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Walloon Lake Association Wallooner Newsletter November 2020

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The

Wallooner Winter 2020

A Noble Undertaking The Pioneer Legacy of a Walloon Family BY L AU RE N M AC I NT Y RE P G . 7

Why We Support the Guardian Fund

The Next Generation Shows Up for the WLAC

Taking on Invasives

BY POLLY & TOM BREDT PG. 3

BY LAUREL MCATEER PG. 9

BY RUSS KITTLESON PG. 11

RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP INSIDE! Photo Credit: Bill Flowers


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CONTENTS 02 03

Executive Director Letter

By Josephine Roberts

New Wallooners, Old Michiganders

By Tom & Polly Bredt

Walloon Stories

By Lauren Macintyre

04 Walloon Stories The Ultimate 05 Harrington’s: Family Place (continued) By Lauren Macintyre

By Lauren Macintyre

Green Infrastructure at the Norcross Family Preserve By Jen Buchanan

Celebrated 06 The Camps of Walloon

By Lauren Macintyre

07 08 09

A Noble Undertaking

By Lauren Macintyre

Fulfilling A Vision

By Jac Talcott

The Next Generation Shows Up for the WLAC

By Laurel McAteer

Wallooner Q&A with Sally Swason By Abby McAteer

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First Look: 2020 Shoreline Survey

by Jennifer DeMoss

11

By Russ Kittleson

Alien Undergrowth

12

Renew Your Membership

Taking On Invasives

By Elijah Brumback

Census Snapshot

By Elijah Brumback

Junior Membership 13 New Sign Up Form Well Do You 14 How Know Walloon? New 15 WLAC Trustees 16 In Memoriam

Letter from the Executive Director Dear Friends, In this unusually challenging year, my hope is that this issue of the Wallooner finds you joyous with many things to be grateful for this holiday season. As we near year-end, it still feels like the whole world remains upturned and changing at an immeasurable pace. Thankfully, the work of the Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy (WLAC) ensures that there are some things that will never change. The protected natural habitats in Walloon Lake and in the watershed are directly linked to the very distinct heritage that makes Walloon such a special place. Certainly, the abnormal seasonal migration of lake residents this spring and some of the herculean efforts to get to Walloon in the midst of impending shelter-in-place orders were a testament of how important “place” became to all of us this year. As we turn the corner to meet a new year, the WLAC remains laser-focused on some of our most important initiatives that will continue to protect Walloon, forever. Soon, we will be communicating the results of three important water protection assessments completed this past summer season -- a shoreline survey performed by our partners, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, a lake-wide aquatic invasive plant survey and our continued Swimmer’s Itch research to better understand viable control methods. On land, we have begun forestry management with the goal of ensuring forest health on our preserves for generations to come. We have also developed a strategy to control terrestrial invasive species that will be aggressively implemented in the upcoming seasons. With our most important land acquisitions projects on the horizon we are in the process of updating our priority parcel map and strategizing our financial future in order to care for our current and future properties in perpetuity while working towards becoming an accredited land trust. Culturally, we are working on strengthening our alliances with local townships and broadening our partnership opportunities with like-minded organizations. Perhaps our boldest plan, but long overdue in the new year, will be to evaluate our relationships with contractors who operate in the Walloon Lake watershed and benchmark their work against our own core values and environmental goals. With more than 80% of the nearly 30-mile shoreline of Walloon Lake developed, lakefront property owners are our first line of defense in water quality protection. As a fragile inland lake, this interconnected and closed ecosystem means that what happens to your shoreline, how you care for your land and maybe more importantly, who you partner with to help you accomplish your property goals can have adverse and long-lasting impacts. One of the wide-spread messages that has resonated with me during this extraordinary pandemic age is our ability and responsibility to protect one another. This holiday season, I challenge you to do one thing that protects Walloon, forever. All my best,

Josephine


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New Wallooners, Old Michiganders By Tom & Polly Bredt

Michigan. In 2013, friends from Harbor Springs brought us to northern Michigan for a visit. One day we took their boat, launched it in Walloon Village and spent the day picnicking and touring Walloon Lake.

