3 ISLE ROYALE NATIONAL PARK. MONUMENT TO A JOURNALIST Thesis for the Degree of M. A. : MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY John David Dupree 19616 Ill!HUI/1H"!(HUN/MUM”!(I!!!HIIIWIIIIHHNI I L/ 3 1293 10475 6428 l y 2' a”? "i'v "w 2:": ”r27 1 d‘ifii‘bn“ .- .4‘. = , I. .2 . 1'3 [Q‘S'I m .. ~~ > . .1 .~. f 45.1.}.- f ' I . 3': "‘1 E I‘ . ' ». , ' L’ 50-.) ~ .T-v ‘5 u .‘- .. U Mew-re: . x; am my, MSU LIBRARIES .-,_. RETURNING MATERIALS: PIace in book drop to remove this checkout from your record. FINES wiII be charged if book is returned after the date stamped beIow. ABSTRACT. 1513 norm mum]. rm, umumm' TO A meusr By John Devid anrce Albert Stoll, Jr.. conservation editor of the W for eore then three decedee. decided in September. 1921, thet he would seevhet he. es snewsm. could dotocreeteeperneoent perk of, Isle Royele. s lerge island in Lake Superior. This study consid- ere the sctivities of atoll end his colleegnes during the henty- five-yesr period st the end of which Stoll's dream become e reelity, when the islend wss officially dediceted es s Notions]. tort. The principel source utilised for this study one s collection or Bull's correspondence. notes. brochures. clippings, end documents doneted in 1952 to the Hichigsn fiistorieel Collections of the Univer- sity of Hichigsn, Ann Arbor. Verious periodicals. nowspepcrs, centempc orery sociel hietories, end public documents were sleo used es sources. Interviews with numbers of Btoll's inediete ismily provided nach- needed insight into the problems he encountered. An investigation of this intensive csnpsign by so enhitious Michigan journelist reinforces the conclusion thet itoll did. in feet. ploy m instrumentel role in isle Roysle's desisnetion by the tederel government es e Retinal tort. His ”renounce—Leon then thetoisnyotheronensn. eppeerstohevebeenthedecidiuieetor in the cnlninetion of the project. Without his persistence. the issue would probably heve died during eny one o! the serious lells in positive public opinion. \ ISLE ROYALE NATIONAL PARK. “mm TO A JOURNALIST 3? John Devid Duptee A 111381! Submitted to Michigan State University in psrtiel fulfillment oi the requirements for the degree of mm (I A“! School of Jennelian 1966 Cowrisht by Jenn nun am: 1966 “HIM-ED633318 Speciel epprecistion for the eucceesful completion oi this study is zretefully altered to lire. lechel Itoll. video of Alhert Stoll. Ira his daughters. Hrs. Betty insole. Hrs. Albertine Leonhsrd. end Hrs. herths Hurphy; the cooperstive librerisns oi the lichigen Historicsl Collections st the University oi uichixsn. Au Arbor; Dr. It. Cameron llsyere. associate professor in the School oi Joureeliee st Hichigsn sun University. test mug; Hr. snd nu. ma Dupree; endure. Ohsroni. Scottnupree.vhoves neverste loss for words of encouregenent. JOBOD. iii I. II. 111. V. VI. VII. VIII. IABUB 0! CONTENTS mmmmmmms..... INTRODUCTION . e . . e . THE ISLAND . . . . . . . THE MAN . . . . e . . . . INCEPTION 0! TH! CAHEhIGN NEWB AND FEATURE STORIES EDITauAls....... OPPOSITION . . . . . ... IAND ACQUISITION . e . e DEDICATION AND CONCLUSION BIBLIWRAPHY O C O C O 0 iii 3-: I. INTIQUCTIM On a northeasterly point oi the island that is one oi thirty- eneUnitedStates Nationelrerhs.epleqmbesbeeneountedbythe Nationelrarhlsrviceoithellnitedttatesnepsrnsenteitbeinterior on a crew. weather-worn rock. reminiscent oi centuries oi virgin isolation iron the curious. probing. commercial eyes oi sen. the plaque. erected in 1952, reeds: Dedicated to the memory ei Albert atoll. Jr.. conservation editor oi the Detroit News iron 1923-1950. whose untirin; eiierts eede possible the preservation oi Isle loyale as e lational lerh. located at the end oi the awakens-third nile Albert Stoll. Jr.. Henoriel Trail. the moment is intended to be ”a living tribute to his [Stoll's] devotion and accomplifihmugwl because .1 m. persist- ent drive nsnifested by this young outdoor writer. "the scenes . . . and wilderness ilevor which pervades the park are unspoiled. and will remain so for ell Americans. today and in the future.” Thousands of visitors to the island. located in Lake Inperior, hike the hundreds oi niles oi intewoven wilderness treils during the sewer season. the park netunlist reported in September oi 1.965.2 1o.s.. Department of the Interior. National Perk Service. in co-operation with the isle Royals Natural History Association. L633; to 53 Albert Stall. gr“ Memorial In“. 1312 Rgxelg 5:12”; Pug, written and illustrated by Robert G. Johnsson (Isle Royals: Ileli's lye tress. 1960). pp. 14. zlntervin with smu- nmm“. perk naturalist. mo Royals National are. September 1A. 1965. 2 The story oi the island's transformation tree a conereialised lunberingandeiningsreeinteahationalru'henconpesseeawerter century oi intensive correspondence, reporting. editorislising. nego- tiating. and simple dogged persistence on the pert ei Itoll and several oi his colleagues. This study will trace that story iron its beginnings in the W oiiice during September. 1921, until the dedication oi Isle loyele Netional Perk on August 21. l946nnventy-iive years later. Many phases oi the twenty-five-year Isle Royals Rational Park campaign, oi course. cannot be completely covered here because oi limitations on time. specs. and available materials. For instance. my small daily or weekly nmpapers in Hichigm's Upper ioninsuls published various news stories and editorials either verbatie iron metropolitan nuspspers or iron other private sources . thus contribu- ting to the pepuler sentiment in their particular areas. to include how each Hichigsn newspaper handled the Isle loyele issue during this period would be nearly impossible; hence. only coverage by the "undstmtod protagonist.” the Detroit My. ,7 end by its "hypercritical sntegonist." the Detroit {reg zggsg. can be considered here in depth. Similarly. there were innumerable state and iederal legislators who had active roles in achieving the end product of the c-paign. Only those most instnnnental in passing the necessary legislation and in helping to acquire the lands oi Kale Royals can be sentioned at length. As the novunent gathered manner, my persons who iornrly were opposed to the project came to the iore to receive public credit and recognition ior an achievement they had little or no positive interest in prior to that time. 3 this study will attempt to interpret historical fact as scout rstely as newspaper and periodical accounts. public records. private correspondence. and personal intervim will permit. II. THE 13mm Isle Royals is located in Lake Superior less than twenty miles iron the ninncsota state line or Canadian border. ‘l’hs island is a part of Korean. County. nichigan. though the closest Michigan contact points. Boughton and Copper Harbor, are approximately three times that distance away. Access to the island is only possible by air or rater. the latter presently being such acre canon becauu oi economical considerations and undependable aircraft landing conditions.1 Islands in the archipelago. mnbering 150-160. range in size iron the main island. which is iorty-iive miles long and nine ailes wide. to lone Tree Island. which has ”barely space for the one pine that some to iace all the winds that 51am": mare» ”major" lakes on Isle Royals vary in size iron seven-and—one-eighth miles by wo-end-one-hali nilcs (Biskooit Lake) to the few classified as "small." under one-eighth mile by one-quarter mile in area (e.g.. lpidote Lake).3 The largest noose herd in the United States survives plentiiully on Isle loyale. despite several thriving packs oi wolves that prey upon lulu. Dayan.” m. ecu (September. 1960). pp. 70MB. - 2Letter from wuuam r. r. rerguson. editor of the Franklin. Pennsylvania. «Herald. January 25. 1922. in "Chronological history of the Isle Royals National Park Movemnt." a collection of newspaper clippings. correspondence. brochures. programs. and public docxments. prepared by the Detroit News and donated to the liichigan Historical Collections. Rackham Hall. at the University oi Hichigan. Ann arbor. Hereinafter cited as "Chronological History oi the mm." 3"Ihe Lakes of Isle Royals." a table prepared by Hillia- a. Bonnets. Inseam County Clerk and Register oi Deeds. December 6. 1921. "Chronological history oi the mm." A the sickly and elderly noose.“ Both species of. animal were virtually unknown to Isle loyele until the winter of 1912. when it is theorized that Lake Superior froze ever to the Canadian mainland. and the moose. voli. and caribou crossed over the ice to the island. The last-known caribou there were photographed in 1926 by flames HacGilli~ vray oi Decode. an official photographer for the Hichigan Deparmnt '0! Conservation.5 but moose and wolves have continued to flourish on the isolated wilderness island. Consisting of 132,000 acres 0i barren rock. sugar maple. birch. pine. and spruce trees. Isle Royals also boasts rich deposits oi copper and iron ore. besides yields of the last North American greenstone and certain other types of Thompsonite rock.6 Similarly. University oi Hichi;,an researchers discovered species oi trout. white- fish. and herring that were peculiar to Isle Royals in 1929. while other scientists reported "hundreds oi types of unusual ilora and fauna” found nowhere else in the United States and reportedly in only scattered regions of Canada and Alaska.7 Archeologists and historians have also been intrigued by the Lake Superior island. since it is allegedly "ltchigan's only link with the Stone Age."8 As early as 1922. a l'ennsylvania newspaperm. William r. “some. vs. no... on nu. ma)..." W mm webm. 1963). PP. 200.219. 5Press [lease from the Ilichigan Department of Conservation. n.d.. "Chronological History of the 1mm." shatter from William I. r. rerguson to Albert scan. Jr.. September 20, 1922, _1_b1_. 7DetroiLNms. October 2. 1930. p. 7. 8M‘. sepmr 24. 1922. Pa 34s 6 P. l'. tergueon, In Isle Royals expert end enthusiast. began condutins archeologicel expeditions that resulted in tales of I "vanished race" being disseminated in newspapers and periodic‘o throughout the nation. Journclists and historians alike delighted in delving into the mysterious past of the island. The Associated Press. a cooperative newsgathering organization, syndicated an interview with Alfred Merritt. c Duluth. Minnesote, pioneer, who recalled stories told to him by his father about Benjamin Franklin's "treaty fight to put Isle Royals in the United States.” Franklin had reportedly realized the island‘s potential as a source of copper and other nettxrcl resources. Merritt mulled. News. of its peculiar adeptebility to scientific. historical. and recreational activities. it is understandable that immediately after the cmpcign to preserve the island as a park was begun. the Degroig News reported that "there has been no one found so fer who in not in favor of the project."10 Though this statement could not be made realistically in the subsequent twenty-five years of tho cmpeign, Albert Stall. Jr.. could not be convinced that it was not the will of the people to preserve Isle loyele, "s priceless relic of all the Ages since the world began." for posterity. 9Ibid.. January 3, 1923. p. 12. 10%., January 22. 1922. pp. 6-8. III. m MAN Albert Stoll. Jr.. a professional newspapermsn for more than three decades, had several nationally significant accomplishments to his credit during his lifetime. United States Senator Arthur B. Vandenbarg of Michigan, a former Grmd Kapids newspaper-man. wrote to Stoll in 1936. saying that "there ought to be a moment to m on Isle Royals. although the whole Rational Park will be a living monu- ment to you."19 Mrs. Matt rsrmr. chairman of the Isle loyals Iro- tsetivs Association. an Upper Peninsula group organized to support and promote the campaign. lauded Stall in 1935. saying that ”you. more than any other one man, are deserving of heartfelt praise for the successful culmination of the 1.1. Royals National Park project.“ Stoll‘s opponent throughout the twenty-fivs-year cnpaign. the Detroit FreeJreeg. wrote in his obituary that "sportsman lost a great conservation leader" when Albert Stall. Jr... "the (minder. con- ductor, and editor of the first outdoor page in an American newspaper," died.3 "rate" "all, as the journalist was nicknmed from early paeno donymous writings on conservation under the name of "A. tater Stove," ILettsr from Senator Arthur H. Vandenberg, s-mchigan. to Albert Stoll, Jr.. May 11, 1936, ”Chronological History of the ram." 2Letter from me. Bertha rsrmer, hostess and owner of lock Harbor Lodge on Isle Royals, to Albert Stoll, Jr., August 20, 1935. Iibigl. 3Detroit Ires Press. December 12. 1950, p. l. 8 was known to outdoor fans throughout the Midwest after starting his special outdoor page in November, 1923, issues of the getroit Newg.‘ Former hichigan Governor Chase 8. Osborn. in a letter written to "Pete“ from Texas in 1934, said that, "I consider you the best outdoor news- paper naturalist in Michigan and probably in the 4:.ountry."S Stall was sought as keynote speaker by sportsman and conservation clubs through- out the Great Lakes states. Canada. and in Washington, D43... during the last fifteen years that he worked at the logs. the Detroit News Reforestation Plan. organized and promoted by its conservation editor in 1929, served as a model for similar pro- grams armmd the United States and Cmada.6 nun. mama-m thousands of acres of forests on the North American ’continent are a tribute to the actha mind of this veteran uildlife‘writer. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, one of the primary functions of the Civilian Conservation Corpe (COG) was to replant cut-over woodlands with trees. and Stoll was often consulted to: his opinion on these projects] . Stoll was an enthusiastic participant in activities at all ' levels, however, and not just at the national level. Besides being "knouledgable as a reported and outdooreman. he prided himself on being a dependable friend, son, grandson, father. husband, uncle. or nephew, as the situation demanded. Born into a prominent biases-orient family in Detroit on Member 29. 1883. he was the son of Albert Stall. ‘nc roi Hews, December 12. 1950, p. 20. 5Letter from Chase 8. Osborn, former Michigan Governor. to Albert Itoll, Jr.. March 1. 1936. "Chronological History of the mm." 6Detroi§ Non. December 12. 1950. p. 20. 7m" August 14. 1935. p. 2. 9 Sr.. who was Wayne County auditor and who served in public life for 29 years.8 "Pete's" grandfather, Julius, was justice of Detroit's first police court, and an uncle. Otto. was register cf deeds in Wayne County from 1909 to 1932. When his parents bought pr0pcrty near Oxford, Michigan. in northemfiflakland County, young Stoll fell in love with an extensive cedar swam there and used to roam around in it for hours, his widow. Isabel. recalls.9 Though he tried many different occupations after attending Central High School in Detroit and the Detroit Art Academy. "his heart was always with exploring and writing about the outdoors," she said. He was assistant advertising manager of the Olds Motor Company from 1902 to 1904. and he held the same position with Buck's Stove and Range Company at St. Louis , Michigan, from 1905 to 1907. After being exeoutivo of Engines; magazine. a publication of Detroit's Bookkeeper Publishing Company, for four years. he became involved in two overlap- ping endeavors: he was president of the Stall Printing Company from 1913 to 1918 and he became owner and editor of the Michigg Spgrtaman'g W in 1915. It was in 1913 that he joined the reporterial staff of the Detroit Newg. Throughout his years of employment at the m. Stall main- tained active connections with federal and state wildlife agencies. He was a deputy United States game warden from 1921 until his death. and he was a Department of Agriculture bird bender for mnty-four years 3mm“ license: 12. 1950. p. 20. ’Interview with Mrs. Isabel Stall, 691 Bloomfield Court. 31%. K113113811. Jun. 28. 19669 10 beginning in 1926. He was technical adviser on development of the federally-sponsored waterloo Recreation Area near Chelsea,‘flichigan, from 1937 to 1943. {A trustee of the Huron-Clinton Parkway.Association, he was also active in Oakland County Boy Scout'work, holding the title of merit examiner in outdoor and nature study subjects for several years. Former Michigan Governor.Alexander J. Groosbeck requested in 1921 that Stoll take a leave of absence from.the figgg to assume the position of secretary to the Michigan Conservation Commission.10 He took this position for two years, but continued constant communication with the £333 and maintained his active role in the Isle Royals National Park project through correspondence and occasional editorial columns during these years. When he returned to the Eggs, he organized and directed such activities as the annual Bird House Contact and the Detroit Rows Hikers. He was permnuent honorary president of the Michigan Outdoor Writers‘ Association, a life member of the Michigan Audubon.80ciety, £ormer chairman of the Michigan'Wildflower Legislative Committee, honorary member of the Isle Royals Protective.Association, and a member of the American Ornithologists Union and the Metropolitan.Detroit Council of American Youth Hostels. Mrs. Stoll recalls that, during the twenty-five years of the Isle Royals campaign, "we had Isle Royals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner nearly every day."11 Hrs. Betty Angelo, second oldest of Stoll's three daughters and a four-year member of the Detroit News lobetzgit Eggs, December 12, 1950, p. 20. “Interview with lire. Isabel soon. ll reporterial staff herself. recalls that the daily trips. emetic; from Birmingham to work in Detroit. consisted largely of talk about conservation.*vildliie. and. particularly. Isle Royals.12 After a trip to the island in 1951. with her anther for the dedication of the Albert atoll. Jr.. Memorial Trail. Mrs. Angeloe said she was con- vinced that it is one of the most beautiful spots in the mid. le- turning there several years later with her husband and two sons. . Angelo reported that "I can see note an more each time I see that island. why Dad loved it so web.” Mrs. Angela's two sisters. hrs. Martha unphy. of ”reunion. Michigan. and lira. Albertine laonhard. of Birminghn. Hiohigan. have never visited nu Royals, but both hope to do so in the menu.” Mrs. laonhard. the youngest of the sitters. vividly recalls "how stubborn Dad was when he wanted something that might be a little difficult to get." When asked it Stoll ever got discouraged during the any crises of the Isle Royals campaign. Hts. Itoll connected that "he was too enthusiastic about it to ever give up. though 1's sure he was discouraged once in e while-which is pretty mm“ the said that "hensdeuphisnind thathevaa goinstoset results and thenhegot them." Ivan after he began to have intermittent heart attacks in the aid-Haas. Stall continued his active work in conservation projects around the state. When it was doubtful whether his doctor would let u‘intervial with hrs. Albertine honhard, yomgeat daughter of Albert Itoll. Jr.. 691 Bloomfield Court. Birmingham flichigan. June 28. 1966. “Interview with fire. Isabel dtoll. 12 Stall unto the trip to 1:1. loyolo tor dodication of the park in 1956. no A. Ifhito. a long-tins colleague of Stoll‘o on the W. wroto to Senator Vondenborg, "though Stoll'o doctor may or my not permit him to go on the I. 8. South America for the dedication. 1 think it would be much more dotrinonttl to his health to union tho ovent.“15 m. “on agreed with thio opinion. uying that her ima- band probobly thought thot he would rather die than nioo tho oulninotion oi his twonty-tivo your: of effort.“ tor tho last two years of his lifo. Itollm on involid in tho lininghn homo ho had mmgod to hove constructod in 1925. “when Birmingham no way out in tho Itichl."17 During that tins. howmr. ho continued to dictoto non copy to his wife ad ho rotoinod tho titlo of conservation editor of tho W until his «lath on December 11. 1950. ot the ago at 66. Iron tho tin of his birth at Hancock and Brush Streets in notroito-tho pruont lit. 0! M's Hospital-maul the tin. of his, duth in suburban Birmingham Stall hud advocated outdooromnship md commotion in nurly mqthing ho 414.13 . Bert atoll. o a“ employed a a reporter on tho m m at the time o! ltoll'o death. praised "Unclo roto'o outdoor ”um: too. he A. man. Imaging oditor .z' tho mm. to Senator Arthur H. Vandanberg. August 8. 