PUBLIC SCOPING MEETING LETTERS: INDIVIDUALS/GROUPS AND COMMENTS
The following letters have been received by the park concerning the public scoping meetings held on March 20th-21st at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Headquarters Building in Empire, Michigan. The letters were provided as part of the Briefing Paper for the Historic Properties Management Plan being prepared by the park to address the 140 vacant historic structures and their cultural landscapes within the park boundary.
Name Illegible, Glen Arbor, Michigan
I personally favor leasing livable farms to provided needed housing in America and also to collect revenue. In our own area of Glen Arbor there are many management companies that could handle rent collection and maintenance.
Brenda Adra, Traverse City, Michigan
I hope that it is decided not to destroy the structures on the park property. They are truly a part of the local history, and as far as the argument of people getting hurt on them, I have never heard of it happening. People could be hurt anywhere in the park.
Arnold R. Alanen & Eric MacDonald, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Wisconsin,
The following properties are associated with historic agriculture on North Manitou Island, and appear to eligible for inclusion in the NRHP (National Register of Historic Places). Manitou Island Association Village Farm (Historic District), Manitou Island Association West Side Barn (Structure), Frederic M. Beuham Orchard (Site), Alvar L. and Mary Bournique Residence (Historic District), North Manitou Island Life-saving Station (Historic District), Cottage Row (Historic District), and North Manitou Island Dunes Historic District.
American Youth Hostel, Lisa Goldstein, Berkley, Michigan
I am writing to express the Michigan Council of Hostelling International-American Youth Hostel’s continued interest in converting the Burfiend Farm Houses for use as youth hostels.
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Anderlik, Traverse City, Michigan
Endorsement of Shielding Tree Nature Center to partner with the National Park Service in using vacant historic farmsteads within the Park.
Kathy Bartell, Maple City, Michigan
We are in favor of the proposal that Shielding Tree has made to partner with the National Park Service in order to restore and use some of the vacant historic farmsteads within the park.
Lois Beardslee, Maple City, Michigan
I am pleased to honor Mary Rupert’s request for a letter supporting a proposed partnership between the Shielding Tree Nature Center and the park in regard to the use of some of the vacant historic homesteads…I see a proposed partnership as a way to draw greater attention and support to this marvelous grass roots program. It also has the potential to reach a larger number of children. As the region grows, we need to teach the increasing number of permanent and seasonal residents about every detail that makes this area special, historically, culturally, and environmentally.
Edna Beechraft, Honor, Michigan
South Manitou Island—I would like the Theodore Beck residence preserved. Not necessarily restored but stabilized.
North Manitou Island—I would like a day trip program to this Island as is done to South Manitou Island. Preservation of Cottage Row. At least stabilized. Also the big barn and Sawmill. I would like to see the Sawmill to be able to be viewed as it originally was. Seek outside group(s) like Buckley Old Engine Show to work with you in this area. Lodging overnight if possible.
Mainland—Preserve the Ellsworth Esch House. Enter into Historical Preservation Partnership. Located as it is entry to Aral-Otter Creek area could be Bed-Breakfast…In the Port Oneida area I like the Cades Cove comparison. I feel steps are being taken to utilize some of the farmhouses for hostels and this I like. I like the mothballing as referred to this in conjunction with barns, corncribs, outhouses and etc.
Kathy Bietau, South Manitou Island Memorial Society, Fountain, Michigan
South Manitou Island—George Johann and Margaretha Hutzler/John Hutzler Farm…preserving the barn while letting the rest of the site molder does not make sense from a "cultural landscape" perspective. George Conrad & Mary Ann Hutzler, August and Elizabeth Beck Farms…I would encourage the park to utilize volunteers to inhabit this farmstead and maintain the site as it was in the early 1900’s. Theodore and Alvina Beck Farm…I would encourage this park to maintain this building and pursue opportunities to utilize this site.
North Manitou Island—I would encourage the park to preserve the character of "Cottage Row" by utilizing as many buildings as possible; including the Fiske, Wing, Londergan, Campbell, Monte Carlo, and Katie Shepherd Hotel. The Office building would make a great visitor information center during the day. The Bournique Place is unique to the island’s history and should be considered for preservation or stabilization.