Polly and I both grew up in Detroit and spent our free time on outboard boats in local lakes with friends and family. After graduation from The University of Michigan, we married, left Michigan and settled in northern California. Our affinity for freshwater led us to Lake Tahoe where we enjoyed time on the water for 32 years. We also enjoyed owning wooden boats, all designed and built in

In the South Arm, we cruised past a dock with a “For Sale” sign in front of a log cabin. We love wooden homes, so we took down the name of the realtor, Kidd & Leavy. We followed the listing online and by spring the property had not sold. Our Harbor Springs friends visited the cabin and said we needed to take a look. In June we met Pat Leavy on the porch for coffee and Johann’s pastries. We did not leave the porch for 45 minutes, and spent 15 minutes in the cabin, which had been lovingly restored by the owners, Don & Diane Brooks. We had a return visit in the afternoon for more porch time with Pat Leavy along with wine and Plath’s meats. That evening we decided to make an offer–it was accepted and in August 2014 we started our first summer adventure as Wallooners. Current WLAC President Pam Roudi and her husband Dennis live next door, so we

were quickly introduced to and joined the Association. We brought our wooden boat to Walloon with thanks to Wally Kidd for uniting the wooden boat owners and sponsoring the “Walloon Woodies” event each August. We have enjoyed many hikes on the preserves over the years and have come to love and appreciate the critical importance of the watershed to the health of Walloon Lake. Three generations of our family and our friends all spend time here making memories that will last a lifetime. A unique aspect of the Lake, the WLAC, and the community, is how everyone is united and committed to the preservation of the Lake and its watershed – a welcome change in today’s world. Our sincere thanks to all who have worked so hard to preserve this treasure. We are pleased to support the WLAC as Primary Guardians, and to have helped support some of the preserve acquisitions. Please honk or wave as you cruise by our dock. Our Hacker-Craft wooden boat “Shooting Star” is on a lift. Our other boat’s name is “Loony” so you will know it is us. If we are home, we will be “on the porch.”

The Historic Cottages of Wildwood and the West Side By Lauren Macintyre

From Wildwood up Drive meets Forest Lane. Although their the West Side of the showplace burned in 1913, the Batchellors still achieved great success by marketing Lake “One of the beauty spots of the lake,” a 1911 brochure proclaimed about Wildwood Harbor… Rich in history, the gently sloping lands around Wildwood Harbor attracted many families in Walloon’s early years.

Ha rb or In n Th e ol d Wildwo od

In 1907 the Batcheller brothers of Boyne City bought all the land along the shoreline and built the imposing Wildwood Harbor Inn where Wildwood

the lakefront lots in the picturesque setting.

Three of the original adjacent cottages survived the fire and still stand today. These cottages, owned for many years by the Edwards, Fick and Barker families stand as testament to Wildwood’s early days as a celebrated resort. Among the early settlers in Wildwood was Dr. O.J. Jarrett, who was married at Walloon in 1908, then later bought a cottage on Wildwood, which at the time could only be accessed by water. Dr. Jarrett’s grandson, Peter Vellenga, whose family still owns the (continued on next page...)


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4 (See page 6.) Beginning in 1947, however, the camp served as a family oriented resort on the American Plan. Wildwood Harbor resident Sue Damman, whose parents honeymooned at Valhalla and then later returned with their family, has many happy memories of Valhalla, including the bell ringing to call guests for delectable meals. Eventually the resort was sold to Dave and Rick Smith who created the popular and beautifully landscaped Wildwood on Walloon condo community that exists today. Valhalla’s old farm house serves as Wildwood’s office while the one of the resort’s last cabins became Wildwood’s beach house, which, as Sue Damman says, “looks and smells exactly the same as it always did!” Above: Dr. Jean Cavell in front of the Weller/Cavell cabin in the 1930s (Courtesy of Scott Cavell) Below: The cabin as it looks today

Moving up the (lake) from Wildwood toward the West Arm is the area bordering the main basin of the lake and Lily Pad Bay. In this area is the state’s pristine 200-acre Mackinaw Forest land, as well as Longfield Farm, where Ernest Hemingway’s artistic mother Grace maintained a small cottage as a quiet sanctuary to pursue her art. Around Lily Pad Bay is the very intriguing Eagle Island — and yes, it was an island in the old days before a creek that connected the bay with the West Arm was unfortunately filled in. Eagle Island was first home to a Native American tribe; findings from a 1970 Michigan State University archaeological dig revealed that it was an early Woodland Indian site. The dating of stone tools, pottery shards and arrowheads that were discovered there place the Native American occupation at 900 AD.

Jarrett cottage, dubbed the “Ginny Jo,” recalls when there was no electricity and he rowed to a neighbor’s pump for drinking water. Many other early Wildwood families are still on the lake, including the Makinen, Marklewitz, Thornton, Vellenga and Jarrett families.