1946. "Chronological Hiatory of m mm." “mum-u with m. this: soon. "Interviav with Mrs. Albortino manhood. “tutu-view with urn. Batty Angolo. l3 personality" in e Northern Trails column on Christmas Bve. 1950." Besides the ”priceless personal experiences” he had shared with the elder atoll, Bert praised his uncle's influence on the rest of the Americsn public, seying that "he was devoted to uichignn conservetion and outdoor subjects to such en extent that anybody in American csn visit beautifully forested areas and Isle Royals National Dark both now and in future generations.” The most honorific tribute to Stall cane severel weeks eiter his deeth in en end-ot-the-yeer issue of the W. the primary opponent of his Isle Royals plan. in e section-pegs story heeded, “Sportsmen lost Three Conservation lenders in 1950”: Because stall set the pettorn. the cameo of. conservation through newspaper writing was advanced throughout the Stete. Since public understanding end information accounts in no swell pert for Michigan conservation leedership. Itoll was s primery factor in the development of the iteto program.” No greater praise one be bestowed upon e an then that of en edversery who has nothing to gain {rm eulogizing him utter his death. ”Min mics.) 2m. December 25. 1950. p. 22. 2W. been»: 29. 1950. 9- 28. IV. MRI“ C re: CAMPAIGN Insthe 1929 volume of the m, published by the Public Mam of liilwaukce. the following statement was concluded with the imperative plea. “my the powerful influence of the press he euro cined to this end": to secure Isle Royals as a national Park. it seem necessary that a new and determined start he madetmith a strong organisa- tion md competent leadership: that the State of Michigan. the variouslsaf: Walton clubs and other friends of the project Ice-operate. The author of the report apparently was not aware that the press had begun exercising its influence at least eight years earlier in the officesoftheW,andthetthelsleloyaleflationall‘uh movement had already net with wide acceptance around the State at nichigan and with a limited mint oi nationwide success. Following a vacation on isle loyale with triends in the suuner of 1921. Albert Itoll. Jr.. emanation writer tor the W. presented a plan to George I. Killer. his editor-in-chiel. whereby t1! ngould launchecanpeim tohave the island preserved as apart.2 Miller. "who fully appreciated the recreational advantages of the island for public use." suggested at that tinewin September. 1931. 1any at Milwaukee. Public Phloem, Bulletin m2. Vol. 1. prepared by George A. West. "Copper: Its Hining and lines by the Aboriginea at the Lake Superior Region." pp. 6041. 2W December 12. 1950. p. 20. 110 15 that the campaign he directed at making Isle Royals a National Park rather than a state game preserve, as Stall had propmed.’ It was agreed by both nan, however, that the status that would best insure the permanent preservation of the island would be met acceptable to both of then. I For the first several months of. the canpaign. nest of the support for the park plan was directed at acquisition of Isle Royals by the State of Michigan. rather than by the United States Rational Park Service or the federal Department of Agriculture. One of the most encouraging letters received by Stall in late 1921. from Emerson Rough, well-known Chicago writer and conservationist. conceded that Isle Royals "would be of great value" as a state park.“ in response to an inquiry from Stall. Bough expressed his opinion about the island's status: It would not be my belief that it should be node a national park. however.aewehevenorenetionalparksnowthanweare properly taking care of. and because Isle Royals would hardly be accessible and extensive enough for lederal use. He suggested that a “Michigan Citizens' Fund" be organised by ltoll. since a similar plan initiated in wisconsin in the past had resulted in the Northern Lakes being acquired for the people by the state. i more optimistic letter of response was received by Itoll from tens Mills. a Longs Peak, Colorado, educator and naturalist who had long been iniliar with Isle Royals. (laviously a poetic and W. Jamar: 22. 1922. ,. 6. ‘Letter from lmrson Bough. 208 South LaSalle. Chicago. Illinois. to Albert atoll. Jr... December 1. 1921. “Chronological History of the ism.“ 16 idealistic person. Hills described the beauties of the island. on which the "waves of five inland seas merrily play. as though these were young and nav."5 Concerning his opinions on possible park status for Isle Royals. he concluded his letter with: ”My guess is that every man. woman. and child in Michigan is now thinking o! Isle onale as a state park.” Seeking United States government approval of his plan. ltoll wrote to the Forestry Service Division of the United States Deparmsnt of Agriculture. inquiring into the possibility of Isle koyale being set aside as a National rarest. L. z. tneipp. assistant forester of the Forestry Service. prompty disheartened the W reporter by referring to two pieces of legislation recently introduced in the U. 3. House of Representatives. which would “extinguish” any little interest that the federal govermnt then held in Isle royal-.6 is a consolation. he appended a hand-written postscript: It would. however, be wholly feasible for the State to establish such a refuge and I should judge that action looking canard the creation of a State Guns Preserve or Refuge is what the situation dmndafl . Despite the generally discouraging tone oi the opinions offered by "those who matter." Stall continued his inquiries as to the potential public support of the park project. After being appointed by Governor Alexander J. Groesbeok to the position oi secretary to the nichigm Conservation Comiasion in late December. 1921. troll carried Sucre: from Enos runs of Longs rear. Colorado. to Albert 8:011. J’s. mum: 2‘. 1921. Eb gs 6hatter: iron 1.. z. tneipp. assistant forester of the United States Forestry Service, to Albert Stall. Jr.. December 9. 1921. M. hm- 17 on voluminous correspondence with political and conservation leaders from his post in Lansing. attempting to detemine public reection to the plan. Willi» B. Hershon, vice-president of the Anericen Gus Protective Association and prominent Saginaw. uichigan. ornithologiat. wrote that "the time to do mythins of this kind is [1.333 m.“ U. 1. Bernadey. a trustee of New York City's Permanent Wild Life Irotection rune. argued that an island makes a poor gene reserve and that. ”ere long. a some preserve on Isle Royals might become embarrassing.“ Harn- ing that it “would be well“ for Stall to consider his underteking. Bornaday expressed the opinion of many sportsmen, when he wrote that he "would rather establish a preserve in the heart of a forest on some mainland district where legitimate hunting is allowable.” The epistolary battle between hunting enthusiasts and avid conservationists encountered another point-of-view from Robert I. Rayburn of the Island Mill umber Company at Alpena. layburn. en active Northern Michigan lmbermen end sports enthusiast. suggested that Isle Royals would be a "first-class game sanctuary." becmse it was well protected and eventually could be used to stock the rest at the state with game "as settlers encroech and hunters increase.“10 This idea. when publicized. served to create unity between the two fronts. at least temporarily. these and other signs of progress revi- talized Stoll as he was preparing to seems his position on the State Conservation Commission. A letter from a Michigan pioneer. George - Butter from slum a. Hershon of Sagim, lichigan. to Albert Stall. Jr.. December 1. 1921. "Chronological History of the II tam gutter from U. r Hornaday of New York, New York. to Albert Stall. Jen. December 5. 1921. M. 101.com: from Robert H. Rayburn of Alpene, Michigan. te Albert Stall. Jre. ”member 7’ 1921. Eb e 18 Shires III. living in Washington, 13.0., may have provided the inspire- tion that kept Stoll's interest alive throughout his two-year term on the commission. After stating his support for the Isle Royals park plan as "the most practical solution for the perpetuation of certain species of large game," Shires played an important role as crusader by offering the obviously encouraging words: I have always found that one active organization or a publication of standing can accomplish.more by a.systemetic campaign than where a popular movement lacks a permanent and 'well-known medium. The Estroit New; will achieve a well- merited honor if it can successfully tether this project.11 Public and private groups of individuals began expressing support for the proposal of acquiring Isle Royals as a state park or gene preserve soon after the gggs gave opening publicity to the idee. George L. Luck. secretary of the Michigan Department of Conservation, sent a copy of the following resolution, passed at a December 20. 1921. board meeting, to Stall: Whereas, the Detroit Neg; has begun a campaign of publicity with the object of making Isle Royals a State Park, Resolved that the Commission on Conservation heartily indorses this enter- prise end pledges its earnest co-operation in every way possible ’to bring about the desired result. Resolved further. that the thanks of the commission are due and hereby tendered the Detroit gov; for its initiative and public spirit in urging this splendid enterprise. During the following year, while Stoll performed his duties es secretary of the Michigan.Conaervetion Commission, several eore groups of apparently influential people voiced approval of the state perk plan. Letters sent to Stall and to Governor Groesbech by the Citizens Associ- ation at Chicago in.August. 1922, warned of impending lumbering operations “Letter from George Shires III. Stoneleigh Court, Washington 13.0., to Albert atoll, Jr.. December 9. I921. Lipid. 12Letter from George I. Lost. December 22. 1921. ibid. 19 that were allegedly to begin on Isle Royals the following summer. Explaining that a force of forty-five timber cruisers had explored the island in June, the group cautioned against the possible con- sequences of such exploitation of the island's natural resources: It would be nothing less than a crime for the State of Michigan to permit that wonderful domain to be spoiled in such s manner, when it can be purchased by the State for less than $2 an acre.“ A similar plea came ten days later from.the newly-formed Citizens Comm- ittee of Isle Royals, composed of "the cottage owners and annual summer residents of Isle Royals living on the northeaSt half of the island."14 Writing to Stoll. the Detroit Keys, and the state Depart- ment of Conservation, Ralph‘w. Emerson, secretary of the committee. reported that the islanders adamantly Opposed cutting of timber, which "invariably" results in fires and great damage to the uncut timber. plus loss of moose and caribou. A.motion.uas unanimous adopted. Emerson wrote, advocating that Isle Royals ”be taken over by the State of Michigan as a Timber and Game Reserve." These and many other‘widely-puhlicized statements made regarding the preposed Isle Royals project created an impetus during the Iirst ear of the campaign--an impetus that was to rise and fall many times during the next twenty-five years. .A number of the persons involved in the movement would change their respective positions during that time; some would associate themselves with "the cause." either tempor- arily or permanently, while still others would completely lose interest 13Letter from.8helby H3 Singleton of the Citiznes Association of Chicago, August 8. 1922. ibid. 14Letter from Ralph H. Emerson, secretary of the Citisms Comr- ittee of Isle Royals, August 18. 1922. ibig. 20 in the idea. But Stall, interviewed by several of Michigan's Upper Peninsula newspapers at the end of that first year. expressed the vieWpoint that he maintained throughout the quarter-century campaign. Appearing in the Houghtog‘fiiging Journal under the headline. "Stall Enthnsea Over Isle Royale's Beauty, Says State Should Take Over Region For ’ark Purposes," the story quoted Stall, secretary of the Conserve. tion Commission, who had just returned to the mainland from.lala Royale: "If the people of Michigan permit the remainder of thia laland to elip away from then. two hundred yeare from now they will be bitterly blamed by those gengretione cheated of their rightful heritage." Btoll eaid. the only facet of thin opinion that m to be altered during the difficult yeara dead vaa that Stoll'e campaign changed from atate- wide to nationvvlde in character. ”Women mm 22. 2922. p. 2. v. news Ann mums STORIES, 1921-1931 During the first year of the Isle Royals campaign. American newspaper readers were fed regular doses of. poet-war prosperity. the controversial Versailles Treaty. the Pacific treaty system. the rebel ideas of r. 8. run: and other "expatriates," the Eighteenth Aland- Ient prohibiting manufacture or s* of liquor in the United States. and the small-town editor from Ohio. Warren G. Harding. described by newspaper columnist Halter Lippmann as a man "distinguished by the fact that nothing distinguishes hie.“1 a "do-nothing" president who Haunted rrohibition publicly by serving whiskey at his frequent White House poker parties.2 The observant subscriber to the 295321.; Egg; would have noticed. besides regular local coverage and interpre- tation of the effects of national events. a definite pervading under- current of "Isis Royalism," especially in the Sunday feature and roto- gravure sections. halve photographs and two naps on the front page of the picture section, plus a three-page story under the headline. ”Michigan's Last Bit of Untouched Retina." appeared with the by-lins of Albert Stall, Jr. . on January 22, 1922, indicating that public attention was being sought {or the park project and that the campaign was underway in full lemma 1:. Leopold, Grggh a; mug; 120;;ng Poligz (New York: Alfred A. Knopf. 1962), p. 406. 2Charlss I. Adrian and Charles Press. ‘l'h rican to m (New York: HcGraw-Hill Book Company. 1965). pp. 128-129. 20 21 force. In his feature story on the island, Stoll traced the evolution of the "primeval wildernesses" of Michigan that were much more common to the state fifty years earlier than they were then. Making a plea for action, he predicted that in another fifty years, there would be no such beauty spots, "unless we make it our task now to acquire by purchase, condemnation or gift such areas as may lie within our bound- aries."4 A.bit of "journalistic evangelism" lauded the nystcrious history and magnificence of the island, concluding'with the following promotive paragraph; It is not too mush to expect the acquisition of this island by gift. It would be a aegnificent act upon the part of the present owners to give this land to the peeple of Michigan for all time to come, with the express understanding that the island shall always be preserved in its natural state and become a public park and recreation ground. Scores of letters were received in the Detroit News office following the appearance of Stoll's feature. Hriters of the letters ranged in character fron.an eightvyear-old Boise, Idaho, girl‘who had visited the island the previous two summers, to an eighty-eight-year-old‘lil- wankee, Wisconsin, nan who was born on Isle Royals before Michigan was admitted to the Union.’ Encouraging letters from persons like these, personal conversations , and an innate sense of Optimism bolstered Stoll's conviction that the public wanted to hear more about the pose- ible acquistion of Isle Royals by the state. The next major feature stories about the island began running little more than a month later in the form of a four-part series by 4Detroit News, January 22, 1922, pp. 6-8, 9. ll. 5Letters of response to Detroit Noe; stories, "Chronological History of the IRNPM.“ 22 Stoll‘e friend and colleague, William P. F. Ferguson, editor of the Iranklin, Pennaylvania, News-Herald. In the Opening lines of the series, headlined "0n Isle Royale with the Isle Royalista," Perguson made a plea for the preservation of the island: The island is about to be plundered and nobody but the people of Michigan can prevent it. Forests and big geme*vill be lost for all eternity if the axe is allowed into the virgin timber.6 This was the general tone of the descriptive end intriguing eccounts written exclusively for Stall end the W by Ferguson. rho already bed visited end studied the island for nearly twenty years. Concluding his series in late spring. the Pennsylvania newsman began asking pleas for en ereheologicsl expedition to Isle Royele in the eutumn of 1922. He wrote several letter to the 235521§_§g§1,seekin3 finsnciel backing for the undertaking. but was told by Lee.A. White. Stoll's replecenent while he was serving on the Michigsn Conservation Commission. that the £52; would be glad to buy erticles on the results of the expedition. but that no financiel aid could be profferred before- hand.7 ‘A second series by Ferguson begen.runnin3 in.the 295;2$§_§ggg on September 20. 1922. linking Michigan to the Stone Age after dia- covery of a pro-historic village on Isle Roysle.8 Newspapers and syndicstes eround the country reported historical accounts based on Ferguson's findings and Jomusts like Detroit gens correspondent. 6Detroit New , March 5. 1922, p. 4. 713th from Lee A. white of the Qetroig flees, to emu- ). I. Ferguson.‘inguet l, 1922, "Chronological History of the IIBPML” 80etr01§..N.3_y§, September 20. 1922. p. 1. 23 Gaorga I. Catlin. cited tho importance of tho discovcry to arcbsoo logical history and evan to tho history of Detroit.’ In the winter of 1922. Stoll arranged to have Lauria York lrshins. a’youns,netroi§ new; stat! anchor. scnt to Isls qusla to writs another ssriss o1 articles about the island. The sewn-part asquenca o2 adventura-Iillad storiaa first appeared in the Sunday nagasina section on Bacarbar 3. under the haadlina, "Ring of A: threatans Isla Royals. Virgin raradisa oi the Great Lakasflfm ‘l'he two-page toatura. which included sacral scenic photograph. asrkad the beginning of tbs Isle loyale Rational tart mnt. aince it was tho first tine {adoral gmrmant acquisition was asutionad. rstbar than acquisition by tbs Stats at liichigan. Irskine editorial- izad sonswhat. alter a contsrance with atoll and Killer. tbs M editor-in-chiat. in the following asnnars Iale Royals should ha preserved in all its prinsval lmlinass by tbs tederal Govermont as a resort for tbs paople of tactics. It is the only spot in tbs entire Great Lskas ragion which remains as tho glaciers laft it. Ibo gmrnncnt should take tbs island war, or. this failing to be dona--and dons i-cdiatslyo-the State of nichigan should preservs it until such an act should be brought about.“ Ibo third story in tho seriaa by Irshine. headlined "Isle loyale Invasion Ihraatens Kingdom of the moss.” warnsd that tbs United Btatas was in dangcr or losing its largsst noose sanctuary: Runwahmdtmtmrnitupmsnd. tbaUnited States will continua in the possassion or this uniqua cactus-y for noose and caribou. If laboring is allowed. they will all ha driven off Isle Royals lorsvar.u 109151.. December 3. 1922. p. n. “m. “Ibis" ”QC”: 7. 1’22. pa ‘0 2b trekine‘s articles resulted in an insensely pronising chain at events in the administration of the State of Michigan before the series even had run its complete course. A trout-page story on Christ-as Ive. 1922. reported that John Baird . conissioner oi the Michigan Department of Conservation. would prefer that Isle loyala be node a Rational Park rather than a state preserve.” the three-column mun. headlined “Vents Isle onale as a B. 8. Dark.” included a suggestion by baird that all "public- spirited citieene" should donate either noney or land towerd the park plan. He concluded his state-ant to the press with: This does not new that the state government has lost interest in Isle Royals. 0n the contrary, we believe this nervelous beauty sport should be esde accessible to all the people on the best possible terns. I'hree days later. Governor Groesbeck remrked that, since the m had started promoting the purchase of the Lake Superior island. he had investigated the possibility and found that nest of the area had been sold to lumber tires. He said he was and always had been in favor of having the people purchase the island. ”a treasure that should be re- tained by the nets!“ Ihe governor suggested that. i! the cost was deemed to be reasonable. he would personally support the introduction of a legislative bill that would condom that part of the islant not owned by the government. larly the next year. are prominent Hichigan authors, Janos Oliver W of Mono. and Orrin a. Dome of Betreit. were inter. viewed by the 9391015 lg! after they had accused 8toll and leird of 13m, December 26. 1922. p. 1. “mid” mm: 21. 