Gerard T. Boisineau, President, Empire Area Heritage Group, Empire, Michigan
This will confirm our recent phone conversation regarding the preservation of the Treat House. The subject was brought up at the recent meeting of the Empire Area Heritage Group and after a brief discussion the Board agreed that the Empire Area Heritage Group would have an interest in the preservation of the Treat House because of its historical significance.
H. Michael Buhler, Glen Arbor, Michigan
I did want to propose that you view access as a major criteria in rehabilitation…the farms on M-22 and Port Oneida Road rank higher for me…My friends and I would like to see those buildings preserved the most, even if just from the outside. I question the merit of much interior work if the buildings will not be open to the public. But their structural integrity and "curb appeal" are very important to me.
Eugene Case, Kentwood, Michigan
Please save Cottage Row (North Manitou Island).
Joan Conway, Jenison, Michigan
I’m a Sierra Club member interested in preserving the buildings on Cottage Row on North Manitou Island. I’m willing to help in any way I can.
Johanna Dean, Kentwood, Michigan
Please save cottage row (North Manitou Island).
Kip & Pamela Diotte, Maple City, Michigan
There are great educational as well as recreational opportunities available here and we have explored a few possibilities and are willing to make ourselves and our family available to pursue them. One of our ideas has been to offer farm education tours and hands on experiences for the tourists who seem to already stop…Another possibility would be to offer horse drawn hayrides starting here and continuing through the historical district of Port Oneida…One other idea would be to offer trail rides through the trails now existing around the farm.
Cecilia Droz, Rochester Hills, Michigan
This letter is in regards to Shielding Tree Nature Center making good use of vacant historic farmsteads within Sleeping Bear Dunes Nat’l Lakeshore Park.
Mark Durbin, Fruitport, Michigan
I am writing my support for preservation of all the historic buildings on North Manitou Island.
David Early & Anne-Marie Oomen, Empire, Michigan
…we’re delighted the Park is looking for innovative ways to work with the community on adaptive use of some of these buildings. It makes sense that we would have a role in this aspect of the project because it increases our community’s investment and ownership in the park and breaks down the distrust some people have regarding Federally managed property. Thank you. We are also writing to support a proposal you will/have received from the Glen Arbor Art Association regarding interest in the Thoreson Farm properties…The Association would make a serious commitment to the properties….We would also like to support the Empire Historical Society’s interest in the Treat Farm.
Daniel & Jane Ecclestone, Cedar, Michigan
My wife Jane and I feel strongly that the use of these homesteads as headquarters for non-profit/nature oriented organizations such as STNC (Shielding Tree Nature Center) would be a great community service and appropriate use of these NPS properties.
Elizabeth Edwards, Glen Arbor, Michigan
I wish to put in writing that I wholeheartedly support a Park Service plan to lease the historic buildings in Port Oneida to nonprofit organizations whose activities are compatible with the pastoral/historic areas of the park.
Elizabeth Edwards, Glen Arbor, Michigan
Organization of a Friends of the Historic Structures of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore that would include private citizens and the various organizations including the Leelanau Historical Society, Michigan Land Use Institute, Glen Arbor Planning and Zoning Commission, and the Northern Michigan Environmental Action Council (NMEAC).
Mr. & Mrs. John P. Fitzpatrick, Redford, Michigan
Please save Cottage Row (North Manitou Island).
Judy A. Fogle, No Address
I believe it would be useful to create hostels of the two farm houses and the George Johann Hutzler farmstead as adaptive restoration. I recommend that the surrounding fields and areas close to the houses be mowed at least twice per summer. The Lodge (Theodore Beck) house should be Stabilized. Also the two roads to the Lodge need to be cleared.
Robert Foulkes, Suttons Bay, Michigan
I commend the Park Service for the work done to create the Report "Farming at the Water’s Edge" and recommend that in one hundred years time the citizens who come to enjoy Sleeping Bear will still be able to see the houses, barns, and field patterns shown in this report…The buildings that will last the next one hundred years will have to have a use. That use, or many uses, should be defined with a public purpose in mind, and the first purpose should be the preservation of the historic landscape of Port Oneida. The second purpose should be a specific public good that relates to the Park , such as affordable accommodations for visitors. A third purpose should be some use that is of general public good but does not relate to the Park directly, such as a home for an arts organization or other not-for-profit organization.