The early days of Walloon saw many hotels and resorts around the lake, but the oldest may be on Eagle Island. Land on the island was homesteaded by the Davis family in 1880, and one year later the family’s “fish camp” was advertised, featuring delicious meals and baked goods from Mrs. Davis herself. Eagle Island, like many other Walloon resorts, was served by that most famous of lake steamers, the Tourist, which sadly met its demise in the waters off the island around 1921.

rebuilt by Herman and Ida Breithaupt in 1948, who renamed it “Hemlock Point.” The resort featured 18 cottages and a dining hall that also served Walloon West. Diners were called to meals by the ringing of a large bell on a tall tower. The Hemlock Point bell has since been beautifully restored by Geoffrey Fieger, whose house sits on the site of the original dining hall. Nearby is the charming “Cedar Cottage” of Jack and Vicki Hobey, which may be the oldest remaining building from the resort. Built in 1914 by Dr. William Roever of St. Louis, this is the cottage that was used by Madame Wauters as the first site of Hilltop Camp. (See accompanying article.) The children of Charles Lindbergh stayed in this cottage during their time at Hilltop, according to Jack. This impeccably maintained cottage showcases many of the original architectural features and furnishings as well as the Hobeys’ collection of period-appropriate antiques. Jack, a noted local author, and his wife Vicki are amazing custodians of Walloon history. Further up the West Arm is one of the historic gems of Walloon Lake, the circa 1884 log cabin of Scott and Susan Cavell. Known originally as the Weller cabin, it is perhaps the oldest known house on Walloon and one of the oldest in Emmet County. The cabin, along with the accompanying 45 acres of farmland, was purchased by Scott’s grandparents Dr. Matthew Cavell and Dr. Jean Cavell of Evansville, Indiana in 1934 as a summer home. There have been additions and modifications over the years, and other homes built nearby as land was sold, but the original structure with its hand-hewn maple logs is easily discernible. Scott, who is a permanent resident and business owner in the area, remains fully committed to the preservation of the cabin. “I am honored to be the current steward,” he said.

Walloon is fortunate to have people like the Ernest Hemingway’s parents also came Cavells, Hobeys and the other lake residents to Wildwood Harbor in 1898 to stay with featured in this article who are maintaining relatives, inspiring them to later purchase land and build Windemere on Lake Grove. Eagle Island Resort burned in 1919, but the lake’s historic cottages and thereby preserving the Walloon legacy. Wildwood Harbor was also home to the eventually the property was purchased and Valhalla Camp for girls, established in 1933.


The Wallooner | Winter 2020

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Harrington’s: The Ultimate Family Place a bell on the dock to call caretaker John Martin. And thus the marina was born. As more friends came to visit, the Harringtons needed more guest cottages, which they had built by Boyne Falls Log Homes. And thus the resort was born. A brochure for Harrington’s Resort touts the benefits of vacationing at Walloon on Vintage post card of Harrington’s, above; Mike and Claudia Harringt Lake, dubbed “one of on the Betty Lou (Courtesy of Mike Harrington) Michigan’s most enchanting spots” where “those who are Most children who grew up on Walloon in troubled by hay fever find almost instant relief.” the 1950s and 1960s undoubtedly remember Three and four-bedroom lakefront cottages, with Harrington’s Marina. High on the northern end boats, were available for families who could of the West Arm, it was the familiar place families enjoy tennis, basketball, softball, fishing, a chip stopped to gas up the boat. Kids, if they were lucky, and putt golf course and other amenities. There would run in to buy candy or ice cream bars. was even a teen house with music and ping pong, which is now a pavilion for the Bear Cove But it was so much more than that … In 1950 noted Chicago television and radio Association of nearby homes. sportscaster John Harrington and his wife Betty bought a 50-acre tract of land at the end of St. Louis Club Road from their brother-in-law Allen McCune. John built a summer cottage for his family and later converted the garage to a guest cottage.

Popular sports and television personalities like Sherm Lollar, Arthur Godfrey, Gene Rayburn and Jack Brickhouse all stayed at Harrington’s.

Eventually most of the family made their home in Petoskey; John Harrington started radio station WJML in Petoskey, named after his three The Harringtons had their own gas tank for boats, children, which son Michael eventually ran. Son so naturally friends asked to buy gas there, ringing John Harrington ran the marina for many years.

As times changed the ten cottages and resort grounds were eventually sold and renovated or replaced by private houses. Near the marina, the St. Louis Club, founded by businessmen from St. Louis in 1909, closed and became private housing. The marina itself was initially sold to Bob Simpson and became Si’s Marina, then sold again to become today’s Bear Cove Marina. Today Bear Cove remains a hub of activity on the West Arm and a popular spot for boaters. Mike Harrington, a knowledgeable and humorous lake historian, still lives in a beautiful house near the marina and is an active member in the Petoskey Community. He still owns the family’s 1954 Chris Craft Holiday the “Betty Lou.” Adorning the walls of Michael’s house are vintage photos of his father interviewing sports figures such as Sugar Ray Robinson and Paul Hornung Much has changed around St. Louis Club Road since Harrington’s glory days, but the beauty and camaraderie of the neighborhood remains. As Mike comments “I met so many wonderful people, many who remain friends today,” he said. “Everything about our resort was family oriented.”