1921. ’e 1e 25 attempting to spend adllions o! the taspayers' dollars on the Isle Royals project. Curwood and Dances. authors of outdoor novels and poetry. respectively. had requested imediate comment tron atoll and Baird at a Michigan Gene Association banquet. where they had eede their charges. the Egg§_story. headlined "Baird Haste His.dccusers." indicated that Stoll's arguments had convinced both authors o! the practicality of the project. ttoll*was quoted as saying that. ”at aasdnne. it‘would cost the State less than tl million and GOVM Alan J. Groesbeck has plans that any get it for practically nothing.”15 Letters of support tron both Curwood and Dances to ttoll' during the next several eonths*were evidence oi the effectiveness o! the latter's arguments. as'well as of the authors' open-edndodnsse. Captain.lobert lllaworth. chair-an oi the Commercial Iishing Bureau in the Hdchigan Department of Conservation.*wae the subject at c.2g§;g;§_§§gg,story. “save loyale'a Iiabar Is flea.” on January 13. 1923. Illewortb described in.vivid terne‘what the probable results 'would be it lumbering'were allowed to begin on the island: Ibettateoughttoenkeaparkoutet Isle Royals. “for no other reason than to preserve the cover tor'wild lite. It the island was cut over there would be sure to be a fire that would sweep the island. The island is solid rock with a compara- tively thin coating of dirt that has taken centuries to build up. A devastating fire would burn that earth so badly that it would take centuries more to produce the natural cover the island has now. It would certainly be a crying share to let that island be robbed of its timber. as it'will be it the State does not step 1‘ th“ year.“ rollowing the appearance oi that story. the Egg; received nearly one hundred letters tron fishermen. hunters. and sports-en's groups around the state. supporting the proposed Isle Royals part project. 15mg" January 10. 1923. p. 12. “an" 4...... 13. 1923. p. 3. 26 The intermittent! flurry of Isle Royals perk promotion stories in the Detrois Em continued through the second month of 1913. the principal topic of the stories steamed from a statement by Arne B. Cannercr. acting director oi the National tart Iervice. published in the ESE! on l'ebruary 2. with the headline. ”U. I. Eyes Long on Isle Royals.“ Cannerer admonished the opening o! Isle Royals to comercial exploitation. saying that it would be “an irreparable disaster not only to Hichigan but to the United scan-m" He praised the beauties md location of the island. which would be only the second Rational m1: east of the Mississippi. it it were so designated. Stating that "the principal criticise that can be wads of our national park system is that it is confined almost wholly to the far west." Cunerer encouraged the people of nichigan to ”do tbsit dutybytherestoiusandtakestapstoconservethisbeauty.which has been conserved for Michigan in the past by accident.“ A statenent of this nature tree a federal official resulted in hundreds of ”letters to the lditor" and private correspondence with Stoll. both approving and opposing the plan. lacept for routine feature stories and scenic photographs of the island. there'was little further news of progress in the project. reported in the has. until Septubar l2. 1923. when it on enhanced that "ttate Gets Big Gift on onale.‘ An "unnned donor” reportedly had agreed to donate 45.000 acres toward asking Isle loyals a public park. with the only stipulation being retention oi the eineral rights 17121-5... l‘ebruary 2. 1923. p. l 13m" sepceubor 12, 1023. p. l. 27 by the owner. Citing that "one-third of the island is nor in the hands of the people." the story offered the opinion that "the State now possesses the finest part of the island scenicelly."m Stoll. concluding his second year as secretary of the Michigan Conservation Omission, was quoted as saying that predicted lumber operations on Isle Royals "would probably not be carried out." since post. ventures of this nature on the rocky shores of Lake Superior "find not been financially successful." At this point. the m began pringing more feature stories by Pennsylvania newsman, William P. I. Ferguson. who had returned to the island that stunner to explore the village discovered there the sunner before. the concluding story in this series. appearing under the headline. "Deserted 1,000 Years, Ruins of Isle Royals Village Keep Secret of Ancient Race That Come for Copper," pleaded for the preservation of the island for recreational purposes. but more partie- ululy. for "furthu archeologicel, historical. and other scientific study of the virgin Lake Superior wilderness."1’ After his return to the full-time rcportorial staff of the at o N . Stoll began publicizing the campaign more than ever before. through such articles as "Icebound on Isle Royals All Winter, Couple Haven't rim to be Lonesome."2° This interview with or. and Mrs. Bill Lively. guardians of the island after the boating season. apparently was intended to illustrate the year-round qualities of Isle Royals, which "could be a papuler tourist epot in winter as well as in sunlnsr."::1 ,— ‘W. October 21. 1923. p. 22. ”1314.. December 16. 1923. p. is. “his. 28 As the third year of the Isle Royale campaign was beginning at the Qetroig News in late 1923, the nation was reading more about Secretary of State Charles Evensl-lughes. end about Calvin Coolidge. who had been named Resident of the United States after the death of Herren G. Harding on August 2. The administration had finally' pro- claimed officially that the League of Nations "is not tor us."22 and xenOphobia. especially regarding orientals, was prevalent muons the prosperous {and Prohibition-defying public. . The Isle Royale campaign took a giant step forward two days after Valentine's Def, .1924. , Three-quarters of the front page of the Saturday, February 16. issue of the Detroit News was devoted to a story written by Stoll under a three-colum headline, "Government Wants Isle Royals for Park." The report reproduced e letter from Secretary of the Interior Hubert Hark. who expounded en the need for more fiational Perks east of the Hiseiasippi. In I letter to Stall. Work wrote that Stephen '1. Mather. director of the Rational Park service, would more than likely visit the inland "as soon ee poeeible" to help determine the desirability of 1.1. Royele ee e national tart.” Ia- cluded in the nearly full-page spread on the island were nine pieturee ranging tron rocky Scoville Point to moose drinking on the shores of Siskouit Bay. In the Sunday edition the following dey. Icell neck the rather premature prediction that "Isle loyele'e Fight to Live Nears Success." Listing the ounce of several sen who were ”inetrmentel in zzhopold, Fe #51. zaDeEEOLt Em. 'Bbmry 16. 192‘. P0 1e 29 the park campaign," Stall quoted A. I. Demaray. director of the National Park Travel Boreas. who said it was difficult for hi- to visualize a national monument or park accessible only by boat. since the United States possessed no such area at that time. The story concluded with a "commercial" on Isle Royals by Demaray: The idea and thought of an island park is unique in the establishment of national parks. Visiting tourists and vases tionists desiring to avail themselves of the appealing beauties of Isle Royals should find no difficulty or experience no inconvenience in reaching the island by steamer. for I understand that boats fronfibulnth and Boughton make regular trips to the island port-.24 Stoll'a personal Opinionnwaa reflected in the closing line of the story, noting that "it the island becomes a Rational Park. the eight-seeing public will have an opportunity to travel the greatest of our inland lakes to view a natural‘wonder."25 Leading off the next day's followvup story. heeded "Isle Roysle'a Praises Sung." Stoll wrote: "National Park officials are not the only persons interested in the acquisition of Isle onele as a National Park."25 Following quotations by Work. lather. and ether stats and federal officials who had corresponded with Itell on the issue, the forty-inch story then cited Colonel'flilliaa.l. Greely. chief forester of the U. 8. Forestry Service. as a source of further approval of the park plan. Greely had expressed surprise "that an area as extensive as Isle Royals covered with virgin growth of timber re- mained within the boundaries of Michigan" and urged that ”every eeene should be taken to preserve this unparallelled stand of virgin ushers” "mg” February 17. 1924. p. 1. ”paid. 26.9.13.“ February 18, 1921;, p. 2. 27M- 30 During the following month. the Emu-in response to the any Isle Royals atericswaa flooded with increasing numbers of suggestions. objections, and ”letters to the Editor" concerning the campaign. When the Detroit Board of Counerce announced its support of the park plan and plans for a tour of the island as its annual summer excursion, letters to the gel); from the Detroit area increased in values. When Stoll reported the announcement in the Eggs on.March 18. he‘ltota that "inasmch as the project of securing Isle Royals as a National Park has the beating of the board, it was considered fitting that its laxa- here be given a chance to learn something of the island."28 [leather breakthrough occurred on the federal level on March 22. when {resident Coolidge issued an Executive Order withdrawing all public lands on Isle Royals from.sale "pending detenminstion as to the advisability of including such lands in a national monument."29 This event was report- ed by Stoll on.April 10 as a sidebar to the story that announced plans of "certain washington officials" to make an inspection tour of Isle Royals "sometime during the coming season."30 The decision linelly*laa made to have William E. Wallace, chairman of the Michigan Conservation Omission, lead "the official party" to the island on June 110, the §g3§_announced. Included in the official party would be Secretary of the Interior‘Work, National Park Service Director Huther and "other washington officials," the story reported.31 33;2gg,. March 13. 1924, p. 1. 29o. s.. President, 1923-1929 (Coolidge). Bxecggive Orggg (Washington: 0.8. Government Printing Office, 1924). 3°03 roi N 8, April 10. 1924. p. 1. 31;§1d.. May 24. 1924. p. 1. 31 The five hundred participants in the Board of Commerce cruise to Isle Royals brought back with them "a recommendation to the directors of the board that they approve the movement that the Eederel Government conserve the island as a national park and game refuge," the Egg; reported on June 16. In the story, headed "Cruisers Won by Isle Royals," Stoll reported interviews with several prominent voyagers, all of‘whom."thought there was too short a time on the Lake Superior islend."32 More significant for the park plan, however, was an interview two days later with National Park Service Director Stephen T. Mather, who said he would recommend it as a national.mnnument as Soon as he returned to Washington from the island. Asserting that 1810 Royals "measures admirably up to National Park standards," Mather praised the island for its beauty and for its location as a prospective National Park: We need national parks east of the Mississippi River, since we have but one now of 5,000 acres in‘Haine. It Isle Royals could be added 53 this group, the East could equal the West in park attrac- tions. A final story in this phase of the campaign appeared in the Egg§_cight days later. again quoting the national Ilrk Service Director. in "mum o.t.'s 131. as urn." anon obtained most at the information for this story from 1 press release issued by the Dopertnsnt of the Interior after Mother's return to fisshington, in which the director II“ he "was very enthusiastic over the possibilities of this virgin, un- touched island wilderness for National Monument purposes."3‘ The con- cluding paragraph of this story'vould be considered. by 1966 standards. 321324... June 16, 1924. p. 2. 33Ibid., June 18, 1924, p. 1. 34;y;g,. June 26, 1924, p. 1. 32 to be "prepagsnda," since its contents were true in only a relative sense: The easy accessibility of the island is one of its foremst features. The director's party left Chicago in the evening and the next evening was on Isle Royals, making the combination train and boat trip in less than 24 hours}:5 While 1: is true that Nether and his party did arrive at Isle loyal. within twenty-four hours, the island's "easy accessibility" was s virtue which could be, and was. disputed at that time. The first period of inactivity in the Isle loyal. Retinal Park lovmnt began in the am: or 1924 and lasted through the humor of 1928. While all stories written during this intervening period referred to the island as "our proposed nation“ psrh'f or "soon to bacon. the nation's second National Park cast of tho Millin- ippi liver," little newsworthy action took place on either tho state or the federal level. By sutm of 1925, stories began appearing in the 53535. that indicated the island night never bacon 1 park. On September 6, 1925, Stall wrote, in "State Taps Ills Roy-.10 for low Trout Supply," that the Michigan Departmnt of Conservation was planning to 13th state stream with native Isle Royals trout instead of inert- ing the».36 It was even suggested on October 18, that the island should be set aside so a "partridge sanctuary," if nothing else.” John H. love, chairman of the Department of Natural Science at Marquette Stats Normal School, had preposcd that the conservation (13th design.“ 35%. June 26. 1924. p. 2. 36Mo. September 6, 1925' p. 110 3793113.. October 18, 1925. p. 34. 33 the island for this purpose as soon as possible and begin trapping and exporting partridge there immediately, Stoll reported. But beneath this example of objective reporting, Stoll's optimistic and adventuresome spirit knew "that the park plan will materialize,"38 because he was working practically full-time attempting to make arrange- ments for acquisition of the lands on the island for National Park purposes. In July of 1928, the §g3§_publlshed running accounts of the McDonald-Masses expedition, organized by Eugene P. McDonald, Chicago yachtsman and explorer, to make a two~month study of the Isle Royals archipelago. Inspired by this Opportunity for new human interest stories about the island, Stoll rarely missed a day without reporting some background information on "Michigan's Proposed National Park."39 After the three-ship expedition left Chicago, encountered a menacing water spout that damaged one chip, and finally arrived at Isle Royals, the Egg; continued to follow the activities of the group, emphasizing the National Park aspect at all times. The two stories receiving the greatest play during this two-month period appeared on July 31 and on August 12. The former, headlined "Coolidge Ia Invited to Isle Royals,” gave an account of a letter sent by leaders of the expedition to Pres- ident Coolidge, asking him to visit and observe "the island of pre- historic mmn."4° The second story was given a four-column front page headline, "Isle Royals Park Plea Sent Coolidge.” Stoll reported in 38Lettar from Albert Stall, Jr., to Stephen 2. Esther, National Park service Director, December 18, 1926, “Chronological History of the IRNPH." ’ - 39Detroit News, July 19, 1928, p. 2. 4°1b1d., July 31, 1928, p. 1. 34 this story that the eacpedition had sent a "wireless petition" to the President after receiving no response to the letter sent two weeks earlier. A portion of. the wireless mssagc was included in the account: "President Coolidge , somthing mtst be done to preserve forever this northem land of woods and waters for the people of this country."41 A third plea sent by the expedition to Coolidge was pub- licized in the m on August 15, but the only new persuasion intro- duced by the group wat that Isle Roy-ale was ”easily accessible by steamship from Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago, Houghton, and Duluth.”42 Further reports, discoveries, and theories of the McDonald- Hassee eXplorations appeared in the Egg; until the end of the year. The final story of the seventh year of the campaign quoted H. 3. Stir- ling, new chief of the bureau of American Ethnology of the Smithsonian Institution, who conjectured that "Michigan's preposed National fork" may have been the source of all the copper used north of Mexico previous to the "invasion of the white man."'£'3 Meanwhile, on the national scene, many changes had been taking place. War had been "outlawed" by the Kellogg-Briand Pact. described as a "quixotic gesture of pure idealism"; the "Coolidge prosperity." though kept in Rapublican hands, was taken over by Herbert Hoover, the ”poor Iowa farm boy"; and big city syndicates had cornered the tremen- dous liquor-smggling market through "gangland tactics" acres. the nation in response to Prohibition.“ Stall was convinced, however, that tho “11313.. August 12, 1923. p. 1. “11.1.1.4... Angus: 15. 1928, p. 20. ”gig... December 29, 1928.}. 1. “Leopold. pp. 458-468, wig. 35 reading public wanted to see more than accounts of postdwar conferences. the booming economy, and racketeering, and he fought to keep hi. conn- ervntion page and the Isle Royale National Perk movement alive, both through actions in his private and public life. He made countless Speeches before conservation and sportsmen's clubs, besides filling his columns with material of interest to the outdoor enthusiast. The Hartman Bill, the contents of which were prepoaed to the Michigan Conservation Commission by Stoll in early 1929,‘5‘wes passed by the Michigan Legislature in the spring and signed by Governor Fred W. Green on May 23, 1929. This bill, which appropriated $15,000 to finance a survey of Isle Royale by the University of Hichigan, was intended to "expedite the acceptance of the island by the Federal Government as a National Park," the Detroit Hgog reported.‘5 A gecond- day story following the signing of the bill quoted Alexander G. Ruthvcu, chairman of the Department of Zoology, director of the University un- seum, and Dean of Administration at the University of Michigan, ll saying that the survey would "center national attention on the historic and scientific wonders of the big island."47 Stoll followed Ruthvon'. statement with a brief progress report on the Isle Royalo park project: A movement is on foot to make Isle Royals a.national park. The only major progress thus for in that the owner of a large part of the land which is not held by the government is said to he'willing to dedicate his preperty for this purpose. and tho sponsors of the national park movement are confident that may to purchase the remainder could be raised by private outstriptiont‘a Stories with datelines from Isle Royele vere frequent during the nun-Ir , 4Shatter from.Albert Stoll, Jr., to Michigan Conservation Commission. January 28, 1929, "Chronologicnl History of the IRHIK." ‘6Detroit_flews. th 23, 1929, p. 1. “are" any 24. 1929. p. 1. “any. Key 24. 1929. p. 2. 36 of 1929. e period overflowing with future end background neteriele. Two typicel examples of the emr'e offerings eppeered in the m on due 30 end Luguet 21. The first. "lele loyele‘e nyeteriee Lure U. of l. Bcientiete." besides reporting the propoeed etefl of the expedition. volunteered eeverel peregrephe of infatuation regerding the letionel rel-t eaves-ant: Goverment otticiele heve eignitied their eegerneee te eccept the ieleud ee e netionel perk eite. thue insuring for ell tine the preservation of ite neturel beauties end objecte of ecientifit interest. The ownere of more then helf of the ielend elreedy have tendered their holdinge to the rederel Government tree of out for thie put-pone."9 The eecond etory. which geve the tiret njor eccount o! the newly expended eleven-umber uichigen Comervetion Comieeion. reported on e trip teken to the ielend by the much. Beedlined ”leerd Te 'Sold' on Iele Royele.” the etory quoted II. B. Loutit, their-en of the comieeion, vho eeida "I. give the people of the Itete of uichigen Iy eeeurence thet enything I cen do, es cheirm of Hichigen'e Coneemtion Connie- eion. towerd the definite end ell-tine preeervetion of thie ielend for the future enjoyment of ell Anericene. T reeolve to help oh- tein land in every way, by privete purcheee. coudeenetion. e; gilt. "n1. loyele nu: be e Hetionel mu." mu: concluded. ° The reneinder o! the emer'e reportege on the expedition generelly fol- lowed thie pettern end recounted the ectivitiee of the verieue ecientiete working with the expedition. The next eigniticent occurrence in the cupeign wee releted in the September 15 ieeue of the Mae: ieeue filled with none o! Tele ‘gfle. June 30. 1929. P. 33o 50%.. Auguet 21. 