Haas-Jenks Cottage

The Haas-Jenks Cottage

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Quick Facts

Amenities

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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Wheelchair Accessible

Harrison Haas spent his adult life in the Coast Guard Service, becoming keeper of the South Manitou station June 1934, later keeper of Frankfurt station, and finally retiring from Grand Haven station. He and his wife Ruth Jensen eloped to the mainland by way of the mail boat.

Harrison grew up on the island on a farm near the west side of Lake Florence. They raised rye, oats, and corn and had a small strawberry patch and some turkeys. They also made maple syrup, the best maple syrup according to the locals. They always had candy made from maple sugar.

Growing up on South Manitou Island wasn't always fun--there were plenty of chores to do, but children also enjoyed fishing, skiing, playing games with the other children, and swimming in Lake Michigan and the "little lake," and in the wintertime, take sleigh rides. The families living on the island enjoyed their social time. They would get together to play cards and occasionally had dances.

The South Manitou Island History Photo Exhibit is on display in the Haas House.