Green Infrastructure at the Norcross Family Preserve By Jen Buchanan, WLAC Trustee and Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council Watershed Protection Director

The Watershed Council, in partnership with the Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy (WLAC), collaborated on solving an ongoing stormwater runoff issue at the Norcross Family Preserve in July to not only protect Walloon Lake from pollutants, but to also showcase an example of green stormwater infrastructure (GSI). This summer, unmitigated runoff from an adjoining property that passes under M-75 via a culvert was addressed by both teams. After considering several options, the two organizations decided to install a rain garden-like solution that would direct runoff along a cobble-lined channel. This will allow stormwater to slow down, spread out, and soak into the ground, which is the motto of GSI. Native plants were planted along the way to help encourage infiltration and absorb nutrients from the runoff. Many thanks to WLAC for their partnership and stewardship of Walloon Lake. Funding for this project was provided by the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation’s Little Traverse Bay Protection and Restoration Fund.


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The Celebrated Camps of Walloon By Lauren Macintyre

Over the years Walloon has been home to a host of picturesque camps that delighted generations of young people. The natural beauty and vast acreage around Wildwood and the West Arm were a natural site for these camps. Particularly interesting about the camps is the fact that for many Wallooners, the camps were their introduction to the lake, instilling in them the desire to come back as adults and purchase homes here.

sparkling waters of Walloon as they enjoyed the myriad of activities offered by Camp Michigania, not just for children but for the entire family on 6,000 feet of shoreline and 377 acres of lush rolling land and forest. Today the camp remains incredibly popular, with 4,500 campers per year, maintaining long waiting lists for families. Like Walloon itself, Michigania is a multigenerational phenomenon, an integral part of family traditions for so many. A number of longtime Wallooners, like Wally and Judy Reynolds and Fred and Judy Feldkamp, came to Michigania, fell in love with Walloon, and then bought a house on the lake.

The oldest and perhaps best known children’s camp on Walloon is Camp Daggett, organized in 1925 by local teacher Walter MacMillen on a forty acre tract gifted by the On picturesque Wildwood Harbor, Camp Daggett family to the City of Petoskey. Unique to Walloon, over the years the Valhalla was opened for girls in 1933 by camp was financed not just through camper sisters Florence and Louise Williams from fees, but through the strong support of a Flint. Eventually the camp encompassed number of community organizations. Once over 100 acres of farm land, a farmhouse, equipped simply with tents, outhouses and barn, the adjoining lakefront owned by the no electricity, today Camp Daggett features Batcheller brothers and a number of cabins. a beautiful 13,000-square-foot lakefront Valhalla became known for its beautiful cedar lodge and 12 camper cabins as well as grounds, with more than 15,000 pine trees and flowering shrubs planted there by the two shower and restroom facilities. Williams family. Still a highly regarded and popular camp, Daggett maintains over 1,400 feet of lake The camp was highly successful for eight frontage on beautiful Walloon Lake and 118 years, but as World War II loomed and gas acres of forests, wetlands and meadows. rationing caused fewer people to travel, Beloved in the area, Daggett continues the camp suffered and was forced to close. to host hundreds of campers each year, In 1944, however, it reopened for a few including children in need and those with years as a certified training facility for special needs. “For 95 years Camp Daggett camp counselors and a day camp for girls has provided a traditional summer camp vacationing in the area. In 1947 Valhalla experience for kids from all over,” camp became a much-loved family resort, and Interim Director Rick Gross said. “No then later the Wildwood on Walloon condo community. electronics allowed!” In 1927 the prestigious Camp Sherwood, Hilltop Camp, founded by Madame Doris founded by E. V. Tomlinson, director of Wauters in 1938, was originally located the Detroit Athletic Club, opened for boys in two cottages on Eagle Island, but later on the site of the A.W. Olds sawmill near moved north to a large wooded tract of Sumner Road. This was followed in 1936 land near the Kritcher Farm. Madame by the opening of Camp Huntingdon Wauters and her husband, who worked as for girls on property south of Sherwood. an engineer for Oldsmobile, received a loan Sherwood and Huntingdon both prospered from R.E. Olds for the purchase of the land until 1962, when the Tomlinsons decided to for the new camp. sell the camps.