1939. p. n. 31 Royals. Frank Ii. Oestler. a member of the Government Advisory Cos- ittee on National tarts. visited the island and spoke about potential development or tourist facilities on the island: Never have I seen a spot where there is so such virgin forest. such wildness and natural beauty. together with eccessible. cola- fortahle living accomodatione. There are other places to be found where neture is as unspoiled by the bend of men. but lost of these places are accessible only by peck horse or afoot. end living conditions are necesserily of the crudest sort. On the other hand. in west places where comfortable cams have been es- tablished. the wild life has been destroyed.51 This promotional story was written by l'lorence Davies. e hostess at Isle Royele's Rock harbor Lodge. a rustic tourist hotel. and was accos- psnied by six scenic photogrephe. Intriguing ecconmts o! ercheologicsl and scientific discover- ice or theories reported in the W continued to result in frequent spontaneous letters to atoll or "letters to the lditor." the such report was a two-pegs teeters with tour pictures. tour diagrams. and a esp. all of which were intended to support a theory of Isle loysls's history. It was proposed that the early liners ef the island were ”part of the Lost Ten Tribes who left ralestins. crossed over the Behring Straits end colonised a part of the North American continent in 700 3.0.”52 A University or Hichigen ichthyologist. Walter )1. tools. who discovered an new species of fish on Isle onsle. sum to get as slush response from readers as those who had released their findings esrlier. probably because the stock market crash of late Sept» ember and early October stole the limelight iron hits. [eels introduced 511219... September 15. 1929, p. 3. ”gig... Septembsr 23. 1929. p. 28. 53M" October 22. me. p. 2. 38 several points about the proposed park in late October: It is true that my of the lakes are rather inaccessible for the average tourist or visitor. but there is not a single lake of the chain that could not be connected gsth the resorts on the coast by a series of easily followed trails. The first six months of 1930 found an increasing umber of stories about measures being taken to offset the economic problem of the nation than about conservation. the outdoors. or the Isle Royals catnpaign. though Stoll continued his intensive correspondence in an effort to keep the issue alive. An emotional argument by Saginaw archeologist. Fred Dustin. a member of the University of Michigan expedition, was publicized by the Egg-the first story on the issue in 1930m-on January 25. l’leading for the preservation of ”Isle onale‘s manifold charms." Dustin said that the "virgin wilderness must be preserved. not only by the artist's pencil and the archeolov gists pick. but intact-.3“ The State Department of Conservation announced plans several weeks later to create greater interest in the island: “use new station picture films will provide a glimpse of the natural wonders of Michigan's proposed national park to school children and conservation groups all over the state.” a department spokesman said.55 Further interest in Isle Royals was indicated by the fact that the state arranged to have the is land surveyed by a Lansing aerial survey firm. Talbert Abrams, Incorporated. in the late am: of 1930.55 Abrams' survey created several new mysteries with the discovery of ”Ibidu October 22. 1929. p. 2. “paid“ January 25. 1930. p. 13. 55mm. March 19. 1930. p. 28. 56£91deg August 12. 1930. pa 1. 39 twenty-five previously uncharted lakes, scores of uncharted rivers and streams , and three "curious bowl-shaped depressions. each ten feet in diameter, lined with rocks and pebbles to a depth at fourteen inches, with several inches of charcoal underlying all."57 Seeking the opinion of Carl Goths. head of the University of Michigan Departnent of Anthropology, the 5% reported that no explanation for the latter phenomena had yet been advanced , though it was obvious "that they were built with extreme care and once served a definite purpose."58 As the nation entered the second year of the Great Depression. the Isle Royals campaign received a boost fro. frank ll. Oastlar. a newer of the Government Advisory Comittee on Rational tarts. who told the ism that the island should be preserved imediately as a gen refuge, "with no hunting seasons . since the moose hard is not that large and may be completely extinguished it the federal government doesn't take over."59 After Americans had celebrated a bleak and meagre "Hoover Christmas" and New Year's. the campaign to achieve national park stems for the island quickened as never before. an l‘ebruary ll. 1931. the Egg; reported pending Congressional legislation introduced into the U. 8 . House of Representatives by Michigan Representative Louis C. Cramton. Granton, who was due to retire from Congress on March i. had intaeduced the bill to "provide for dedication of the island as a national park whenever. in the judgment of the Secretary of the Interior, 57M’I Aug-lat 31. 1930. Pa 20 53mm. 59,939.. October 26, 1930, p. 6. 40 a sufficient part of the land comprisedin it shall have been donated to the u. s. Governmnt."6o The following day, the Egg quoted cran- ton as saying his bill probably would not get peeeed during that see- eion 0! Congress. "but it could bring lots of publicity to the island."“ This opinion was not shared by Stall, hwever. because he was convinced that the legislation would pass "Because it is the will of the people."52 At this point, the Grand Rapids flees and reporter Ben Beat in particular began playing an important role in publicieing Iele loyele and the national Park movement. Though the m had strongly opposed the plan in earlier years, the Booth newspaper was one of Michigan's 6’ East organized major promote of the project beginning in 1931. a winter camping excursion on the island and began to write etoriee for various Michigan newspapers and for gatiggg 1 Geographic equine.“ The Public Lands Cmitteo of the U. 8. House of Representatives favorably approved the Grantee Bill that would authorize eetablielnent o! a national park on Isle Boyele on lebruary 25 , 1931. The Egg; etory. headlined "Isle Royale Park Bill 13 Approved," quoted the emitted report, ee delivered by Michigan Reprwentative Joseph L. Hooper. prom- ising that "an effort will be made to obtain the bill's passage by the “gold" l'ebruary ll. 1931. p. 1. 51931.. rem-nary n. 1931. p. 1. 62Letter from Albert Stall, In. to Senator Arthur n. Vendenberg, February 20, 1931, "Chronological History of the mum." “Grand 332149 Presg, September 15. 1923. p. 4. 6"Ben; last, "Winter Sky Roads to Isle Royele," M Geographig, LX (December. 1931), pp. 759-774. 41 House this veek."65 A Eggs; Washington corrc5pondent, Karl L. Miller. related on February 26 that Stoll had been successful in interesting Senator Arthur H. Vandenberg. former Grand Rapids newsPapernan. in the Isle Royale project. The Republican 0. 3. Senator had enthusiast- ically endorsed the plan, Miller reported, and a companion bill had been introduced in the Senate by Vandenberg who would ”seek immediate consideration of it by the Senate Comittee on Public l..anda."'56 ‘l'he newly appointed director of the National Park Service, Horace H. Albright, attended a "most productive session" of the Senate cmittee the next day, Killer reported. His new: story related that the group had "promptly voted in favor of the Cramton-Nandenberg Bill" that would provide for "acceptance of Isle Royale as a national park as soon as sufficient acreage is offered."67 Senator Key Pittmann of Hevade offered Miller a completely Optimistic Opinion on the future of the bill: "There ought not to be any argunent over that proposition," Pittnenn, a "key" member oi the comittee eaid after the eeseion. "I visited Isle Royale last sooner and it is the finest site for a public perk in Marine. It is the moat interesting ecenic place I have ever visited." And Pittmann'e prediction was followed through by Congress within four days. Whenl'ubchc Ntrmbe 8 0 ‘he lstC States cg America was enacted into law on March 3, 1931, Stall felt like "the coach of a down-end-out football team after a etartling upeet."63 w 65Detroi News, rebruary 25. 1931, p. 1. “gm“ rebruary 26. 1931. p. 1. 67%.. ’ebmary 27. 1931. Po 1. 68Letter from Albert Stall, Jr.. to Senator Arthur 1!. 'enden-v berg. March 5. 1931. "Chronological Bietory of the IRNPH.” 42 as congratulatory telegrams poured into his office from.all over the nation. But, as a telegram.fron.National Perk.Service Director Albright indicated, Isle Royals was still a long way from being a national park: The act requires that all lands on Isle Royale and auch.o£ the inmediately surrounding islands as the Secretary considers desir- able must be turned over to the government and exclusive jurisdic- tion over same shall have been ceded by the State of Michigan to the U. 3. before a national park can be established. Your early efforts behalf this park proposal now bearing fruit and trust~we may have continuation.same hearty support until park is actuality.69 After tresident Hoover signed the bill, Stoll began another intensive phase of the land acquisition campaign. nevertheless, one of Stoll's immediate goals, outlined in 1922, had been achieved-ofederel recognition of Isle Royale's potential as a permanent national park. In a summary story, "Isle loyal. Park Sure after lodYear Struggle," Stoll recounted modestly the actions taken between.September, 1921, and President Hoover's signature of the bill in‘Harch, 1931. Taking little credit for himself, the Qgtrois New! conservation editor landed the Congressional action: Inasmuch as the national park standards are exceedingly high and preclude the possibility of embracing within the park system any areas except those of outstanding scenic, physical and his:- orical interest, Congress' acceptance and President Hoover's approval of the Crmmton-Vandenberg Act is taken to mean that Isle Royal. is of such unusual interest that the officials of the National ilrk Service did not hesitate to recommenl its acceptance without the usual investigation insolved.7° he sidebar to this nearly full-page story reported that, though the National tart Service would be unable to accept it as yet, Governor Wilber M. trucker had mthorized that the 2,300 acres oi Michigan-owned 69Telegram from Horace ll. Albright, National Park Service Director, to Albert Stoll, Jr., March 5, 1931, "Chronological History of the IRNPH." 7°Detrgit Neon, march 5, 1931, p. l. 43 property be donated to the federal government as "the first gift of land to be put on record."71 The following Sunday's rotogravure section was devoted entirely to "Scenes on Isle Royals, Which Now Becomes a National Park-"72 throughout the owner of 1931, feature stories and photographs were published frequently, intended to keep Retrogg :13. ,3 readers familiar with the island and with the project. An eight~part series by 8.“. Marshall began running on Independence Day with the following editor'e note appended: Became both his Royele and Keweenaw County. natural gateway to the great national park that is to be, are so rich in the very features that caused Isle Royele to be made the netion'e property, the News assigned Marshall, already familiar to readers of thin newspaper, the agreeable test of vieiting then. In the eeriee of articles, of tales beginning today, he tells what he found there.’3 The remainder of the articles appearing in the momentous year of 1931 dealt with measures being taken by the State of Michigan to acquire the lands of Isle Royale. One final statement, made by Arno B. Cemeter, acting director of the National Park Service, gave the genoit Eggs public praise: It will be seen that Isle Royals as a national park is the only one available to the Middle West and it is probable that it will maintain this distinction without competition through all time. Accessible to some 90 million people of the last by motor and boat, the only island park of the system, its healthful climate, its wealth of flora and fauna, and good fishing, it cannot fail but to be one of the most popular major national parks of the system. The perserverance of the Detroit News has raised in the State of Michigan hapes that Isle Royals will become the 23rd in the chain of national parks. if it acquire; ite land before Namath Cave or the Shenandoah area at Virginia. 4 “21 . 72%, lurch 8, 1931, pp. 13-83. 73,111,510; July ‘3 1931. Po 180 74mg... July 16, 1931.. p. 1. Among the most treasured letters of congratulations sent personally to Stoll following the successful culmination of this phase of the campaign was received from Senator Arthur H. Vandenberg, who had also been instrumental in its success: Pete, you have played the m1 or part in this whole adventure from the very beginning and I think you will continue to be the most userul adviser upon whom the State Conrnission can lean, both before and after actual designation of the park. 5 A letter to a University of Michigan student, J. Leo Aikmnn, on July 18, 1935 , from Vandcnberg, however, reversed the roles of Stall and Vendenberg. He said, in response to an inquiry from Aihnan, that: I feel that I may take credit for the instigation of this movement to like 131. Royale 3 Notional Park. It was my legislation which provided for the acceptance by the Government of this It“ for national park purposes. Since 1931, I have discussed the matter in the Senate. Hr. Albert Stall of the Detroit New: has been prominently identified with this project, also. I am sure he will be glad to give you the benefit of my intonation he may but if you write to him about it. 6 Stoll apparently was not were of this opinion on the part of the many- faceted Vandenberg, but was more than willing to bestow the credit upon anyone but himself, as evidenced in the ceanaign emery on North 5, 1931, that listed dozens of men besides himself." 75Letter from Senator Arthur E. Vandenberg to Albert Stall, Jr., September 4, 1931, "Chronological History of the IRNPM." “Letter from Senator Arthur B. Vandenberg to J. Lee Lumen, July 18, 1935, in Ailomn file, Michigan Historical Collections, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. "Detroit flows, March 5, 1931, p. l. v1. EDITGRIALS, 1921~1931 The first thr01t News editorial after the inception of the Isle Royals campaign, signed by Albert Stoll, Jr., appeared on December 3, 1921, Under the simple headline, "Isle Royals," Stall outlined and reviewed the beauties of the island, that "is today practically the only hit of unspoiled nature east of the Hitaislippi River.“ consenting that "the State of Michigan is now fating an opportunity to preserve this bit of nature‘s wonderland for its children," the 37-year-old conservation editor concluded that "it it up to the State Legislature at its next Session, and our present Cons- ervation Commission, to act upon this project before it is too late." It‘waa not until exactly one year later that Etoll wrote tho ‘ second editorial on the subject, since his duties as secretary of the Mdchigan Conservation Commission restricted the amount of time he had to write for the flags, Titled “A Jewel Without Price," the second editoria1*was an effectively written appeal for the preservation of Isle Royale as either a state or a national park. He challenged the stats and federal governments to rescue "from.the unconscious vandalimn of commerce the last remnant of nature east of the Rockies remaining as God has left it inviolate, Isle Royals in Lake Superior."3 The story lustroi New , December 3. 1921. p. 6. 2ibid.. December 3, 19:2..p. 6. 45 66 of the recent history of the island was followed by the conclusion: Here is a priceless relic oi all the ages since the world began, unchanged, unspoiled. Once destroyed it can never b0 replaced. Destroying it would be the supreme sacrilegc. 1! taken over by the government it would become the only park comparable to the far western reservations uithin easy access of the population east of the uississippi liveruthroe-quarters of the population of America. Stoll took a rather philosophical approach to cditorialining the next day in "lrescrva Isle royals.“ a brief but effective commentary on the situation. the entire editorial read: Han not out to conquer nature and. having conquered. reviews his victory. Ba discovers. new that his needs are supplied. that the thing he rants most to supplement what he has undo for 11139011 is the thing he destroyed in making it. That comerce. possessing so complete a power over so mach, should be permitted to erase Hichigan's last wilderness from the nap. to extinguish the bloom. to convert Isle Royals into a mill- The state cannot permit it. The federal government itself can do no less than throw over it the mantle of national authority. the preservation of Isle Royglc is an immediate duty. not only to posterity. but to ourselves. Promoting the national park plan. as opposed to state acquisi- tion in an editorial on December 17. Stall deplored tho idea that there are "few creative artists" and too many persons "engaged in tearing down divine art.” He urged that the "divine beauty" of 1010 loyalc be immediately preserved. preferably by the federal government: Perhaps nichigan only can save this beautiful island to post- erity, but Isle Royals is too fins and too big for Michigan to loop to herself. It should be a national park. But Congress and public sentiment move slowly. The Michigan legislature alone may have to preserve the State's finest possession until such tins as the Government perczivss clearly that his Royals is a Jewel for a national setting. 32351.. December 4. 1922. p. 6. ‘Mo. ”acme: 11. 1922. p. 80 47 honors that lumbering operations night begin the {allowing stunner on isle Royals prooqated Stall to write "Save ‘l‘hat island,” an appeal for the postponement of these operations. Citing the fact that Lansing is nearer than Washington. 9.6.. to the island, he wrote that: The responsibility is entirely Hichigan's to preserve the island's perfect beauty from the outrages of cmrce. Looting of nature cannot be prevented by the U. 8. Congress. since it won’t meet again until after the vandalism has begun. Therefore. action must be taken on a state lgvel to preserve Isle toyale until the u. s. Govermnt wakes up. An endfot-the-year editorial on December 31, "To Save Isle Royals.” declared that "it has been the privilege of the low" to present an account of the isle Royals problem to the people of the State of Michigan. The cement concluded with an open statement to nichigan legislators : Rarely has a matter of public concern received so prompt a response or aroused such patent concern for imdiate action. It would be a blind public servant who did not take into consideration the awakened consciousness of Michigan citisens in the pride of possession. the voice of the public is quite clear on this matter Isle Royals is more than a symbol of a park; rather it is an index to the character of the state; whether all things not yield to comrce or whether out of the first abundance. a slight but precious fr t shall be preserved as Michigan's share of “tut... bounty. me of the nest eloquent editorials written by Itoll on the campaign was included in the January 3. 1923, issue of the m. and was headlined "The Rescue of Isle Royals." Describing the opposition 5052301: um. December 22. 1922. p. 6. “gm" December 31. 1922, p. 6. 48 to "the rescue of the nearest thing to Paradise afforded in the middle west" as ”not merely pusillsnimous and wrong. but almost unthinkable." Stall proceeded to refute arguments raised by “certain state officials” against the plan. The "versatile argumnt" that "it will cost too such" was invalid. Stall remarked, just as similar objections to the purchase of Belle isle in Detroit had been proved invalid. this "spe- cious objection" was disputed by the fact that the original $200,000 price paid for Belle Isle City Dark cmld be dwarfed by the sale of "any insignificant corner oi one of the finest mnicipal parks in America.“ Disaming the island‘s alleged inaccessibility. Stoll predicted that. ”if it became a part. no lake line would overlook the opportunity to provide transportation to it.” He continued by stating that "distances will shorten" as the years pass. asking that objection "increasingly ridiculous ." and cemented that no national park project would have been undertaken it this argument were ever sound. "since all at then are less accessible than Isle Royals, which is within a tow hun- dred miles oi the population center of the country."7 we year later. Governor Alexander Groosbeck was quoted in an editorial. Croesbock had outlined a plan whereby the island could add such to lichigsn's part system. "a titting clieas to the efforts ot those who have interested theuelves in providing public recreational advantages." the editorial praised Groesbeck's closing statement as "evidence or his sound judgment.