Charles and Karen Fredrickson, Suttons Bay, Michigan
As members of Shielding Tree Nature Center and as environmentally concerned citizens of Leelanau County, we would like to encourage the National Park Service to include Shielding Tree in your plans for using a farmstead within the park as a nature and education center.
Glen Arbor Artists Association, Don Wilson, Glen Arbor, Michigan
The Glen Arbor Art Association, a nonprofit educational organization, wishes to inform the park of its interest in the possible use of the buildings comprising the Thoreson Farm. The Glen Arbor Art Association is pursuing the idea of establishing an artists community in the Glen Arbor area.
Elaine Goodspeed, Sierra Club—West Michigan Group, Grand Rapids, Michigan
…I’ve grown to love No. Manitou Is. And appreciate the importance of Cottage Row to the history of the island. I’ve spoken with members of my West Mich. Group and also the Huron Valley Group (Ann Arbor) in order to coordinate efforts to help restore and maintain these buildings.
Diane Gordon, Lake Leelanau, Michigan
..urging you to support the proposal that Shielding Tree Nature Center develops (to place) its nature center at one of the farmstead(s) within the National Lakeshore.
Claudia D. Goudschaal, Leland, Michigan
I propose that (one) of the Cottage Road (Row)…house be preserved and renovated to a minimal degree for use as a very limited over night hostel for approved visitors…In watching and listening to some of those coming out with our yearly museum trip to the island I see a need for this use. Our very few hours on the island are too brief for some of these people to are for all the graves or to go very far afield on their research.
Claudia D. Goudschaal, Leland, Michigan
I am writing to express my interest in the Shielding Tree use possibilities and to add my name to any documentation needed to further them…I am also interested in any activities concerning the U.S.L.S.S. stations on the islands and in preserving several of the unique Cottage Row buildings on North Manitou …Having visited the Smokies park many times, I know how a building such as their old schoolhouse and the Cades Cove area can not only educate but remain in a tourist’s mind for many years. First seen in 1955, it remains vividly with me in 1998. This is what I would hope saving a few evocative buildings will do for today’s visitors.
Amanda Gould, Sparta, Michigan
Please preserve Cottage Row!
Great Lakes Camp & Trail Association, Larry Lemanski, Lansing, Michigan
Request for information concerning the Historic Properties Management Plan.
Molly Harrigan, Buckley, Michigan
Recently I received a letter from the Shielding Tree Nature Center informing members of discussions with Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore concerning a possible nature center on Park property. I am writing today in support of the proposal.
Shane B. Harrison, Suttons Bay, Michigan
The mission of Shielding Tree Nature Center is to nurture in people of all ages and understanding, appreciation and concern for our natural world." I can think of no greater place to continue fulfilling this mission than (at) the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Erie S. Heermann, Traverse City, Michigan
Please encourage this education by providing Shielding Tree a partnership with the National Park Service at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore park.
Thomas Dan Hirsed, Renaissance Developments, Honor, Michigan
It would seem a real asset to NPS to engage in this partnership (Shielding Tree Nature Center) and would further enhance the work you are already doing. In summary then, I strongly support this action.
Neil J. Hodges, Okemos, Michigan
The public, NPS staff, and park visitors would no doubt like to see many of the park’s buildings preserved, rehabilitated, or restored. The March 21st and 22nd information meetings revealed opinion to that effect, sometimes passionately expressed.
North Manitou Island—I urge the NPS to take all necessary steps to ensure rehabilitation for adaptive use of as many buildings comprising "Cottage Row" as possible including the Londergan, Wing, and Fiske cottages, and especially Monte Carlo cottage and Shepherd Summer Hotel…The hotel represented an important part of island life and could continue to accommodate overnight visitors if rehabilitated to serve as a shelter hostel…It is appealing to use the building in a manner similar to its historical use, including provision for simple meal preparation in the area behind the building that the summer Hotel had used as an outdoor kitchen. Outhouse facilities could be provided through rehabilitation of the existing hotel outhouse…Rehabilitation of the Monte Carlo cottage would provide an excellent building for an island museum.