Both camps were then purchased by the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan, which had been looking for a permanent site for a camp in northern Michigan. The two camps were joined together and renamed “Camp Michigania.” Since its inaugural season in 1963, thousands of campers have been dazzled by the

This dinner bell, now meticulously restored by Geoffrey Fieger, stood on the grounds of Hemlock Point Resort on Eagle Island, where Hilltop Camp was first located.

Wallooner Jim Anderton, who attended Hilltop as a seven year old with his sister, remembers it well. “We loved every minute of it. Learning to ride horses was our biggest joy and accomplishment,” he said. “In fact, we wanted to take two of the horses home, but our parents never seemed to understand the logic of that.” Hilltop Camp was sold in 1959 to Mr. and Mrs. William Bauerle who operated it until 1978 when it closed its doors forever. Today, houses dot the area where the camp once stood, but “Hilltop Lane” still exists near Zenith Heights. In 1938 the Kritcher farm itself was sold to Seymour Tilchin who founded Camp Walloon for boys. Later it was renamed Fairplay Camp, but unfortunately did not do well and was forced to close. Eventually the land was sold and used for the Hills of Walloon housing development.

Fondly remembered by campers, Madame Wauters was a creative, fun loving but strict director who ran the camp like a boarding school in her native England. Wallooner Sue Howard Duval, whose family stayed in a nearby cabin in the 1940s, has wonderful The camps of Walloon will live forever in memories of Madame Wauters and loved the memories of many Wallooners. going there to see her and join the campers in their activities.


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A Noble Undertaking…

The Pioneer Legacy of A Walloon Family By Lauren Macintyre

Walloon families are known for passing an intense love of the lake from generation to generation. It is not unusual for Walloon family traditions to span decades and decades, over three, four and even five generations. And then there’s the Noble Olds Carpenter family … A sharp, active nonagenarian with a twinkle in his eye, Noble Olds Carpenter enjoyed his 92nd straight summer at Walloon this year, never missing a single year since birth. That in itself is very special, but now consider the fact that his great-great grandfather Henry G. Olds first visited Walloon in 1872 and his family story really becomes extraordinary. Noble recounts his family’s history with fascinating detail. As with other pioneers, it was an affiliation with the railroads which brought the Olds family here. In those days railroads not only transported products and people, but also developed hotels and resorts to house visitors once they made it to northern Michigan. Henry Olds was friends with officials of the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad who offered him the use of its camp at Birch Point on Indian Garden.

Noble Olds Carpenter with his son Noble, Jr. on Walloon in summer 2020

trip with his three sons William, Noble and Eugene, camping on the Indian Garden site. The family became so enamored of Walloon that Henry Olds contacted John Henry McConnell to see if he could One year Henry Olds came to Walloon — purchase some property. He obtained a then known as Bear Lake —- for a fishing large piece of land just south of the Village, erected a lean-to type cabin and named it “Fort Wayne Camp,” after his home town of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

displays of lake artifacts, vintage maps and ancestral photos taken at the lake.

Although those lean-to cabins no longer exist, Noble built his own house on the site in 1970 in a style reminiscent of them and also maintains a second similar house next door for family. His parents John and Maribel Olds Carpenter lived in a nearby cottage, now owned by John and Ginny Starkel. Walking into Noble’s house is like a step into Walloon history, with impressive

The Village looked completely different, Noble recalls. “I remember all the boat works there, particularly Heinie Grund’s. He rented these very popular little one cylinder boats called ‘putt-putts’ or ‘onelungers’ that had a center engine and flywheel. I really enjoyed those boats.”

Noble Olds Carpenter as a boy in his beloved boat on Walloon (Photo courtesy of Noble Olds Carpenter)

“The women kept things going,” he notes, gazing at a picture of his grandmother and other female ancestors at the lake. Another picture, even older, shows family members in turn-of-the-century garb walking on a heavily forested dirt road with their dogs. That picturesque road in the photo was the highway to Boyne City, Henry began enjoying summers there known today as M-75. with his wife Caroline and their children Noble remembers a very different, slower William, Noble, Eugene and Caroline. Then paced lake life style from today. Milk, friends began to visit them. They promptly eggs and vegetables were delivered from fell in love with the lake and asked to build the Stevens farm. Children spent the days their own cabins on the property. At one exploring the lake and the woods. “It was a time there were five cabins on Fort Wayne carefree, idyllic life with my buddies Jimmy Camp. The family even had its own wood Rauh, Jim Olds and Phil Wehrenberg,” he burning steamboat called the “Magic,” said. “We roamed the woods and lived in thought to be the first one on the lake. our clubhouses.”