“ the Governor gave approval to the 7.353.. January 3. 1923. p. 8. 8M.. ery ‘g 1923. Pa 10. 49 following tentative plan for acquiring Isle Royals: Legislation to prevent the destruction of its wonderful forests and to preserve it as a future game refuge should be enacted. The Conservation Omission could well be vested with authority to condemn this island and pay the cost thereof on a basis that will not be too burdensome. ' A second editorial on Groesbeck's speech appeared the next day. headlined ”The Legislature and Isle Royals." Stall recalled that the Governor had based his campaign for re-election on ”cool, hard-headed. thrifty Judgment and method" and could. therefore. be considered as a "calculating, sensible man." Btoll attempted to make his point as follows: Yet this essentially calculating Governor places heavy emphasis on the need of acquiring Isle Royals. In this matter, the Governor echoes the public voice. with the difference that as an official. jealous of the financial record he must exhibit to his constituents throughout the state. he weighs the cost and returns from Isle Royals and finds the former vastly outweighed by the latter. The Legis lature, thus encouraged by the Governor to respond to the earnest wish of public opinion. has a grateful task before it; its duty no less than its privilege is to keep for the people for- ever this jewel among parks. To keep public interest alive mug its readers. the M ran another promotional editorial on January 13. titled "Isle Royals rur- chass." The island. described as "the only original stand of virgin timber available for park purposes in the confines of the State of Michigan" was invaluable because of the abounding wildlife and the inmmerabls beauties that have been preserved there, the editorial asserted. Predicting that "it will not cost the state more than $600,000 and may not cost a cent." the editorial concluded that "the Conservation Comission should buy Isle Royals and the people of Ilich- igan will someday appreciate their wisdom and foresight even core than they would now."10 91bL§q JM 5, 1923. Pa 60 Iowa. January 13. 1923, Pe 8e 50 An editoer on February 4. 1923. quoted a recent "Letter to the Editor," that had criticized "noisy obstructionists" for using "obscure reasoning" in opposing the Isle Royals project. The edito- rial drew the rather immodest conclusion that ”the fight for Isle loyals is being supported by informed. honest, and reasonable. citiaens,."11 which was probably meant to include those supporters outside the m; I 31333 offices. ' The anonymous donation of a large tract of Isle Royals land to the State of Michigan in early September, 1923. inspired the next editorial devoted exclusively to the Isle Royals project. the edito- rial advocated ceding of additional land on the island and appealed to "other public-spirited citizens to see that the entire island is restored to the public to become a perpetual remembrance and treasure- house in which the natural beauties of pristine America lay be preserved." The editors expressed the hope that the gift would establish a precedent and stated that “appreciation seems an inadequate quality when the attempt is made to apply it to such a gift as the recent one." The argument terminated with that year's final plea: The gift by which a part of Isle Royals is made the property of the public is the beginning. The island mat become a reservation. if not of the state, of the nation. Men of smll brains may affect to see a few dollars of cost to the public. ‘ But the public as a whole will realize that the value of such a great natural park. stocked with fauna]. and floral treasures of the continent, is beyond estimation..12 4“ ulibid., tebruary A, 1923, p. 8. ”mg" September 16. 1923, p. 6. 51 Iive months passed before another Qetroit News editorial appeared on the Isle Royals campaign. Ixtolling the land owners‘who had donated their prOperty to the government for a park, Stoll cited statistics on how much land had been acquired and the proportion that yet needed to be ceded to the government. The transfer of land as a gift to the nation. the editorial stated, "requires a high type of patriotisnbin its owners." Expressing confidence in the character of the American citizenry, Stoll continued: We believe that this patriotism exists and that no single owner'will try to block this magnificent scheme by holding back in the expectation of securing, in the long run, a high price for his acreage, to come from those more publicospirited citizens who ‘will not permit this wonderful opportunity to be lost.1‘ The Superintendent of Yellowstone National Park, Horace ll. Albright, who later became National Park Service Director. was the source for editorial comment on rebruary 28. 1924. After visiting Isle Royals. Albright said the island was "one of its kind," since ‘its location and ideal climate for noose and caribou made it "unique in the United States." Crediting.Albright as being a good source be- cause of his many years in the National Park Service, the editorial said: This argues well for the future of Isle Royals as a tourist's attraction. In addition1'what other national monument or park can boast of the superb and romantic setting of Isle Royals in the wig 'magnificent of all of our inland seas? It stands without a peer. Several months later, when Stephen T. Mather, National Park Service Director, visited Isle Royals, the News published a lengthy “hide. lebmry 19. 192‘. Ps 8e 151bit. February 28, l92h. p. 6. 52 editorial headlined. appropriately enough, "Mather on Isle Royals." A brief account of Mother's career, "dedicated to exploring and pre- serving the natural beauties of the land in which he lives," was re- viewed. followed by his reaction to the is land. Mather declared that the size and grandeur of Isle Royals "surpassed his expectations" and that the island was the "finest water and trail park of his experience." The highlight of Hathar’s statements came when he insisted that "the miniature continent which is eat like a jewel in the‘waters of Lake Superior should be a national park, a refuge and playground for all time, owned by the citizens of the United States." The editorial concluded: The people of Michigan are proud that it is within their (In State that this splendid natural possession is fond, and will welcome the day when by formal action it becomes certified as the heritage forever of the American people.)-6 When Secretary of the Interior Mbert work needs a tour of the existing National Parks nearly one year later. the 591s canted on some of his statemnts in "It Fits Isle Royals." The editorial relerked on the applicability of one of Work's speeches to the Lake Superior island. Bork had said that "the whole national park movement is based on the desire of man to common with nature“ and that there are only a "few areas, each of absorbing interest to the naturalists, and financial assets of great possibilities" left in the United States. A final con- ment by the editors related that efforts were being made to make Isle Royals a park of this nature and that "if Mr. Work brings it to {tuition he will add to the national park system a region of beauty that cannot be duplicated anywhere else in the world."17 16M“ June 19. 1924, p. 10. 17M" May 28, 1925. p. s. 53 The National Park Service Director, an autopoken proponent of the Isle Royals. National Park plan, was the subject of a second Egg editorial after he visited the Detroit area in August, 1925. Stephen T. Mather had comended the island for its "extraordinary scenery," its "beautiful camping potential," and its "ideal qualifications for a great national park." He had related the story of a man who recent- ly rode a refrigerator car out to the coolness of the island because of a heart condition and hay fever, and had cited health conditions as "one of the many attractions of Isle Royals." Mather, predicting national park status for the island, said "the Great Lakes region ought to possess just such a place as Isle Royals, then.msks it a msg- net and advertise it. Lovers of the outdoors will do the rest." The editorial noted these comments as evidence of "increasing federal int- erest in the island."18 The final editorial to support the Isle Royals project before the three-year lull began was published in the Detroit Rog; on.Angust 18, 1925, and had little to do'with the movement itself. Headed "To Save the Grayling," the editorial suggested that Isle Roysls, "Michigan's preposod national perk," should be used to build up the native trout and grayling populations in the state. The Egg; proposed that 1310 Roysle's lakes be stocked, "if the state is desirous of utilizing the finest waters it possesses for fish propagationsnd really'ulnts to save fronxcomplsts extermination the tow rel-fining graylins now confined to the Otter River in Upper Hichigang" Irosunco of an abundance of mlbido’ August 5. 1925’ p. 8. 54 these fish in the inland lakes of Isle Royals would "prove to be another one of the hundreds of tourist and scientific attractions in Michigan's prOposed national park."19 When it'was announced that.Eugene F. MLDonald. Chicago yachts- man and explorer. would Sponsor a two-month expedition to the island nearly two-and~one~hnl£ years after that editorial. the Detroit News again resumed editorialieing on the proposed park project. On Janu- ary 20, 1928, in an editorial titled "Eyes on Isle Royals," the island was described an "that bit of fairylend in Lake Superior that the Government should make a national park." A summary of previous excursions and surveys made of the island was followed by the hepeful comment that "the investigation this July will increase the interest in Isle Royele and perhaps hasten its reservation and dedication as a playground for all the people."20 Three days later, Stoll wrote an editorial, "Pitilesl Superior," ‘which commended the bravery of a youn31manrwho had rowed a boat acrosl ice-ridden Lake Superior from.lsle Royale to the mainland of Minnesota to take n sick man for medical care. Intended primarily as a publicity and human interest editorial column, the seven paragraphs of commends» tion also cited a story of three "experienced treppero" who stayed on the island during the winter of 1918 for three months without commi- cation with civilization. The story beam note intriguing vhon it was related that one of the men had to have an emergency "jack-knife appen- dectomy," and was nursed successfully through tho winter by hi! two 19.1.1323... August 18, 1925, P0 80 2°Ib1d, January 20, 1928. p. 10. 55 friends. These and many other stories "are part of the lore which abounds in Michigan‘s proposed national park," the editorial said.21 When the McDonaldeMassee Isle Royals Archeological'dxpedition actually began in July, 1928, the Egg§_praised the island editorially in "Secrets of Isle Royals," stating that "no more fertile field could have been chosen for the expedition." Predicting that "this survey might provide the added publicity needed to achieve final national park status for the island," the editorial offered the Opinion that "the island possesses everything that is dear to the heart of those who revel in ancient history, mystery and the study of nature at her best." Various theories on the island's history, estimating the arrival of the Indians on Isle Royals, were also included in the editorial.22 The expedition sent several pleas to President Calvin Coolidge during the month of August, urging the preservation of Iala loyala as a national park. In "Safeguard Isle Royals," the Dettdtt#Neg§ expressed the hope that Coolidge would act to save the island, because it "is imprOperly protected" under state control. noting that "only two conservation officers are stationed on the entire island," tha edito- rial admonished both the state and federal governments for "leaving the island at the mercy of the forest fire and the illegal hunter." .A forest fire reported to the Conservation Commission prompted tha canola» ding admonition, that "should a fire be allowed to destroy the timber growth upon Isle Royals, it will have taken away the finest and rarest 'wildernass possession in the United States." The editorial also provided 211b1d., January 23, 1928. p. 12. 22!bid., July 21, 1928, p. 12. 56 examples of “extremely poor equipment and inadequate patrolling meth- ods" that would continue to threaten the island until either the stats or federal government took "an active interest in this irreplacable “WOHZB Isle Royale's unlimited potential for mystery and intrigue was described by the News in "The hoards of Ancient Peoples." which pleaded for the preservation of the island, if for nothing else than that "Isle Royals. for the historian as well as the archeolosist. is a book--precious beyond price and containing perhaps the revelation of the ancient arcane." Estimates were made in the editorial that the "area of the 132.000-ecre book possibly have never been completely explored by white men and remain today as they were ages ego."24 The Michigan Legislature began debate in April, 1929. over whether the State should finance a University of Michigan expedition to study and publicize Isle Royals. An editorial, "Our Proposed Rational Park." quoted William 8. Birk, state representative from brags. who had "displayed a good deal of vision in statosnenship when he mung his influence to the support of the survey bill." The possible results of Birkh action were outlined by the My If the measure succeeds, as is part of its purpose. in influenc- ing the Government to make Isle Royale 8 part of the National Park system, large benefits will come to the Upper Peninsula and to the district which Mr. Birk represents. The tourists attracted to the island park. will not miss the unique scenic splendor of the UP and of Keweenmv Point whose rugged grandeur is of a piece with that of Isle Royale itself.25 When eleven members of the Michigan Conservation Msion wis- ited Isle Royals in August, 1929, an editorial. "lsls Royals Sold Itself." 232141., August 19, 1923, p. 6. 24MO. M13118: M. 1928. Po 6. 25M" April 19. 1929. p. 12. 57 appeared in the Detroit Hgss. All of the commission members inter- viewed by the Eggg_had indicated their approval of the national park plan. and the editorial attempted to demonstrate how easily the island would "sell itself to all those who visit its shores": Each one who has ever basked in the luxurious beauty of Isle Royals always leaves this natural wonderland with thoughts of re- turning to the ancient island as it was-~preserved for future gen- erations to enjoy. And this is certain to come about through its acquisition as a National Park.26 As University of Michigan scientists returned from Isle Royals and released news of their discoveries, the Eggs discussed them on its editorial page regularly. On Butcher 15, 1929, the editors wrote about the "mystery Island," that had yielded volumes of "most unusual and interesting data" during one summer's study. The editorial predicted that, as more of the returning scientists released their discoveries, more attention would be drawn to "the desirability of forever preserving this island as a National Park."27 The first editorial eulogy on the Isle Royale campaign'vas‘wrltn ten by Albert Stoll, Jr.,‘Eggg_conservation editor, following the death of Stephen T. Mather, the first director of the National Park Service. Yolluuing the suggestion by the Stephen T. nether Appreciation Committec that Isle Royals be acquired as a National Park bearing Mather's name, Stall wrote "He Appreciated Isle Royals." Hhther, "it alive and assured that neither 'Islo Royale' nor 'Benjamin Franklin' were acceptable as names for the park, would prefer that the park be named in honor of 26Ibid., August 26, 1929, p. 10. 27Ibid., October 15, 1929, p. s. 58 Thomas I, Cole."23 a man who had volunteered to donate a large share of his holdinga on the island to the federal government for park pur- poses, Stall wrote. The proposal that his Royals be surveyed by a Lansing serial napping crew received W approval in "Isle Royale iron the Air." The survey. being diaeuseed by Michigan legislators and University of nichigan scientists. was hailed as "a valuable and vel- coma addition to the fund of knowledge now being gathered by our scientists there." It was intimated that the napping project "night provide much-needed impetus" in the Isle Royale park project and would give the world "the first accurate and authentic picture of this island as mteries."29 When 0.8. Representative Louis c. Cremton of Hichigan intro- duced a bill into the House of Representatives in February. 1931. the m emctantly published "Isle loyale Should Be a national Park." The goal that Stall had been seeking so intensively was "almost a. reality." The editorial urged that Creaton's bill. which stipulated that the island be designated a National Dark as soon as enough of the private lands had been acquired, should be passed "to put the people of the U. 8. on record through their representatives." If this legise lation vere enacted. the 3m deemd it ”rather difficult" for private owners of property on Isle Royals to "defy the expressed sentiment of the people by doing anything to impair the natural advantages and re- flmu February 21. 1930. p. a. 29%‘I my 7! 1930’ ’e 10. 59 sources of the island." The editorial declared that only one thing would then be needed for his Royals to become a National Park: An angel. some one or some group who will purchase most of the mining land in private hands and present it to the Govern- ment. is all that would be necessary if this bill passes. the National Park Service will do the rest.” The Detroit New; expressed no surprise on rebruary 27, 1931, after National Park Service Director Horace a. Albright testified be- fore the House Comittee on Public Lands regarding the proposed Isle Royals project. An editorial indicated that Albright's testimony on the Lake Superior island alnost had to be favorable, since ”Isle loyale is ideally suited in every way to be included in our system of National Parks." Quoting excerpts from Albright's speeches before the cousittee. the M included such statements as. "Isle hoyale has everything. and possibly a bit more. than the Service demands for entrance into this select circle" and "America possesses nothing else quite like this beautiful lake Superior island."31 The first editorial to be published after the Vandenberg- Cramton Bill was passed by Congress and signed by President hoover on March 3, 1931, appeared three days later, under the long-sought yet highly premature headline. "Isle Royals National Park." ll'hs congratu- latory editorial was directed at the people of Kichigea for the "con- summation of an enterprise which enhances the State’s reputation for exceptional recreational advantages." A list of the ”inmnrsble attractions for tourists. scientists. students. etc.." was followed by 30mm. lebruary 2. 1931. p. a. 31%.. 'ebm 27. 1931. ’0 6e 60 a statement that indicated how relieved the campaigners were after the ten years of pressure involved in achieving that goal: That now this wealth is reserved in perpetuity under protection of the Government of the United States for the bmefit of all people. is matter for congratulation not only on the part of the peeple of Michigan and the people involved in the project. but also of the entire nation.3 When a five-nan Isle Royals National Park Comission was appointed by Governor Hilher u. trucker in early July, l93l. Stall wrote a favorable editorial. "1. Splendid Omission." The emission would be vested with the power to acquire lands on Isle toysle for donation by the State of Michigan to the National Park Service and the a : 1 gm agreed pith the Governor's selection: ' The personnel of the Isle Royals National Park Omission just appointed by Governor trucker is such that the island will become operative as a national park within a very short time. It would be difficult for the Governor to select s more outstanding camis— eion or one more representative of the finest business minds in the States What is acre gratifying is that no attmt was aade in the se- lection of the members of this emission to pay off any political obligations. which in itself is an indication of the importance Governor trucker attaches to this National Park project, which is bound to benefit Michigan from a tourist-drawing standpoint snore than any other recreation project every conceived.” The estimated value of the Isle Royals project was elaborated again in an editorial quoting Michigan's U. 8. Senator Arthur ll. Tenden- berg in "Michigan's Greatest Single Outdoor Asset." The Senator. who "played a leading role in having Congress declare Isle Royals a national park." made this statement in a recent conversation with troll. the editorial said: The importance of this project to Michigan simply cannot be overs emphasised. This will be our first national park. It is destined 31M... Harch 6, 1931. p. a. ”no... July 3. 