 2009 5:15 P.M.
The Bayfield Heritage Association was invited to summarize progress in the use of the 2008 grant awarded by the AIACF to purchase the PastPerfect Museum Software System. Bill Gover, BHA Director and Chair of the Museum Committee, explained to the attendees how the seed money provided the first step in the years long process to record the holdings of the Heritage Center Museum while also allowing the BHA to centralize and modernize it's membership records.
Bill Gover, Chair of the Museum Committee
Wednesday April 15, 2009 7:00 P.M.
"The Frank Belanger Settlement"
Sponsored by the Apostle Islands Historic Preservation Conservancy (AIHPC)
Bruce Burnside will present and discuss a DVD he has produced for educational purposes which features early settlement in our region especially the Belanger settlement south of Bayfield. From the earliest settlers to current residents of the area, some of whom will be at the meeting, this informative program will help many of the more recent residents understand the evolution of settlements in the northern Bayfield peninsula.
Frank and Elizabeth Belanger Betty Belanger & Lawrence Butterfield
A group of children with two adults in the settlement possibly at school
Bruce Burnside discusses his DVD
Attendees view the educational DVD on "The Settlement"
Thursday March 12, 2009 7:00 P.M.
"Badger Boneyards: The Eternal Rest of the Story" - - - - by Dennis McCann
Sponsored by the Apostle Islands Historic Preservation Conservancy (AIHPC)
This program was about cemeteries including the Bayfield cemetery, the Old Mission cemetery at La Pointe and the Washburn cemetery where one of the greatest surfers in history is buried. The presentation was based on materials from Mr. McCann's soon to be released book which will also include stories from cemeteries large and small all across Wisconsin, from the grave of a Civil War spy in Wisconsin Dells to that of John Heisman, the namesake of the Heisman trophy in Rhinelander. Also from the cemeteries within Peninsula State Park to the burying yard for the Peshtigo fire dead - even the tombstones that gave the world frozen pizza.
Marilyn La Pointe Winterer, Bayfield Heritage Association Board Membner, introduced Mr Dennis McCann to an audience of over 75 in the Heritage Center
The "Teddy Bear" monument below is located in a cemetery where unbaptized children were laid to rest separated from the main cemetery where only baptized people are allowed.
"Heisman Trophy" namesake headstone
The photo, below on the left, was taken at the Belgian cemetery in Namur (southern Door County) where the stones from the cemetery were relocated to make way for a church parking lot, giving the appearance that all of the dead were about one foot tall.
The Eastman family cemetery where the lovely Emma Eastman, who was known as the Virgin Em, is buried alongside three of her nine husbands is shown above on the right.
Saturday February 14, 2009
Memories of Sand Island in the 1940”s, 1950”s and 1960’s
This event sponsored by the Apostle Islands Historic Preservation Conservancy
Bob, Carl and Sharon Dahl shared memories of their Sand Island experiences with a capacity crowd of over 100 at the Heritage Center. The Dahls are descendants of Norwegian immigrants Fred Hanson, Jacob Johnson and the Harold & Carl Dahl families.
For many years, Sand Island, located on the western edge of the Apostle Island archipelago, was owned and occupied year-round by the families of commercial fishermen, farmers, and entrepreneurs of post civil war and northern European descent. The stories and life experiences of Bob and Carl were informative and entertaining with participation of many in the audience adding to the understanding of how the isolation of island living shaped their lives.
Bob Nelson introduces the Dahl family to a standing room only crowd of 110.
Bob Dahl pointsd out the relationship of Sand Island to the City of Bayfield
Car\l Dahl (in the forefront) relates stories of the importance of boating to Sand Island
Sand Island East Bay Docks with Fish Tugs Repacking fish nets from the drying reels
Waiting for the vessel "Apostle Islands"//Some boating was for pleasure when the work was done