• Sunday-What'sUP August 26 - 10:53 pm

Captain Don Kilpela has a fascinating blog recounting the history of ferry service from Copper Harbor to Isle Royale. Follow the link and scroll to the bottom of each page to read the entries in chronological order. You'll meet Charlie Kauppi, the rugged Finnish fisherman who started the adventure in 1929-30, and you'll see how the service grew and changed throughout the 20th century, as the Kilpela family carried on the tradition.

If you've never experienced Isle Royale - and the adventure of making the round trip - include it in your plans for your next visit to the U.P. If there's not enough time to spend some on the island, at least take in the sunset cruise on the Isle Royale Queen IV, and enjoy the Lakeside view of the scenic Keweenaw Peninsula.

Our thanks to Captain Don for providing this week's Shoebox Memory. In a few hours Edie and I will cross the Mackinac Bridge on our way back from the Detroit area. Looks like another lovely day to explore the U.P., this time from right to left. By the way, this week we'll be posting the Fall pasty shipping schedule, as the heat of summer wanes and we resume sending the U.P.'s favorite dish to all 50 states.

Thanks for stopping by Pasty Central. Have a good week :o)

Went over to the Isle in 1967,right after the 6-Days War in the Middle East.We took the "Ranger".The smaller tugs would have been a truetest of anyone's stomach!

These shots reminded me of a photo that my Mom had from a fishing trip out on Lake Superior. I have posted it in one of my albums at: http://gallery.pasty.com/keithinks/album76/img055.jpg.html This was probably in the 1940's.

I wonder what year the color photo is? I would guess in the 1940's based on the hair style of the woman on the dock. They aren't dressed for roughing it, either. I had an aunt from 100 years ago that used to go to the "Lodge" up there because it was fashionable and high society, but they didn't make a point of hiking or exploring the inner parts of the Island. She would never understand my reasons for going there. It was a place to get out of the heat and a fashionable and trendy place to go with all of the resorts and golf courses, which are long gone. Now, it is all about getting on the trail. It's a good thing it's a national park, because we would never get to enjoy pristine nature like that.

One more thing. This is an honest plug for the Isle Royale Queen. I have taken the old twin engine seaplane (not the current operator) to Isle Royale, the Ranger from Houghton and the Queen now about five times. The seaplane could be (and was) delayed by fog and the Ranger takes over 6 hours because it comes out of Houghton. The Queen is reliable and almost half the time the Ranger takes and you can set your watch by departure and arrival times. There is also a good a wealth of information discussed by the captain over the PA system on the way over.

Tim Holland (Tholland):

"It's a good thing it's [now] a national park, because we would never get to enjoy pristine nature like that."

Amen to that!
Fashionable high society, resorts and golf courses [on Isle Royale]? Ye gods!

My grandfater-in-law was Holger Johnson Sr. He ran a ferry service to Isle Royale from Raley's dock in Eagle Harbor. He died long before I met his grandaughter but I have heard many stories and have seen pictures of the boat. It was named the "Ahwaneesha". It was scuttled near the far inland shore of Chippewa Harbor. She managed to stay afloat until she beached herself. It remains there today as an island artifact.
Ahwaneesha was a native American saying that translates as "Away we go" or "Here we go again". I forget the exact meaning.

Hey Neil,
I don't get to Pasty cam very often (it's GREAT but time doesn't allow). Anyway, I read the part about Susan. I'm so sorry to hear of the loss in our family, especially only 21. Kevin would be Chester's son, right. I don't have any information about his family so didn't realize Chester would have had grand kids. My prayers are with you and all her immediate family.
Eliisa

Neil,

So sorry to hear about the loss of your relative. Was Susan Maija's
relative as well?

Eliisa,

Talked to my dad last night and we walked through the family tree from Chester on down. Kevin was Chester's son and Susan was Kevin's daughter. It brought back memories for my dad of Elwood and his passing due to an automobile accident in the 50's.

Was Charlie Kauppi related to an Arnie Kauppi from Lake Linden in the 50s? Arnie was married to 'Willy' or 'Minnie' (Wilhelmina (Karpinen) Kauppi. They had 3 daughters, Diane, can't remember the middle girl, and Sue Ellen, the youngest. Willy is Mimi's aunt. Think she is in a nursing, or health care home in LL. The pic of Charlie sure looks like the Arne I remember. Arnie worked on construction jobs.

Kosk: Neil Harri is my father's cousin, so I'm not sure how it all works and what the relationship would be between me and Susan. I regret that my parents didn't keep us more closely in touch with all of our relatives.