1931. p. a. 61 to be one of the greatest, if not the greatest. and most popular of all of our national parks. I expect to see the Isle Royals National Park become Michigan's greatest Single outdoor asset and one of America a moat populat objectives. The editorial then proceeded to list several persons who were also instru- ments]. in "achieving the goal thus far." The closing paragraph was a tribute to Stephen ’1. Esther. first National Park Service Director. who died the year before: "To him will go a great share of the credit for Isle Royale's absorption into our national park eyeten.“35 the last Deficit hang editorial on the Isle Royale project to appear in 1931 was headed "Isle Royale." Arno Cmerer, acting director of the national Park Service, was quoted as saying that Isle Royals was one of the nest desirable areas for a park that he was acquainted with. tumors: noted. also. that of the nearly one hmdred sites east of the Mississippi River suggested as national recreational areas in the "past few years” only five had survived investigation-“the smoky Mountains. Shenandoah Valley. lvergladee, Mammoth Cave and Isle Roy ." He said that he considered the latter "to be the better." The editorial concluded Cemeter‘s statements with the complimentary cement: "that is a high government official'e sensible appraisal of this charming Lake Superior island which has been eagerly sought as a national park since the late Stephen 1'. Mather, our first national park director, laid eyes on it."36 During the first ten years of the Isle Royale National Park can- paign. the Detroit News had consistently supported it editorially. the next fifteen years were to find more participation in activities pri- vately on the part of. Eggs reporters than in editorial cement intended to persuade, but the backing was still there "behind the scenes." ”Ibige. Jaly 12. 1931. pe 120 35:11.4. “me. My 17. 1931. p. a. VII. OPPCS ITION Opinion was far from unanimous on the desirability of making ‘Michigan's Isle heyale a fictional Park during the decade between the beginnings of the campaign until its legal conclusion in 1931. Albert Stall. Jr... Qetroit Refit conservation editor and the primary moving force behind the campaign, was prematurely Optimistic in a feature story published January 22, 1922. when he wrote: Little did the‘writer think when this project was first sug- gested that it would meet with such instant approval. Io far there has been no one found who is not in favor of making Isle Royals a State Park.“ As the movement were on, these words probably flashed before him asny times as he discovered that there were adamant opponents to the project on all sides of hhm. trobably the most influential and most verbose opponent of the Isle Royals national Park movement was located'within‘selking distance of the Egggeothe Detroit Free Presg. Stoll was aware of the opinion of the outspoken opposition newspaper and had many conversations about it with his colleague and fellow Egg; reporter. Lee A” White. In a letter from White to William I. I. Ferguson. editor of the Franklin, Pennsylvania, News-Her hi, on January 30. 1923, White related a recent 1Detroit Newt, January 22, 1922, p. 6. 62 63 conversation he had shared with Stoll about the Free Press and conc- eluded: The Free Press has gradually quieted down. having said more than it had to say. From time to time, it interviews nonentities and unknowns to further substantiate its conviction that nobody wants the island made a park; but that is all the thrill it can get out of its ill-favored war.2 One 01 the "nonentitiea" that Uhite might have been referring to was Professor Russell Uatson of the University of Michigan torestry depaxment. who was interviewed by the Egg; Press on January Dunn weeks before White's letter. The interview. headlined "Raps Preposal to Buy Royals," a typical rgee Press story on the subject during that period, quoted Russell Watson as saying that money could be spent by the State for much more worthwhile projects than the acquisition of Isis Royals. Emphasizing that "a timber famine will take place in the United States within the next 50 years ," Russell Watson continued: I Relative to the proposed purchase by the state of Isle Royals. I believe that the $4 million might be put to better use in the upbuilding of Michigan forests, though the acquisition 0! the Superior island might be valuable from the standpoint of biology and research.3 On February 3. 1923. the tree: Press carried a front-page story, headlined "Opposes Park at Isle Royals." George H. Bishop of Harquette. secretary-manager of the Upper Peninsula Development Bureau, "the asso- ciation which put 'Cloverland’ on the map." was a news source highly critical of the park plan: Northern Michigan now has four state parks. the fuller develop- ment of which would be far more practical than the acquisition of Isla Royals for park purposes. 2Letter from lee A. White to William P. P. Ferguson. January 30, 1923. "Chronological History of the men.“ 3Degoit gree Press. January 13. 1923. p. l. 64 Only a small fraction of the state's citizens ever would find it possible to visit Isle Royals. It is a snare expensive under- taking than the average citizen can afford in his vacation period. Use of Isle Royals is and always will be restricted largely to the owners of yachts and other means of conveyance. Grand Island in liunising Bay should be acquired for a park. since it is also 'unmarred by man' and is numb more accessible. Practically nothing has been done to preserve or develop the four existing state parks. If the stats wants to undertake prac- tical conservation and park development, it can do so without a large expenditure and can make these parts invaluable to the aver» age citizen xho has little present or future hope of ever visiting 1318 Royale. An editorial in the Qetroig News the next day. referring to "noisy obstructioniste who for some obscure reason choose to describe Isle Royals as an inaccessible waste without being hampered by personal experience or reliable information in the matter,“ was a public reply to the "unknowledgeable harassment" of the [reg fies; and other public critics of the park project. The daring editorial listed several reason why readers could "discount the imaginings of. any opponent of the project who patently desires no acquaintance with the truth"-o a statement made in a recent "Letter to the Editor.” The editorial conmnt concluded with these two paragraphs from the "Letter to the Editor," one of many "animated by the spirit of the movement": The proposition that the stats nust sink some fabulous sum into Isle Royals is a straw man being kicked up and down the state. No such expedient is necessary. the fight for Isle Royals is being supported by inter“. honest and reasonable citizens. There are no indications that reason. in- formation or interestedneee enter into the case of tgoee who oppose the salvage of this truly glorious natural heritage. AIbide. [abruary 3, 1923’ p. 1. 5Detroit News, rebruary 4, 1923, p. 8. 65 On May 5, 1923, the Free zresg leveled some serious accusations at the "rays terious agitators" who were "ins tigating" the Isle Royals perk project. An editorial, "That Isle Royals Scheme," suggested that in "getting to the meat of the agitation," there were probably many interested parties who "stand to gain a considerable profit from this sale to the state." Irank A. Osborn, a former state representative, was quoted in the editorial as Opposing Governor Alexander J. Gross- beck's endorsement of the park project. Asking, 'm'hat do we want Isle Royals for?" the editorial suggested that "hr. Osborn and the tamaying public are entitled to an answer from Governor Grocsbeck or the mys- terious motivating force back of the agitation for using the people's money to make a park out of an isolated inaccessible island in Lake Soperior 45 miles from the closest Michigan mainland and only 12 miles from Canada." The editorial then listed reasons why Isle Royals would be a poor choice for a park: Granted Isle Royale's 132,000 acres of swamp and forest have a primeval woodland charm, why should tax money of the Detroit factory worker or Kalamazoo County farmer, be it federal or state tax, be expended to create there Lplayground for a highly privileged few, who alone will be able to reach it? The is land, "umarred by man," has hardly more than one-fourth mile of. bathing beach, and they are hardy souls indeed, who relish a plunge, even in midsummer, in Lake Superior's icy depths. Altogether, the pressure for an Isle Royals state or national park. in the face of national and state efforts toward tax reductions, is, in fact, a request for public expenditure which can only be catalogued as extravagance. One of the met violent editorials published by the Free ngsg during the campaign period appeared early in April, 1921:. Vritten after Calvin Coolidge’s Executive Order had withdrawn Isle Royals lends from public T._._e 5Detroit tree Press, Hay 5. 1923. p. 6. 66 sale, the editorial charged that “somebody in the midst of all this agitation and opportunity for generosity, is sitting tight, waiting to put the deal over." Arguments that the island was generally inac- cessible and», for the most part, useless land, were expounded upon throughout this lead editorial which was nearly twelve inches long: The persistent prepaganda for the transformation of Isle Royals into a state, or failing that‘,"“into a national park, is a mysterious movement without any apparently adequate cause.) For regardless at what may be the natural beauties of the island, it is a highly inaccessible spot except for a very few people during a very short season. At the most, it must always remain a transient playground for a limited, privileged class. It never can be a general resort for the people, as a public park maintained at public expense ought to bee Nevertheless, those who are pushing the Isle Royals plan go doggedly ahead with their program for putting the deal over. They now have persuaded the national government to withdraw federal land on the island from sale, and the Michigan Conservation emission to do the same with regard to state lands. Though one-half of the island has allegedly been acquired for the project, what about the other half of. the island? It presumably willbe purchased by either the United states or Hichigan. The land, however, is practically worthless. Those who bought it were "stuck." a Is somebody trying to put over a public park scheme for somebody because it is the only visible way in which this worthless land that bears only taxes, can be made to acquire market value?7 "Cruise Is So Pinch Fun, Some Hits Boat Bach" was the w headline above David B. Stewart's story on the Detroit Board of our merce cruise to Isle Royals by five hundred members in June, 1924. The story criticized the cruise and its purposes: Some of the statements made by the lecturers afforded Inch moment to the comer residents of Isle Royals. It was stated that there was a herd of 500 caribou on the island, and the islanders lwghed when they heard of it. 7132151.. April 2. 1924. p. 8. 67 The propagandiet was insistent, even to the point of trying to get the cruisers to declare themelvee in favor of the rational perk scheme. but it met with little success. The disadvantages of the island. like impossibility of road, bed winters, and innumerable others, had such weight with the Detroit men that the majority of them refused to give their support to the scheme, even after pres- sure was brought to beer on them by the hospitable sumser people. This general tone persisted in the Free Press editorials and news column; throughout the remainder of the campaign. When the Crsmton-Vendenberg Bill was enacted into law in 1931, enabling Isle Royals to become a National Park when enough land was acquired for the government, the rec Press did not conment on it editorially, and ran the Associated Press story on President Hoover's signing of the bill on March 3, 1931. The editors remained relatively quiet on the subject. as did the 22391.: Icwg. for the next four years, during which time the nation had elected s new president. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, in an attempt to overcome the Great Depression. When it was suggested that Roosevelt might appropriate $700,000 of Public Works Administration (WA) money for the acquistion of lands on 1810 Royals in July. 1933. the W took its last long stand easiest the project. I. story headlined "Roosevelt Gets Protest on Isle." appeared in the W on July 17. Democratic Representative frank I. Rock of Ironwood comented that many Michigan people were objecting to the proposal. Hook said that "the money should be spent to get the people in my ares off relief. rather than on Isle Royals." He said he would "protest vigorously the allocation of these funds."9 The Immense County Bosrd of Supervisors crested Istsrisl tor many [Egg Press stories end editorials in late July. when it can out 8Ibid.. June 17’ 1924. ’0 10 9§1_3id.. July 17, 1935, p. 1. 68 publicly against the park plan. Charging that the county vould lose money if Isle Royele were made federal preperty and taken off the county tax rolls, Hill 1‘. King, chaiman of the board, stated there were "hints of sinister influences.” King related the board's fear that "wealthy Isle Royale land owners hope to unload the land at the Federal Govern- ment's expense, retaining by leases control ol’ the resort advantages of the island."10 A {reg Press editorial the next day,'n Railway to the noon,“ characterized the proposed federal purchase of Isle Royale u "wasteful absurdity." The editorial, supporting the Keweenar County supervisors, listed the "many disadvantages" of the plan, such as the island‘s in. accessibility, the cold Lake Superior water, rocky shores, and potential injury to parks and resorts already deveIOped on the mainland. The criticism concluded: the expenditure of $700,000 on a railway to the moon would be no sillier than the same amount spent on the Isle Royal. project, whose benefits, if my, according to the Meensw Supervisors, would redound to absentee property mmers on the is lzmd rather than to thfi PUb11CQ Senator Vandenberg, who has recently loaned his name to the project, appears to have allowed a politician's eagerness to make new friends or retain old ones, to lure him into indorsing a pork- barrel scheme, about the write of which he seem: to be completely ignorant.11 After receiving a caustic letter of. response from Vandcnbors. the Free Press published a second editorial about the plan on July 31. Headlined ”We're Still Unconvinced,” the editorial criticlzed Vandanberg and the park plan, noting that “we cannot justify the expenditure of lozkégp' July 25, 1935. p. 40 1112 151,, July 25, 1935, p. 8. 69 $700,000 to create a national Park on remote and inaccessible Isle Royals." Charging that there were definite errors in Vandenberg's reasoning, the editorial concluded: If the gentlemen.who own the timber and other natural resources on Isle Royale and can't work them profitably because of remotenesl and the cost of bridging the ravines that make the island so pictur- esque, would develop it as a park and then present it to the Nation- al Government, that would be quite a different thing from their unloading 3 WHITE ELEPHANT onto the taxpayers. And if those whO'want a National Park on Isle Royale‘vill re- strain their impatient enthusiasm a little longer, taxation may induce these gentlemen to do something of the sort. When the Kewcenaw County Board of Supervisors publicly retracted its Opposition to the park plan, the Free Press ran a front-page story headlined "Politics Played on Isle Royalc." The editorialized news story asserted that James "Big Jim? Nanaughton, presilent of the Cal- umet and Meals Copper Company, had pressured the supervisors because "his affiliate comprnies are the key to future mining employment in the area.“ The cease fire resolution, as it was called, was prompted entirely be Hcflaughton, the story said, "as evidencodby the fact that none of the still objecting individuals will brook his ire by public opposition." Charging that "convincing economic logic" had little or nothing to do with the board's counter-decision, the editorial condluded: Ehe political pork note was sounded by Vzflsughton in addressing the Supervisors, since he said essentially that area residents should grab the money now while it is being offered. McNaughton held a trump card, however, in spite of earlier res- olutions and objections~-his companies pay 60 per cent of taxes on mainland properties. The pressure finally had its effect. however, and it.vns de~ cided to "play ball" and take advantage of the $700,000 handout. Many members refrained fromivoting*vhen the about-face resolution was put to the test.13 121b1d., July 31, 1935, p. 8. ulbido. August 3, 1935’ P0 10 70 One week later, however, after Roosevelt had signed the executive edict appropriating the money for Isle Royals, the £592, Eggs; published a last vehement argument of Opposition. headed ”JUSt Another Example." The terse editorial was aimed at the Roosevelt administration more than at the park project: An executive edict sets apart $705,000 of unexpendad PHI funds for the purchase of Izle Royals as a National Park. And millions of dollars will have to be expended on the improvement of this remote and inaccessible island if it is to attract tourists and create any revenue. The money given the FHA by Congress was never intended to finance any such chimerical project. The purchase of Isle Royals at this time is just another 11¢ lustration of the recklessness with‘which the New Dealers are wasting public money and of their lack of honesty in obtaining funds for one purpose, than spending them for another purpose.“ The Detroit News, of course, was not standing idly by. reading the Free Press criticisms and not answering them. After supporting and encouraging Vendenberg‘s request to Roosevelt for Isle Royals money in “That Isle Roysle Project" on May 5, 1935, the §g§§_continued to back the Republican senator after the Iree‘Press attack. On July 24. in "Vandenberg Is Right," the editors lauded the senator's reply to the Keweenaw supervisors and Representative Hook,'who had been "short-sighted and inindoal to the best welfare of their own community." The editorial agreed with.vendenberg that within a year, the National rerkwwould "create a tourist revenue so much in excess of the small men: 01 tn money now received that the supervisors will wonder why they ever were opposed to the idea." The editorial then proceeded to cite n.80riel 14Ib1d., August 10, 1935, p. 8. 71 of "facts" and theories applicable to the supervisors' opposition: Tax revenue annually amounts to approximately $10 .000 from Isle Royals lends. If the island is a National Park and won't bring in 10 times that amount annually within a few years , then National Park administrators don't know what they are talking about; and their guess is based on the experience of every con- snmity where National Parks have been created. to find a commity in Michigan as tourist-hungry as Keveenu County objecting to exchanging a mere pittance in tax money for hundreds of thousands of tourist dollars, 1: beyond understanding.” When the eupervisore withdrew their objections to the project. the Mg countered the [reg Press admonition with an editorial full of praise for the nova. In "Keweenu Supervisors Change Views.” the editorial applauded the reversal as "evidence that these use have the best interests of that peninsula and county at heart.” A final bit of approval for the supervisors' action was expressed as follows: Their protests to the President were based solely on a aie-r understanding and they now realize, after nature investigation and thought . that the creation of this National Park in Lake Superior will eventually mean a revenue from tourist traffic that will far offset any tax revenue that night accrue free the land owners on the island. By their action they have assured Keween. Cormty a future tourist industry that will make the community one of the most proper and prosperous in the state, and which will bring to Hichigan a National Park vith possibilities unequaled in contie maul United 8““.0 Thus the most violent phase of opposition between are different philosophies and value system had come to a close. “though by no neena a comrehensive account of all active opposition to the Detroit 33; plan. the [gee Presg use intended to be representative of the dissenting voice of the Amrican public. W. July 24. 