(continued on next page...)


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8 Boats played a large part in Noble’s love of the lake. He vividly remembers saving his money to purchase a 1/4 horsepower Elto motor for $26 in the Village, installing it on a boat his grandmother had given him. He has many fond memories of time spent in that boyhood boat. Noble, like his father and other family members, attended Princeton University graduating in 1951 with a degree in economics. He then went on to enjoy a distinguished career in banking, first in Cleveland, then in Canton, Ohio, where he still lives in the off season. Throughout his long successful career, including time in the military, he never missed a single summer at Walloon. Today he enjoys spending leisurely summers here with his wife Sherry, who maintains the beautiful gardens surrounding the house. The lake has changed from Noble’s boyhood days and he laments the loss of so many original cottages, but one thing that never changes is the love people have for Walloon — and nowhere is it more exemplified than in Noble and his family. The Olds/Carpenter legacy on Walloon will continue for many years, since Noble has three sons and nine grandchildren. “All my children are devoted to Walloon,” he reports happily.

Olds family members with their dogs on the road to Boyne City, now M-75. (Photo courtesy of Noble Olds Carpenter)

Fulfilling a Vision at Postle Farm Preserve By Jac Talcott, Watershed Stewardship Coordinator

In July, among Land Stewardship Committee members and friends, the Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy cut the ribbon on a newly completed well at Postle Farm Preserve — a big step forward to fulfilling the wishes of donor Dr. Jack Postle. Postle Farm Preserve has been a WLAC Ambassador Preserve for more than a decade. Ambassador Preserves are premier examples of the organization’s protected lands, offering abundant natural beauty in addition to ample resources for education and community building. After holding a conservation easement for 11 years, Dr. Postle decided to donate this property outright to the WLAC in 2006. The preserve’s classic red barn, open meadows, and lush woodlands make it a picturesque environment to visit year round.

The property has received a couple of capital improvement projects over the years such as the installation of an outdoor privy and signage on the trails. The latest capital improvement of the well and pump near the barn and picnic area was yet another progression as the WLAC seeks to fulfill Dr. Postle’s vision for the property. Establishing water was a huge step towards the WLAC and Dr. Postle’s shared long term goal of developing regular educational programming on the property. Having officially partnered with North Central Michigan College to collaborate on future programming for local college students in late 2019, the well marks a significant milestone in the combined endeavor. It’s important to note that a minimum of 20 pumps are required before actually

yielding water. This workout is ultimately the result of Walloon’s deep water table approximately 200 feet below. Dr. Postle sadly passed away this September, but he leaves behind a legacy of dedication to land protection positively impacting the Walloon community at large. The WLAC is honored to carry forward Dr. Postle’s efforts to improve the community he cared for now and forever.


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The Next Generation Shows Up for the WLAC Junior Membership Article

By Laurel McAteer, WLAC Communications + Outreach Committee Member

As Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy members, we share a common love for the lake and community that we want to enjoy, preserve, and protect for years to come. There’s no better way to ensure that Walloon stays as special as it is than to include younger generations in our mission and efforts.

and relevant to the WLAC mission and to at some of the preserves, and participated in the annual shoreline clean-up. Ideas for their age group. What we learned is that this group of the future include things like a babysitting Junior Members are passionate about network, geo-caching and other educational the environment, socially conscious, and opportunities, and, of course, social events. active, adventurous fun-seekers. They have We also would love to have our Junior opinions, ideas, and an interest in creating Members capture and publish stories from and engaging in a community of people their those with interesting history on the lake, age that love the lake like they do. They took (such as the Q&A below) tying together many a keen interest in learning about watershed generations while preserving and sharing our protection, shoreline clean-up, and offered unique history. We look forward to seeing ideas and feedback on social events and what transpires as this important new group community-building programs that could be of WLAC members grows in 2021!

Last year, the WLAC created a Junior Membership for kids under 18. This, the membership committee built on that beginning. In less than a year, 140 Junior Members have joined this new community. It’s obvious that the next generation feels what we adult members do — pride and a offered in the future. Last but not least, their connection to the lake, community, and the keen knowledge and use of social media will be an asset not only for growing and engaging environment that surrounds it! Staff, trustees and committee members met with Junior Members but for promoting with a cohort of Junior Members ranging overall WLAC mission and objectives.