South Manitou Island—The George Johann and Margaretha Hutzler farmhouse should be preserved, the hand pump on the well should be reinstalled, and to preserve the cultural landscape (And reduce fire hazard), the area around the house, historic barn and well site cleared of brush and trees…The George Conrad Hutzler farmhouse located in the Historic District should be preserved. Given the site’s agricultural significance, funding from corporate agri-business sources may even be possible for full restoration of the farmhouse.
Christine Ibbotson, Suttons Bay, Michigan
I cannot imagine a more compatible partnership than that of the National Park Service and the Shielding Tree Nature Center.
Jerry Jennex, Superintendent, Frankfort - Elberta Area Schools, Frankfort, Michigan
I am writing to express interest in the "Boekeloo" historical property located in Benzie County…I would like to ask consideration of the Boekeloo property for a future cooperative outdoor education center for Frankfort-Elberta Area Schools and Benzie County Central Schools.
Ruth & Carl Kelly, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Please do not loose Cottage Row! We’d like to see it preserved.
Debra Kerby, Benzie Historical Museum, Benzonia, Michigan
It has come to our attention that the Park Service has acquired property with dwellings and buildings pertinent to our local history, including a building on M-22 formerly known as the Kan-Tuck-U-Inn. This building is of particular interest to the Society as it has links to one of the early Benzie County settlers from the extinct town of Aral.
Nancy Kesik, Rockford, Michigan
Please save Cottage Row (North Manitou Island).
Steven Kopacki, Traverse City, Michigan
I would be in support of a partnership between to the two entities. (Shielding Tree Nature Center and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore).
Steven Kopacki, Energy & Environmental Concepts Inc., Traverse City, Michigan
In the past Energy & Environmental Concepts have supported STNC (Shielding Tree Nature Center) may occasions and have found them to be an excellent educational medium. We would support this partnership with the park service.
Susan J. Kopka, Omena, Michigan
I am writing on behalf of the concept of a partnership between the Shielding Tree and the NPS, utilizing one of the wonderful existing farmsteads at Sleeping Bear….Please give this partnership your most devoted attention and make it happen.
Marian Kromkowski and Matthew Posner, Law Offices, Suttons Bay, Michigan
STNC (Shielding Tree Nature Center) is deserving of an opportunity to partner with the National Park Service.
Joseph Kruch, West Branch, Michigan
On the mainland one farm complex I would like to see kept is the Olsen Farm on M-22 near Port Oneida Rd. I think with its proximity to the two roads and being the first farm complex you see as you enter the Port Oneida Historical District that it would make a good visitor introduction/information station….On South Manitou Island I would like to see the John (George Johann) Hutzler Farmhouse kept, it is a link of continuity from father to son in the history of that farm, that I believe it is worthy of preservation…On North Manitou Island, the Katie Shepherd Place and the Monte Carlo Cottage should be preserved for their history and sense of place that they contribute to the island.
Sylvia Kruger, East Lansing, Michigan
…strongly support retaining and restoring as many structures as possible. I would strongly urge that the Johnny (George Johann) Hutzler house be saved. It had been urged in the earlier planning that the Beck (Theodore) farm on the south side be saved. If the physical condition permits, this would still be a valid inclusion. Maintenance of the landscape of the farming fields is a must or the fields will/have disappear before our eyes. Mowing was mandated in the previous plan, but has not been carried out sufficiently.
Paula Leinbach, Traverse City, Michigan
As a person who has long been familiar with the Port Oneida Area…I was in on the early discussion of the general management plan an am now very interested in the preservation of the rural character of that area. I hope many of the structures of the area can be preserved, not only to depict the landscape of the area but also the rural and ethnic history. Integral to this history are the old homesteads. As I listened to the various proposals for preservation at the public meetings I thought how very much in keeping with the original park management plan would be the inclusion of some demonstration farm areas. These would show the aspect of early history in the area using the farming methods of those times.
Judy Livingston, Leland, Michigan
I feel that a partnership with Shielding Tree Nature Center would promote and expedite these efforts and be extremely beneficial to the park and the public that it serves.
Martha Lore, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Please save Cottage Row on (North) Manitou Island.