1935. p. o. 16%.. ”glut 1. 1935. ’0 6e VIII. LAND ACQUISITICN As early as November 25. 1921. Albert Stall, Jr.. was asking inquiries into the ownership of lands on Isle Royals in Lake Superior. It was not until April 5, 1940. that Secretary of the Interior Harold lakes accepted the title to these lands from the State of Michigan. and it was August 28. 1946, before Isle Royals was actually dedicated and officially opened as a National Park. During this twanty-five- year period. atoll wrote hundreds of letters. sent scores of telegrams. traveled thousands of miles, and carried on innumerable conversations in an attempt to have Isle Royals designated as a National Park. Not the least of these endeavors was the acquisition of land to be donated to the federal govermnent-oan activity in which atoll played a cost instrumental role. The first human correspondence carried on by Stall was with c. V. R. Townsend, lend agent of the Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company of Regaunee. Michigan. on November 25. 1921. In response to ltoll'a inquiry, Iownsend replied three days later that he had no list of ‘ ownership on Isle Royals. but listed an lmet ll. Scott of Lal’orte. Indiana. to when Stoll might write for more information.‘ thus began a seemingly endless chain of correspondence to various persons who would possibly have been knowledgeable on the subject. 1Letter from c. V. a. Iownsend to Albert Stoll. .315. November 28, 1921, "Chronological History of the mm." 72 73 A letter from Stoll to Scott on December 1. 1921. was answered the next day by the elderly LaPorte, Indiana. nan who had “only visited Isle loyale once since the 1880a" and who owned "about 1.800 acres or the island.'c Scott .12. listed several other possibilities to: pro.- pective owners to when stoll also sent letters of inquiry. The first positive inforution received by Stoll, however. cams iron Hillin I. Bonnets. Keweenaw County Clerk and Register of Beads. and LI. lichols of the Island Copper Company. Boughton. who both provided itenised lists of ownership on the island in early December. lichole. speaking for his company. which owned 92,000 acres or the island, was optimis- tic about possible cession oi the companyfis holdings in a letter to Stoll on January 6, 1922: Regarding your inquiry as to what our company would aspect from the State of. Michigan for our 92 .000 acres of land, I will say that I have no authority to make a statement of the value placed upon it. although I have reason to believe that our holdings could be pure chased. with mineral and lining reservations , at less than half a million dollars.3 After nearly two years of persistent investigation of ownership by atoll with little positive response, the Citin' Comittea o1 Isle Royals wrote him on August 210, 1923, offering to do "anything in our power" to accomplish federal control of the island an! to prevent an invasion of timber cutters, "who will oar and eventually destroy the natural bewties and animal life 0! the forests and gradually increase the risks tron destruction of life and preperty by the ravages of fire." 2Letter from sum: score to ilbert Stoll. .32.. December 2. 1921. ibid. 3Letter from I. H. Nichols to Albert Stoll, Jr.. January 6. 1922. 1113. 74 The committee, "owning all the land on the northeasterly portion of the main island" had consented to give "to the United States all that part of the island east of said line for a park or park purposes.“ With this bit of information as inspiration, Stall continued to search for official information on how much land was owned by the state and federal governments and on who owned the private lands. A letter fron George C. Jaclonan of the U. 8. Land Office. Marquette, on September 27. 1923, indicated that the federal govenmcnt owned 9.121 acres of the island, while state-owned lands totaled about 3.000 acres.5 When Thomas 2. Cole of the Island Capper Campany wrote on Oct!- obert 3 that his company would donate a total of 21,243 acres. "exclud— ing mineral rights which may have to be exploited at some tics in the future when the B. 8. runs out of copper," Stall undoubtedly had several moments of ecstasy. Cole also wrote that his company had sold more than 66 .556 acres recently to George Rupley of Duluth, Minnesota. a representative of the Minnesota Yorest Products Company. This was the man who would cause Stoll more heartache and frustration than anyone else during the entire campaign. though Cole described 111: as "a true conservationist who could persuade his associates to be reasonable."6 Further incentive for Stoll's personal motivation was provided by a letter iron 8. B. Tinney, Assistant Secretary of the Interior, on November 6 . 1923. By not making an outright negative reply to Stoll's “Letter from the Citizens' emittse of Isle loyals to than Stall. Jt.. August 24, 1923. ibid. slasttsr tron Georbs c. Jack-an to Albert scan. 1:... septa-bar 27. 1923, mg. 6Lstter tron themes 2. son to Albert scan.- .12.. October 3. 192:. gm. 75 inquiry, Tinney had thus encouraged him thefactthstsuchslsrgepsrtottheislmdismrprivate ownership practically precludes its reservation as a lationsl Ink or National Monmnent as Congress has consistently refused up to the present to appropriate funds for the acquisition of lands for park purposes. However, your letter will be brought to the atten- tion of the mropriate authorities who will co-Inicste with you directly on the netter.’ A letter tron Arno B. Canter. Acting Director of the National talk service. on bomber 23, was written in the one helpless tons: Conceding for the sake of argument that the island's scenic possibilities night justify its study for lotion“ l'erh purposes. the problem of so many private holdings would seen to be: its cone siderstisn altogether for latieeal lath purposes.‘ let discouraged by the disheartening character of these letters. atoll arranged with the hlashiagtoe correspondent, Jay 0. men. torsttqtstobeeedetesrraagsetederalensursieetethsislesd. insludingpossihleleoreteryofthe iateriorlobertflerhsedhtiessl Part service Director stephsn 1'. lather. mu. ltoll res working “Wucmmms. much'ndlertsnry lord“ to extend a tor-.1 invitation to federal mums. hemmionditor displayed adapts oi inththstesretsryefthslaterior,sfterthsiornsseede atriptslisshisgtee, D. c: iaearlyl'ehresry. 192‘. esdisoees the projestvithlorh anther. Ina letter toflorhenlebreery l1, ltoll pleaded tor “a sign. either of interest or disinterest” in isle onale fr. the federal .thsritiee. Inlainin that ”56,361 aoresolthstotalmfiflasrssaremilsbletothstedmlmt “VF—v hatter free I. I. tinny to tlbert Itoll. Jr" levder i. 1923. m. shatter rm Arno s. tenure: to Albert Iron. 32.. m 23. 1923. m. . 76 without cost" and that the "remainder will be secured without post to the government if possible." Stoll insisted that parties working on the Isle Royals project had to know “whether it can ever be brought to fruition. "9 Secretary Work's response to Stoll's letter had profound impli- cations for the future success of the park project. He wrote. in a letter dated February 15. 1924. after having seen movies of the island taken by the Michigan Department of Conservation and shown by Btoll on his trip to Washington. that it night be possible for Isle Royals to achieve park status. in supporting Stoll‘s plan. Work said: If practically all of the holdings on the island can be secured for gift to the United States. upon tender of title to these lands, 1 will be pleased to exercise the power vested in as by law to accept the gift and will recomend to the President that he estab- lish a National Monument to preserve them in their natural condition. The fine work of the Detroit News in actively promoting the preservation of this island for the benefit and use of the people of the entire United States is most commendable. This is a splendid project which should be encouraged in every way possible. and the News. and all who are cooperating with it. have my best wishes for the success of the enterprise. 0 Attacking the job of acquiring the land with renewed vigor after this announcement. atoll soon obtained promises of land from several minor landholders and a concession from Scott of le’orts to sell his "1,336.4 acres at $2.25 per acre plus taxes which have been paid on them since 1905. though 1 would like to retain several points and islands for q heirs."11 from the time of that achievement in aux-chum. until actual cession of lands to the federal goverment siztesn years later in April. 1940. Stoll encountered little but disappointment in reaching his goal. 9letter from Albert Stoll. Jr.‘. to Hubert Workp lebruary 17. 1924. M6 when: from Hubert work to Albert Stall. Jr.. February 19. 1924. m. 11Letter from Inset Scott to Albert Stoll. Jr.. March 7. 1'52!“ 77 The major force blocking the successful culmination of stats acquisition of land was George tupley and the Hinnssota lorest Products Company he represented. Rupley. who had allegedly convinced Hrs. Halter Singer, widow of the founder of Singersville on Isle Royals, "to ask $30,000 for her land which she had originally offered for $7,500,” had apparently been planning to profit on the island becoming a national park.12 Thomas H. Cole. donor of the Island Copper Company holdings on Isle Royals and a personal acquaintance of Rupley. wrote the latter two caustic letters-eons on July 3 and one on July lS--and sent carbon copies of these formal reprimands to Stoll. Cole was very "upset" with Rupley and severely criticized him for "being a sinister mercenary and trying to make that venality contagious to virtuous people."13 These and other criticisms of Rupley had no effect. however. because less than two months later, the representative of Hinnesota Forest Products Company blatantly declared that his company would be willing to sell for a figure that was eventually proved to be more than a two million dollar profit for holding his land less than on years. The; letter. described later by Stall as "depressing." explained: He have demonstrated at our satisfaction that. by operating Isle Royals as a unit carrying its own overhead charges (that is. sever- ing it from our property on the Minnesota mainland and the attend- ant aconomies) we can realize a get return from the timber of well over four Million Dollars ($4,000,000.00). Our company realizes the desireability of putting this bouti- ful property into the National Park system and to further this end is willing to make a very magnificent contribution. 12Letter from Stephen T. Mather. National Park Service Director, to Albert Stoll. Jr., June 19,.1924. ibid. “Letters from Thomas H. Cole to George Rupley, July 3 and July 15, 1924, mg. 78 I an authorized to sell our entire Isle Royals holding for Rational rark (and no other) purposes for the sun o! the Hillion live Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,500,000). It you are still interested. we can doubtless get together on details. Best wishes for your success. After informing the National Park Service authorities of Rup- ley's proposal and writing and outraged letter to Rupley himself. Stoll began investigating the possibility of having the island property con- damned. but to no avail. Writing to Mather on.March 16, 1925. Stoll appeared to be in a low. yet dthy optimistic, frame of mind.15 Indi- cating that the Newg was still attempting to persuade Rupley to concede the land at a more reasonable price, Stall wrote: The situation has remained unchanged since I wrote to you last and. although discouraging to a certain degree, I still tell that eventually Isle Royals will become a National Park. At this point. however, our only choice seems to be either pays ing the outrageous $2.5 million for the 70,000 acres or condemning the holdings through the State of Michigan. We have no intention of abandoning the cause. merely because of difiiculty in acquiring the holdings of the Minnesota.lorest Prod. ucts Company. The matter has already progressed more rapidly than one might reasonably have expected, considering the stupendous site of the project. The News will continue earnestly to advocate and strive toward the accomplishment offiits purpose. and will go to any reasonable length to that and. Rupley. unconvinced by conversations with federal officials during an excursion to the island arranged by Stoll. communication with Stall during 1925. or any other type of persuasion, generally avoided mention of the proposed purchase. until the Eggggvriter bluntly asked in early October, 1925. it the company’s decision was final. LaLetter from.George Rupley to Albert Stoll, Jr.. September 6, 1924. ibid. 15Latter fromHAlbert Stoll, J:.. to Stephen 1. Either. march 16, 1925. ibid. 16m. In a letter 79 dated October 19, 1925, Rupley replied: "I am sorry that matters took the turn they did but am not greatly surprised.” He then proceeded to emanerats the reasons why the company had been as noble as it possibly could be in the Isle Royals matter: 'Hy associates, than whom there are none wiser or better in- formed along this line, originally set the price at what they know they can get by Operating. I succeeded in having them reduce this price 50 per cent on the condition that the property should be used perpetually as a public park. In writing you, I called this a magnificent offer. I here re- peat the statement adding that the magnificence is the greater be- cause, by reason of their anonymity, my associates could not re- ceive public recognition of their beneficence. I am pleased with their action and that my efforts contributed thereto and leel that they and I have done our utmost.g . It will be a tragedy for Isle‘xoyale to be denuded of its timber, but there is apparently no other outcome. we shall un- doubtedly prepare for early operation there. There is too much capital tied up to remain long idle, eaten night and day by int. crest and other charges.17 Several months later, however, Park Service Director nether provided evidence that all of the lumber included on the tract owned by Minnesota Iorcst Products Company was not valued at even four hun- dred thousand dollars. Enclosing an official timber estimate in a letter to Stoll on February 12, 1926, blather suggested that this intonation might "help convince Rupley that his price is outrageous, especially since no lunbering operation could make even this much money in an area so dislocated from the mainland.“ nether concluded that: Vith the values given as a basis, it seems, if your people are willing to go ahead with this project, you should be able to make a deal with Mr. nupley. In the event that you still find him hard to deal with, the values given in this timber estimate night he used in having the State go ahead with condemnation proceedings. I trust that you will b! able to make good progress on the Isle loyele project from now on. 8 ”Letter from George lupley to Albert scan, Jr... 0:qu 19, 1925, ibid. “Letter from Stephen ‘1. “ether to Albert Stall, Jr... February 12, 1926, m. 80 Responding to Hathar's letter four days later, Stoll informed the federal official that the Michigan Conservation Commission, with the approval of the Governor, would, if necessary, invoke "the enabling not provided for in the act creating the Michigan.Department of Conan ervation,"‘uhereby the commission “can, at any time, condemn private lands for purposes of establishing parks, game reserves or forest areas." Stoll explained why the process might be desirable: Inasmuch as there is no such enabling act allowing the ted- eral Government the same privilege, it is understood bemoan the men signifig this agreement and ourselves that in the event of con~ damnation of the Isle Royals properties, the land will be condemned in the name of the State of Michigan and paid for by private par- ties with‘whom I am now in touch and after the condemnation has been consummated, the State of Michigan will deed to the National Park Service all the lands condemned with the stipulation that it is to be used for National ?ark purposes.19 A letter from Mather to Stoll less than a month later related the final action Rupley had taken in the Isle Royals matter before Rope ley died on New Year's Day, 1928. Mather had been informed that the property of Mrs. Halter Singer, being "handled by Rupley, had been sold to a private Kansas City club for $30,000." The National Perk Service director deplored the action, writing: It looks to me as though Mr. Rupley has been trading on the publicity which 1313 Royals has been getting for its preservation as a national reserve. This is disappointing to me, unless this preperty could also be included in condemnation proceedings before the Kansas City people have really taken possession. It is an ideal location for an administrative site and the buildings there would be admirably adapted to the purpose. If private developments like this are not headed off, it would be very hard for us to carry through the original p1an.20 19Letter from.Albert Stoll, Jr., to Stephen T.1Hathsr, [ebruary 26, 1925, th e 20Letter from Stephen 1'. Mather to Albert Stoll, Jr., March 3. 1926, ibid. 81 trunk 14. Horror: of Minneapolis wroto to ltoll ohout octivitioo of tho liinnoooto loroot Producto Compony oftor Ruploy'o dooth in o lotto: dotod lohruory 25. 1928. Offoring tho opinion that on I. H. Bockuo woo tho "oiniotor tiguro behind muploy and tho Hinnoooto Ioroot Producto Coupony," ho thon rolotod tho octivitioo of tho my: , Sinco Inpley’o dooth, thoy hovo oloood tho Duluth ottioo oo thoy oro buying no uoro lond. A layer, Frank P. Sheldon. ooyo that ho hiuolt io now looking oftor tho nottoro of tho conpony. which now hoo no octivitioo. l oupposo that they hovo bought oll of tho timber ond londo which thoy dooiro ot tho prooont tint our! :3 jutgittinglpot. Sholdoo no tho prooidont of tho coupony ooy now. no turthor dovolopnonto on load ocqoioition mood until oftor Preoidont Eoovor hod oignod tho hill dooignoting lolo loyolo o lotionol Pork contingont upon tho coooion of o ootiofoctory mount of tho land on tho iolond to tho federal gmrnnont. Borooo 14. “bright, oppoiotod Notionol fork Servico Diroctor ottor tho dooth of Iothor. ouggootod to atoll thot nichigon night crooto o coo-iooion to ooqoiro tho noooooory londo ooon an: tho Crnton-Vondonhorg un woo nan-4.12 mu idoo woo pooood on to Govornor Ililbor Brnohor by Stoll in oorly April ond o fivo-oon boord coo oppointod oo tho lolo toyolo lotionol fork Couiaoion on any 28. 1931.23 tho boord. ofiioiolly ootiutod on July 2. oonoiotod of Jonoo llolloughton of Ooh-mt. prooidht of tho Cola-ot and Bach Oop- por Company; ldool lord o1 tho Iord )Iotor Canon” tor-or VJ. Ionotor William Aldon Boith of Grond mid“ Bony I. Hot-pot o1 Looting. prai- dent of tho Hotor Uhool Corporotion and of tho lithium Ioooh Iolton 1 2111.302 tron front It. Horton to Alhort atoll. In. l‘ohrnory 25, 1928, M. 1,; 22Lotto: tron noroco It. Albright to Alhort ttoll. Jr.. huh 13, 1931. m1. 230.:r0;! Egg. my 28, 1931. ’o lo 82 Looguea end Willie: H. flolloco o2 Beginow, chairmen of tho lichigen Conaervotion Comioeion during tho oio-yoor odniniotrotion of Governor Grocoboch.“ m boerd. with atoll eo ”technicol odvioer," mac-d to be rolotively inoctivo during tho following two yeero. After Arno 3. Counter. on erdont Iole toyelo ten. woo eppointod eo Notional Dork Service Director to oucooed tho oiling Albright on July 7. 1933, tho proceoe o! ecquiring lole loyelo night hove been completed mch ooonor if the notion were not in the deptho of tho worot depreooion it had ever known. 0: December 29. 1933. U. I. tonotor Arthur a. You- donherg of Broad lopide, wrote to Itoll in the met thet new lettero were being written ot thot tine: Wanda hoe token ito toll in progreoo towerd Isle loyelo'e hetionel Perk otetuo oinco no otote coo- niodion could hove hoped to flame e perk project during the loot an or three yeoro.