If someone in your family or anyone you know in the community is between the ages of 0-18 and would like to become a Junior Member, please visit www.walloon.org and click on membership. Each Junior Membership is between the ages of 12 and 17 this summer On top of brainstorming meetings, some only $10/year and there are sure to be many to discuss what initiatives would be exciting Junior Members participated in a boat exciting ways to get involved over the next safety and wake surfing event, volunteered year!

Walloon Profile: Sally Swanson Q&A By Abby McAteer, WLAC Junior Member

Q: Tell us about yourself.

only able to come up on weekends, because they worked at their permanent homes downstate or neighboring states. They would come up by A: My name is Sally train and get off in Clarion, where family or Randall Swanson, friends would meet them and take them to their graduate of Stanford summer homes. Families would come for the University, resident of Walloon Lake, and three months of summer and then return to their I’m a wife, mother and permanent homes for the rest of the year. Today, a myriad of other jobs. many young people have summer jobs or have to get back to school early for athletic practices. Q: What is your first Memory of Walloon? Q: How many generations has your family A: My first memory of Walloon Lake been resident on Walloon? was swimming off of the Point with my grandmother. She was tossing a rubber ball to A: Counting my great grandparents who visited me and my older sister. I also remember helping my grandparents here, six generations of the my family to plant all of the red pines that line Randall family have been living on the Point at our driveway. My job was to take lemonade Walloon during the summer. and little seedlings to the adults, who were Q: What’s a favorite childhood memory responsible for planting them into the ground. from Walloon? All of the walls in my Lake House are covered A: One fall day, I was walking in the woods with wood gleaned from our driveway entrance. with my sister. Suddenly, I heard footsteps in the They had grown untouched for 75 years! dry leaves next to us. When we walked, I heard Q: How was life different on Walloon when footsteps. When we stopped, they stopped. I looked down, and there was a small ruffed you were younger? A: In the early days, there were not as many grouse! The next day, with nuts in our pockets, residents on the lake as there are now. The lake we walked the same walk, and, once again, this had fewer motor boats and lots more sailboats. ruffed grouse walked alongside us. I told my It was not uncommon for over 20 snipes to race sister that it looked like we had a buddy to walk each other on weekends. Many of the men were with us, so we named him “Buddy”. We fed him

some nuts - roasted pine nuts seemed to be his favorite. Every day after that, when he heard us walking, Buddy would run out to meet us. Soon, he came running whenever we whistled. Every once in a while, he would fan out his tail feathers and strut around. When my sister and I headed for home, he would come and tug at our pant legs, hoping we would stay and be with him a little more. Q: Do you have a favorite WLAC preserve? A: My favorite preserve is the Wildwood Preserve. I was a monitor there for a few years, and walked it many times. I loved the different terrains and foliage you find there. So many wildflowers in the spring as well as wild orchids and even puffballs! Also, about half way around, there is a beautiful lake where the WLA placed a bench. I loved to sit there and have a snack while watching all the ducks coming and going. Q: What’s one thing everyone should know about the WLAC? A: I was thrilled to learn this year that there are now junior members. Just as I have loved and cared for Walloon Lake all my life, you, too, will carry on this responsibility. My children were raised to treat our lake with care and not do anything to harm it. You can encourage your peers to care for our lake as well.


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Understanding the 2020 Shoreline Survey with Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council Submitted by Jennifer DeMoss, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, Communications Director

You may recall from the last issue of The Wallooner that the Watershed Council was performing shoreline surveys across Walloon Lake this summer. While the data is in the process of being analyzed, we’d like to offer lake residents a glimpse into the life of shoreline surveyors. The Watershed Council’s seasonal employees Lizy Michaelson and Garrett Greer recounted their experiences recording data on shoreline health from their kayaks. Here, you’ll also get information about how to get individualized shoreline results once the data has been processed. Spoiler alert: they’ll be mailed to you, but you can also get your results online. Thanks for your patience!

Human modifications also enter into a shoreline score. They looked for alterations like rip rap or breakwalls that armor shorelines. Property owners may install shoreline armor to prevent erosion, but it ends up having the opposite effect, especially on neighboring properties. Michaelson noted that some of the breakwalls currently in place in Walloon probably wouldn’t be approved today because of how far they jutted out into the water. Drain pipes leading out into the water also lowered scores. As they paddled from property to property, the duo typed the data into a carefully waterproofed iPad, and then started over the next day to do it again.

Collecting the Data

Initial Impressions

According to their calculations, Michaelson and Greer spent at least 15 days out on Walloon Lake. On calm, early mornings they would park the Watershed Council truck at boat launches and head off by kayak to explore the different arms of the lake.