Many Hands Farm, Steve Lawless, Cedar, Michigan
These comments come off more as requests and questions so that we can get a better feel for the feasibility of our use of one of the park farms as well as giving us an indication of the type of relationship we would have with the park through a lease agreement. It is exciting for me to think of restoring these farms and recreating their past vitality as a way to educated and bring the public closer to the lessons of careful stewardship.
Baylee Miller, Traverse City, Michigan
(Endorsement of Shielding Tree Nature Center and past activities experience as a student.)
Sandy Miller, Traverse City, Michigan
(Endorsement of Shielding Tree Nature Center and past activities experience.)
Travis Miller and family, Traverse City, Michigan
I am writing to express my utmost support in your National Park to join in a partnership with the Shielding Tree Nature Center.
Donald Morris, Empire, Michigan
In addition…the farms of George Johann and Margaretha Hutzler/et al, George and Maria Haas/et al, James Sheridan/et al, and Theodore and Alvina Beck need to be recognized and preserved because of their collective involvements in both early farming and the scientific achievements of particularly Rosen Rye. All of the society members to who I have spoken show high interest in the concept of the historic leasing program for the farmhouse/lodge on the Theodore and Alvina Beck farm to be restored and used by society members who are conducting historic and cultural education/interpretation on South Manitou Island.
Marianne Morrison, Lake Leelanau, Michigan
My primary interest is in a partnership between the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the Shielding Tree Nature Center. The development of partnerships between regional organizations and the National Park Service will require specific standards be met by the organizations in question. I am sue that the Shielding Tree Nature center will be able to meet such standards. It is a very worthwhile, well established organization which provides educational and recreational services for both children and adults.
Nancy Olson, Grand Rapids, Michigan
I would as you to open your thing to other historical considerations (for Port Oneida) other than just "turn of the century farming." … Maybe a cottage row should be left here as it has been on North Manitou Island…Our cottage has nestled there for nearly 50 years, with its history and my family’s heritage. I think that is more a part of Port Oneida history than a Youth Hostel at Burfiend’s; an artist’s studio or a cultural center in another f arm house, even though I would not be opposed to any of those activities.
Joseph Orbeck, Plainwell, Michigan
The residences of George Conrad Hutzler should be restored to their original appearance as has been done with the August Beck house…The location of the line fence which enclosed the cleared land of the George Conrad Hutzler farm should be determined and marked…A number of members of the South Manitou Memorial Society are interested in the residence or "Lodge" or the Theodore Beck farm. If this could be arranged through the "Historic Lease Program", we could restore and maintain it in exchange for a lease and use it in participation in our proposed park programs.
Jan Ostorwski, Suttons Bay, Michigan
I would like to offer specific support to the proposal made by the Shielding Tree Nature Center.
Terence Payne, Comstock Park, Michigan
Please save Cottage Row (North Manitou Island). It really gives people a sense of history.
Sue Prawdzik, Grand Rapids, Michigan
I would like to express my hope that something will be done to maintain and restore the Cottage Row houses on North Manitou Island…Couldn’t the park service make money by using the buildings as hotels? I know a number of people who would love to stay on the island but just don’t line to camp. Isle Royale has a lodge and still is wilderness. Why can’t North Manitou use this as a model?
Jennifer Puntenney, Farmington, Michigan
You and staff must be commended at this time for taking a leadership role to change the "way things happen". It is an encouraging and exciting time to be a part of the preparation, planning, and implementation of the upcoming Historic Properties Management Plan. My tax dollars are going for a most important and rewarding purpose: preservation of our cultural heritage…I would like to see as many historic buildings saved as possible.
Mel Rocheleau, Traverse City, Michigan
Please consider saving the August (Theodore) Beck Farm on South Manitou Island.
Paul Rocheleau, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
(The structure) I would like to see preserved is the Theodore Beck Farm house on the south shore of South Manitou Island.
Faith V. Romano, Northside Friends Meeting, Chicago, Illinois
Northside Friends Meeting supports Robert Foulkes’s exploration of work camp opportunities coming out of the establishment of the Port Oneida Rural Historic District in northern Michigan and establishes Education and Development as the committee of oversight for this exploration.