“ Vogue mention woo node of o ”federol eoorgency progroo that m. loyele night 3.: in on."25 A mu: tro- ttoll u an: 3. Barron one week eorlier had indieoted thet. "though I on not et liberty to give you detoilo ot thio tine. outfico it to oey thet epeciel {undo night be oupplied the iolond by e opeciol teconotructioo linonco Corp- oration tuna."26 When it had been euggeoted in October thot lolo onole night get Iotionol Recovery Adninietretion (RM) fundo, Vendonherg hod written of the volid teor thot Stall woo egoinot publicioing it: I understood your fee: ie thot it thio ootter io lode public. there will be e generol ocrooblo ell over the country which will jeepordioe the entire budget. Thot night well be. On the other 2AM" July 2. 1931. p. 1. 25Letter: from Senotor Arthur 1!. Vendenberg. to Albert ltoll. Jro. Wt 19. 1933. "Chronological History 0! ‘11. m." 26Letter iro- Albert Itoll. Jr.. to Freak 1:. Uorren. Deco-her 22. 1933. mg. 83 hmd. I am wondering whether the time has not come when the organ-- ination of public opinion pressure ought not to be laid at the White House door. A Detroit News story on January 6, 1934, "Fund Allotted to Isle Royals.” gave the first public evidence of impending federal purchase of the island. Senator deenberg, the story reported, had revealed that he had assurance that $350,000 can be obtained as a grant from the Public Works Administration to complete acquisition of Isle Royals as a national park." The story briefly outlined the recent history of the project: Resurrection of the park project. which has bee]. almost moribund for the last two years. one about with the allocation of $20 mil- lion from the M fund for purchase of national forests. the sug- gestion of NPS Director Camera: was taken that soon at this money be used to complete existing national park projects. Soon after a comission was pppointed to acquire the ruining lands on Isle Royals, the depression came. Much preliminary work was accomplished, however, including the making of surveys and plate. though no action has been taken looking to the transfer of title to land on the island to the Secretary of the Interior.“ Though nothing was accomplished on the nu ellotnoat tor the next twenty months, atoll made some valuable contacts with A. I. Rogers. new spokesman for the formerly belligerent Minnesota forest Products Company. In a letter from Itoll to Janos Cartoons on leptenber 12. l93b. definite optimism could be noted: Rogers. acting for the receivers. informed me quite honestly that the Minnesota forest Products Co. paid less than $382 .000 for their holdings and with taxes and carrying charges it now represents no investment upwards of $450,000 but stated further that if the land were desired for national park purposes (which it is) he would sur- prise those interested in the ridiculously low price the receivers would ask for it. I asked him to name this price in my reply and will be very interested to note how such loss than the 2origil'nal prise of $4 million they will take for their holdings.2 _A_i chatter from Senator Arthur H. Vandenberg to Albert Btoll, Jr., October 7. 1933, ibid. 2808‘1‘015 NEE, ery 6. 1935. pa 1. 29Letter from Albert Stall ham to James Cousens. September 12, 193A, "Chronological History otthe 84 Senator Vandenberg listed four reasons why the United States should take money from a relief fund for Isle Royals in "Vendenborg Urges 0.8. to Purchase Isle Royals.” in the Detroflwg on April 27, 1935. Vandenberg stated that acquisition of the island 'would be the best available means of. providing work and stimulating economic recov- ery in the Upper ”nimula of Michigan." and asserted that, besides offering manual labor and work relief . the project would "provide the most useful habitat for a number of con camps which can be put to work on the developmnt of permanent values on a national level." would at- tract sunmsr tourists and a corresponding mount of tourist dollars, and "would benefit both visconsin and Minnesota. also, as tributaries of the Isle loyale sector."3° When Consolidated tower and Paper Company of Minneapolis threat- sued to begin lumbering Operations on Isle Royals in the spring of 1935. even the Minnesota forest Products Company "attempted to persuade them to postpone lumbering until it can be determined whether the government 'will be interested in buying the land intect."31 while groups of con- servationists and sportsmen organised an "energetic revival” of the park campaign.32 national l'ark Service officials said the island would not be accepted as a part "if it is despoiled by logging operations."33 _4 30netro;§ Eggg. April 27. 1935. p. 1. 31Letter from A. R Rogers to Albert Stoll, Jr. , larch 23, 1935, "Chronological history of the IRNPH." 3228;1‘015 “gig, May 8’ 1935. Po 1e 33lb;d., Hay 24. 1935,, p. l. 85 Rogers wrote the Isle Royals Rational tart Omission that the Kinnee sota Forest Products Company would give the comission until September 1 to decide whether it wanted to buy the company's 72,336.41 acres at five dollars per acre.“ After that date, Rogers wrote. the company would be willing to lease its property for lumbering operations. Prompted by public pressures for action. Governor front I. litre gerald filled existing vacancies on the commission and the five-nan board held its first meeting in the offices of the W on June 5. 1935.35 soon after the board began mm; progress. ths m County Board of Supervisors mde its public statement against the park plan and upset negotiations with private landholders who were afraid public opinion was against their selling or donating the land. the day after former Governor Chase 8. Osborn applauded Vandenberg's efforts in behalf of the park project, the Senator sent Stoll and anxiom letter regarding final financial arrangemnts with the federal government: 0:: July 3. you submitted a proposal that if an aunt of $700,000 were nude available from federal funds for the acquistion in fee simple title of the lands on the island. you would guarantee any funds that might be nedded above that figure in order to con- plate the project. You agreed to have a letter from Harry Harper, secretary of the Isle Royals Rational Park emission. confirmatory of this under- standing in my hands early the following week. That letter has not been received. I would appreciate it if you would arrange to have this letter in my hands as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary delays. lakes is quite unhappy about the situation.36 After the emission provided this needed bit of confirmatory infatuation. it was only one day before President Roosevelt signed an 3“Letter: from A. R. Rogers to Isle Royals National Park Camis- sion. May 24. 1935. "Chronological History of the ram." ”Letter from Albert scoll. Jr.. to Senator Arthur 1!. Vendenberg, June 6’ 1935. ibise 36Letter from Senator Arthur H. Vandenberg to Albert stall. Jr.. July 26. 1935, ib g. 86 executive order appropriating $700,000 for purchase and $5,000 for administration of purchase of the remaining private lands on Isle Royals. The presidential signature allotted the money from.“money saved by Harold L. Ickes. WA administrator. from his old NA fund." the flag; reported. Citing that the project was realized "because of the cmperation of two men who may oppose each other for the presidency in 1936. Roosevelt and VandenberS." the story concluded that "when the property is finally purchased. it will be turned over to lches to con- serve md improve. after he donates it National Park territory."37 Immediately thereafter, extensive publicity was given to the establishment of various CCC camps on the island and to the many men who were put to work improving the proposed park. Meanshile, Stall. Harper. and theother waters of the Isle Royals Rational Park Commission cont- inued to negotiate on obtaining the lands for the park. Less publicity on the thousands of potential tourists was urged when it was reported that "difficulty is being encountered in getting decent options. because land owners are afraid they will be tramled by tourists.” A slightly different effect was evident among hotel and resort owners on the island. who "are figuring on such a great income that they are all putting quite s premium on their holdings," Harper declared.38 Except for the voting of $100,000 of Michigan funds ”if nec- essary to supplement federal funds" by the Isle toyale national Dark Comission on April 14. 1936. little positive news of the project was heard before early 1930. A three-month forest fire on the island in 37Detroit News, August 9, 1935. p. 1. 38mm: from Harry Harper to Albert scan. Jr., October 9, 1935. "Chronological History of the ram" 87 the summer of 1936, that was fought by hundreds of EPA and CCC workers, destroyed forests and wildlife on nearly one~third of the island and resulted in considerable loss of public support for the park plan.39 During the first half of 1938, condemnation proceedings and option negotiations continued on both the state and federal level. .A letter from Hillary A. Tolson, Acting Director of the National Park Service, to Stoll on January 20, 1938, indicated that ”nearly 90 per cent of the privately-owned lands on the island has been acquired or optioned." Tolson'wrote further that compromises "are being worked out where possible, hough conlennation has begun in the Federal District Court in a number of t:'.a.¢.:es."‘-“O Isle Royals National Park became an actuality on April 5, 1940, when Secretary of the Interior Harold L. Ink-es "accepted a title deed from the State of Michigan to the remaining land necessary to fulfill requirements under the Federal law providing for establishment of the Isle Royals National Park."41 Mhny long and thankless years of strug- gling had gone into the acquisition of this 132,000-acre national park. Congratulatory letters from.such dignitaries as Vandenberg,‘w.3. Scripps, and former Governor Chase 8. Osborn flowed into Stoll'e office at the EEtECLE News. Nineteen years of campaigning by Stall, coupled with the intermittent support of nany others, had achieved two-thirds of Stoll's goal. Six years were to pass before the third goa1-actual dedication of Isle Royals as a National Park-dwoudd come to pass. 39DCtr01LHMs September 6, 1936, Po 30o “Letter from Hillary A. 'l'olson to Albert stoll, Jr... January 20, 1938, "Chronological History of the IRNPM." 4libetroi News, April 6, 1940, p. l. IX. DEDICATIW AND CONCLUSICN As the Great Depression had interrupted the acquisition of the lands on Isle Royals, such was the effect of World For It on the dedication of the park. A nation under covers stress cannot be c:- pcctod to take on active interest in celebrations when it has little to be happy about. Plans were being made for tho dedication, however. a only as Decanbcr. 1938, when Harry Harper, secretary of the Isle Royal. National Park emission. wrote to Albert Stall, Jr... conservation editor of the Detroit Nag, requesting that the letter mks plans and begin publicity for tho dedication. "to be held in August. 1939. 1‘ possiblc."1 throughout the remainder o! 1938 and most of 1939, Itoll conferred with steamship lines and trml cgencic attempting to find out how mob it would cost to ucomodcto the dedication official and to prepare the program. In the spring at 1940. tontctivc plans are made to schedule the dedication for August, 1950. utter the 1939 data did not materialize. By Inns. 1940, however. it was apparent tho: it would have to be postponed once again, as evidenced by c letter from George I. Baggloy, appointed superintendent of Isl. loyal. smrcl lunar from Harry Harper to Albert can. an. ocean-bu 11. 1928, "Chronological History of the 1mm." 88 89 months earlier: Earlier in the year. it was generally planned to carry out the dedication of Isle Royals as a National rark sometime this year. However, recent events which have brought on a national emrgency are, no doubt, engaging the attention of those officials who must decide upon the dedication of the park. I am sure. as soon as the plans are complete that full informtion will be released.2 On August 10, 191.6, the Qetroig News announced in a front-page banner headline that "0. 3. To Dedicate Lake Superior's Isle Royals As a national Park," reporting the ceremony was scheduled for August 27.3 Tracing the history of the Isle Royals cunpaign, the story said that "several federal and state officials will make addresses during the ceremony." An editorial. "Isle Royals Rational hrk.” appeared that sens day applauding the idea that ”the long battle has been won.” After nsntioning ths roles played by Stoll and George I. Killer. late editor-in-chiet of the m the editorial concluded that "specs for- bids the mention of all who took part in the endeavor vhich now comes to fruition, but all can rest assured that they have done no mean service for their country and for posterity.“ A decond editorial after announcement of dedication ceremonies traced the M's role in the campaign. in "All the reopls braver," the lead editorial: 1! this newspaper takes more than an objective interest in the case, it is with reason for Isle Royals National Park is the ful- fillment of a dream originating in 1921 with the late George I. Miller, then editor of the News, and Albert Stall. Jr.. then an now the havs' conservation editor, who pushed the project entir- ingly in the years thereafter. There was the inevitable local opposition to surmount end pri- vate interests to be persuaded to the public view. There was a long missionary labor to be undertaken in official Washington. Isle Royals 13. along other things. a monument to the patience of its friends. stttsr from George I. Bagglcy. June 25, 1940. £131 . ”GUIDES MI, “M‘ 10. 1M. ’0 10 ‘Ihids. pe 6s 51bid.. August 13. 1946, p. 6. 90 The Egg; concluded its pro-dedication coverage of the Isle Royals National Park with an entire Sunday rotogravure section titled, "Isle Royals formally Becomes State‘s First National Park" on August 25. three days before the dedication.‘ On August 27. 1946, Albert Stall. Jr" sat on a platform con- structed for the dedication of Isle Royals as a National fart. such against his physician's better judgment. The years of the isle onv- ale campaign had seen a marked change come over this energetic. per- sistent middle-aged journalist. who sat wrapped up in an afghan and bundled in three or four sweaters and a coat to witness his dream coming true. Governor harry 1. Kelly asked stall to stand and be ack- knowledged as a man who "carried on for years with unstinting devotion” the movement that gave Michigan its first national park. the m reported in "Proud Day for State. Gov. Kelly Declares." An editorial. ”The Middle East's lirst National hrk,“ praised Stoll and Miller for "vigilance and unremitting efforts" toward the fruition of the park plan. The editorial concluded. "The News is proud of its role. fro. origin to culmination of this project. which shows that good things can be accomplished even against bitter odds and long demands on patience and psrssrvsrence."8 U. I. Boripps of the Evening Hess Association. _8toll's superior for many years, wrote a personal letter of. congrtlations on September 6: "I cannot let this auspicious occasion go by without expressing to 51mm, August 25. 1946. p. 1:. 71pm" August 28, 1946, p. 1. ngidep pa 6e 91 you my personal satisfaction. as well as that of the Egg over this happy accomplishnent.” Scripps told Stall that ”you are neat cert- ainly to be congratulated" and noted that "all of those who spoke at the dedication spared no opportunity to place credit where credit belongs.” Similarly. WM magazine praised atoll. noting that he received well—deserved praise from Michigan and federal offiv cials "for his efforts to get Isle loyale in Lake Superior set aside as a National Park."10 The Detroit Board of Comoros weekly publica- tion, Qetroiljgg negarine, raised a pertinent question on "Our Newest National Park": When history gets straight on our meat National Dart. Isle Royals will bring up the traditional Benjamin rrnnkiin international boundary story: and surely will credit Arthur Vandenberg for his vision and courage in leading a winning fight in Washington. Will it give proper praise to Pete Stall and the late George Killer-- end the whole Detroit News?"11 Stoll's colleague, Lee A. White, ttfisd to insure that history would umber Stall. when he initiated the "suing o! something for atoll" in a letter to Ronald F. Lee. Acting Director of the National Park Service on January 12. 1952.11 this resulted in the dedication of the trail and plaque on 8cowille trail in July, 1954. these and many other gestures or counts tron across the nation praised the work of the 15m and Albert Otoll, Jr... in my different ways. Only the thousands of animal tourists to Isle loyale Rational Dark could say it any better than "rats" himself. when. in an editorial on I'ebruary 19. 1921;. he wrote: 9Lettsr tron II. I. Icripps to Albert ttoll. Jr... Isptenber 6, 1946. “Chronological History of the mars." ”Editor m Mlisgg, September 14. 1946. p. kl. lmetroiter, 53pm! 3. 1946, Do Is nutter tron Lee a. shit. to Ronald I. Loo. January 12. 1952. "Chronological History of the max." 92 An Anericen can leave no finer moment, no more grateful mry, than a magnificent work of nature which he has been instrumental in preserving for his people, for all time . . . .13 J'3Detroiggfilfltews. February 19, 1924, p. 6. BIBLIKQRAPHY Books Adrian, Charles 1., and Press, Chnrles. The American Poligicgl Process. New York: McCray-Hill Book Company , 1965. Allen, trederick lewie. 0:112 Iggtgrdg. New York: Harper and Row. 1931. . fiinge Yestcrrgax. New York: Bantam Books, 1964. Bolin, Luis l. Ige National 1?qu 0: Q3 United States. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1962. Leopold, Richard H. Grow Forei Pol . Na York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1962. Melba, Irving Robert. Our Coungg'g National Parks. Indiennpolis: Bobbo-M‘rrill, 1964. Hurie, Adolph. 111a Moose of 1913 Rgzglg. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press. 1934. Sullivan, Thomas Alan. Emlgtigs and Ordgg Re C Regional Park get-vice up to Januag 1I 1945. Hashington: U. 8. Government Printing Oifice. 1947. Artie lea and Periodicals Bigclow, Eartha H. ”hle layolo national tort Wt." m Higgogg, m M313. 1951). pp. “‘54. East, Ben. "Winter Sky Roads to 1:1. Royela." WW 1.! (Member. 1931). pp. 759-774. . "Park to the north: Isle loyalo Now a National Park," American. For , XLVII (June. 1941). pp. 274477. Hummer, G. 3. "Proposed Rational fart for Isle loyal...” W W. XVIII (August, 1935). pp. 495-500. "Isle Royale," Atlantic. CCVI (September, 1960). pp. 74-78. "1:10 Royals," m. mm (June. 1940). pp. 325-328. "1310 loyal“ A Poem." W 11 (Bauer. 1851). p. 199. 93 Articles and Periodicals (cont.) "Isle Royale As National Park," Na ional Re blic, XXIII fieptmber, 1935), pp. 14-15. "Isle Royals As National Park," cientifig Monthly, XIII (Hay, 1936), pp. 1.77-4.50. "Isle loyal. National Park," gravel, (:11 (July, 1954), pp. 31-36. "Isle Royale National Park," §cience, LIXIY (July, 1931), pp. 9-10. 31810 Royal. National Park Establishment," Science, 101 0437. 1940), pp. 517-518. "Isle Royale National Park Passed," gird mag, mu! (March, 1931), P0 1670 "Isle Royale: Predator Vs. Prey," {leg gal fling, Will (January, 1964). pp. 21.230 "Isle Royale‘e Potential National Park," conomic Geography. , XIV (October, 1938)g PP. 349.3530 "m: of laboring Sppeds am to rte-em Island," m. mm (September, 1935), pp. 176-177. "Holt on Isle Royals," Nature, XLVII (Jamary, 1954). pp. 35-37. "Wolves Vs. Moose on Isle Royale," Regional Geoggaphic, 01111! (February, 1963), pp. 200-219. Reports City of Milwaukee, Public Mom, Bullegin 1929, X (1929). prepared by George A. West, “Copper: Its Mining and Uses by the Aborigines of the Lake Inperior Region,“ pp. 4041. U. 8. Congress, Home Cmittea on hblic Lands, Lela Roygge Regional Lark: Reporg. House of Representatives No. 17005. March, 1931. Unpublished Material "Chronological History of the Isle Royale National Park Movement," a collection of newspaper clippings, correspondence, broom, programs, and public documents, prepared by the W and donated to the Michigan Historical Collections, Rackhmn .flall, University of Hichigan, Ann Arbor. 95 Other Sources Personal interviews with Mrs. Betty Angelo, 14421. Rutland, Detroit. Michigan, March 22-June 28, 1966. Personal interview with Mrs. Isabel Stall, 691 Bloomfield Court, Birmingham, Michigan, June 28, 1966. lama]. interview with Mrs. Albertine Leonhard, 691 Bloomfield ' Court, Birmingham, Hichigan, June 28, 1966. Detroit News, 1921-1952. getroi; trike”, 1921-1940. gitgmd Rapids Press, 1923-1935. HICHIGQN STRTE UNIV. LIBRQRIES II II IIIII III IIII II IIIIII IIII III II III II IIIIII II III III 756428