Samuel and Irene Rupert, Ann Arbor, Michigan
We think the STNC (Shielding Tree Nature Center) principals are very much in keeping with what we presume to be the objectives of the National Park Service and therefore we strongly support the establishment of a permanent home for STNC in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Park.
Jim and Mary Rupert, Shielding Tree Nature Center, Maple City, Michigan
Proposal presented for partnership and request to meet further with the park to discuss farmstead options.
Donald E. Roy, Whitefield, New Hampshire
In 1960 I stayed at the home structure on the George Johann Hutzler farm on the north end of South Manitou (Island)…The house inside and out seemed reasonably stabilized when I was allowed to enter it in 1995…Though very isolated the structure could eventually be used for volunteers working on the island…When not in use it would seem easy to mothball such a structure until further use…It (Theodore Beck House) is in rather sad shape today, but is certainly worth some consideration for saving. If the house were stabilized now…this house could also be mothballed for further use.
Carol Drew Sanctorum, Traverse City, Michigan
Support Glen Haven area Development Concept Plan, life saving station at Sleeping Bear Point,
Frank A. Schollett, Address not included
I am writing this letter to let you know that my wife and I fully support the goals and objectives of the Shielding Tree Nature Center. We believe that establishing a permanent home site for this very worthwhile organization is a high priority.
Cherry Scott, Northport, Michigan
This is to inform you that I would like to see the Shielding Tree Nature Center and the National Park Service co-operate in establishing a "permanent" home for STNC.
Shep Shepherd, Leelanau Historical Museum, Leland, Michigan
As an organization committed to "Preserving our heritage for future generations," we strongly recommend and support the position of saving, preserving, and opening to the public as many structures as possible. In addition, the Society would commit itself to being an active partner in achieving that goal…We believe that this preservation is within the historical mission of the National Park Service. We also understand that there are not the resources available for the National park Service to do this alone. From the positive reaction of your public meetings, we believe that many organizations will join us in supporting plans for preservation.
Barb Siepker, Glen Arbor, Michigan
First, we are indeed a unique area blessed with wonderfully preserved farmsteads. I do also see them as extremely important cultural landscapes which should receive special consideration…Second, the need for housing within the park and adjacent to it, is very important for the continuance and increase of visitors…Last, if you cannot save and maintain all of the structures now, consider moth-balling many interesting groups to rehab and restore them. Groups will definitely come forth who will want to care for these wonderfully simple structures…Preservation/restoration workshops can be used much like the barn stabilization project which took place last year (Garthe Barn-Port Oneida) and was such a success. The area will never be the same with these farms being removed and further alienation from the community is not what is needed by the park.
Cheri Skrocki & Family, Lake Leelanau, Michigan
I am very excited and encouraged of the idea of having Shielding Tree Nature Center in partnership with the National Park Service in possibly providing a home for a fine organization and for providing the Park Service with fine caretakers.
Les Smith, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana
We have a team with applied research strengths that could undoubtedly assist your planning and farm rental programs…Many of the proposed alternative crops and value added operations can take place in renovated and adapted historic farmplex structures.
Sally Somsel, Traverse City, Michigan
One organization I am most excited about would be the creation of a home or "roots", for the Shielding Tree Nature Center.
Mary E. Soule, Wellston, Michigan
I am in total support of Shielding Tree Nature Center developing its nature center at one of the farmsteads within the park. What a wonderful way to preserve the integrity of the park while allowing educational programs and camps to take place.
Todd & Collette Stachnik, Maple City, Michigan
Glen Haven Area—I am very happy to hear about the current changes that are happening to this area. Manitou Islands—Just some overall comments that I feel the restorations here are excellent and you should be commended for your preservation efforts.
Port Oneida—I have read in the local print media…about the proposed uses for such things as the Burfiend farm Youth Hostel and the Barn Again exhibit…and just want to say that I am totally for these projects. I have read your report "Farming at the Waters Edge", and feel all the proposed alliances you have mentioned would only enhance the goals you have set out for in the Port Oneida area. I would also like to comment that the Adaptive restoration level should be what you should seek from all inholders. That allows you to focus on rehabilitating the structures that you own and lets private individuals take pride in their own structures.
Chad Swearvrisen, Kentwood, Michigan
Please save Cottage Row (North Manitou Island).
Elizabeth Swift, Brighton, Michigan
Please save Cottage Row (North Manitou Island).
Star Swift, Grand Rapids, Michigan
We love the cottages on Cottage Row and we hope you will do what you can to save them.
Joyce Townsend, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Please save "Cottage Row" on Big (North) Manitou Island. Please do everything you can to help with the restoration and preservation of the lovely area.
Bill Townsend, No address provided.
Please save "Cottage Row" on Big (North) Manitou Island. This areas has some historical significance & should be preserved. Please find a space in your annual budget for this area.
Angeline A. VanderWarede, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Please save Cottage Row on (North) Manitou Island.
Ken Vrana, Maritime and Underwater Resource Management, Michigan State University, Lansing, Michigan
…planning process provides and important opportunity to reconsider the position of historical structures, archeological sites, and cultural landscapes in the vision of the Lakeshore, and in terms of the mission and goals of park management. This planning process is particularly relevant considering the impressive growth in cultural or heritage tourism throughout the United States and abroad.
…impressive array of historical structures and archaeological sites that could be grouped and managed effectively as a cultural or historic landscape;
…themes of maritime and agriculture seem to best represent the grouping…
…sites appear nationally significant or at least eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places;
…landscape approach to management of historic resources can provide a critical foundation for partnerships among the National Park Service, nonprofit organizations interested in protection and preservation of these resources, and the business community interested in heritage tourism investments;
…planning process can provide a much needed model for private-public partnerships in the management of national register eligible landscapes and a starting point for discussion of a maritime heritage area in the region including the Manitou Passage and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Marsha Walton, Traverse City, Michigan
As a Shielding Tree member and volunteer, I urge you to choose Shielding Tree Nature Center as a partner.
Kirk and Melissa Waterstripe, Lake Ann, Michigan
For many years, we have enjoyed the uncluttered shorelines, inspiring views and wildlife encounters in the National Lakeshore (SBDNL). We have also attended many meeting and activities of Shielding Tree Nature Center (STNC). Current considerations of allowing non-profit educational organizations to use facilities at SBDNL are a welcome leap toward pooling the resources and talents of the two organizations.
Cary Weed & Bill Rastetter, Cedar, Michigan
We are writing to express support for the Shielding Tree Nature Center’s proposal to partner with the National Park Service. We are in favor of the potential preservation and reuse of historic properties within the park provided that the use does not conflict with the mission and purpose of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Emma K. Williams, Traverse City, Michigan
I am writing to state my support for the development of a Shielding Tree nature center in partnership with the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore.
Eric D. Winkelman, Maple City, Michigan
In particular, anything near or in the Port Oneida Rural Historic District should have people living there…Farms that can be seen from the road should be given similar opportunities.
Suzanne Wilson, Glen Arbor, Michigan
The Glen Arbor Art Association wishes to express an interest in working in partnership with the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to preserve and rehabilitate one of the farmsteads in the Port Oneida District. We have explored a number of the buildings in that district, and feel that the Thoreson Farm would be most appropriate.
Suzanne Wilson, Glen Arbor, Michigan
The Glen Arbor Art Association is pursuing the idea of establishing an artists community in the Glen Arbor area. The Glen Arbor Art Association feels that the complex of buildings at Thoreson Farm, once rehabilitated, would adequately house such a community.
Carol Wire, Northport, Michigan
Part of the magic of Sleeping Bear are some of the old farmsteads (i.e. Pt. Oneida - Thoreson Rd) - these structures are in relatively good shape and, I feel, should be maintained to keep them as is.
Boyd Yard, Lake Leelanau, Michigan
I can think of no better fit than your Park Service with Shielding Tree Nature Center to oversee and properly develop public use of this natural treasure area.
Ed Zobel, Wyoming, Michigan
I have studied it (Historic Preservation Maintenance Plan) carefully and find it interesting. The ideas promoted seem to be quite sensible. My personal interest is in the Port Oneida farms along the lakeshore.
Last Updated: 15JUL1998
http://www.nps.gov/slbe/Scoping1.htm
Author: T.M. Baker