While the data has not yet been entirely processed, Michaelson and Greer were able to offer some first impressions of their time spent with shoreline monitoring. One factor in particular that stuck out to them was how property owners’ strategies influenced their neighbors. They saw sections of riprap that extended across several properties, as well as greenbelts planted by multiple neighbors.

“Every part of the lake was a little different,” said Michaelson. “It was interesting to see the basins and how they connected. There are a lot of large and beautiful houses, and you can see that people put a lot of work into making natural shorelines in some areas.” The pair kept close to the shoreline, identifying each parcel they were to rate and scoring them on a variety of factors. One factor is substrate, or, as Michaelson explained, “Is it rocky or sand dominated?” If they found obviously eroded areas, like gullies, those were entered into the data sheet. They also looked at plant material. Properties with greenbelts, or swaths of native plants that reach to the shoreline, received higher scores because they prevent erosion and lessen the impacts of stormwater pollution. Shorelines with mowed grass to the edge of the lake scored lower. (Tip: they also tend to attract geese, which leave messy droppings all over the lawn.) The team also looked for aquatic plants. Shorelines with an abundance of the algae Cladophora can indicate that nutrient rich run-off from storm events is reaching Walloon Lake. In a worst case scenario, a leaky septic tank can be the culprit. What’s one potential solution, aside from regular septic tank maintenance? More greenbelts (see the previous issue of The Wallooner for more details.).

One Walloon Lake resident and her neighbor had collaborated to plant a flower garden on the edge of their properties. The resident said the garden was 10 years old. “We could tell they did an excellent job with native plants to capture nutrients,” said Michaelson. “It was such a site of beauty on the lake and she gets to cut flowers from it.” The Watershed Council’s Watershed Protection Director Jen Buchanan noted that while some people think that putting in a green belt will obstruct their view, there are lots of aesthetically pleasing plants that won’t get in the way. Another resident had a bioengineering project on his family’s property. It consisted of a sandy shore with a porous retainer wall. “If you’re going to have beach sand on a property, think of something like this to keep it from washing back into the lake,” remarked Greer.

The Data Greer and Michaelson entered the data into Geographic Information System (GIS) software and scored each property based on the factors described above. The scores will

be entered into a GIS map, with the shape of parcels altered so that scores can remain anonymous. People will be able to look at their own scores, and see overall scores for different parts of the lake. Greer cautioned that having a great greenbelt garden, while desirable and environmentally friendly, might not earn someone a perfect score. A lot of algae growth or drain pipes can mark off points even though, as Greer pointed out, the drain pipes might be originating from across the street. The team worked from the water and wasn’t able to pinpoint exactly where the pipes came from. Property owners will receive notification in the mail when their scores are ready. Information for improving shoreline scores is available at the Shoreland Stewards website (www.mishorelandstewards.org/).

Didn’t you mention a drone last time? Monitoring Programs Coordinator Caroline Keson has been testing out the drone over the north arm of Walloon Lake. While it won’t eliminate the need for kayakers to survey the shoreline at this time, Keson is hoping it can serve as a useful tool for the future of data collection. “There are quite a few variables to take into account when flying a drone for survey work,” explained Keson. “For instance, the wind affects the drone, and so does the amount of sunlight, the angle of the sun, and the number of batteries you have.” Keson can get about 15 or 20 minutes of surveying work done with each charged battery, and when she’s changing batteries from a boat she has to catch the drone midair to prevent it from plunging into the lake. Keson expects to use the drone to track changes on the shoreline over time. The drone will allow her to take high quality images of shoreline properties that she can then overlay on a map to monitor alterations, such as greenbelts, a decrease in the use of riprap, or more or less shoreline erosion. Regardless of whether the Watershed Council is surveying Walloon Lake by kayak or drone, we hope that our work provides residents with the information they need to steward their properties for years to come. Thanks for your patience and for helping us protect the lake you love.


The Wallooner | Winter 2020

11

Keeping Invasives Out of Walloon Lake By Russ Kittleson, WLAC Vice President and Environmental Impact Committee Chair

Well, the good news is that we only have one Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that our battle with and we need everyone to help keep the pristine EWM will have a conclusion because it is virtually impossible to completely eliminate. waters of Walloon with only one. The one invasive species we are currently There are two other popular methods that are fighting is called Eurasian Water Milfoil used in other lakes to treat EWM. One is laying (EWM). A handy identification graphic was biodegradable mats over the patches and the included in the Summer Wallooner. EWM other is harvesting. One method of harvesting has three to six leaves arranged perfectly in a is called DASH - Diver Assisted Suction “whorl” around the stem and each leaf is divided Harvesting. Both of these methods are very into leaflets. EWM has some lookalikes, which expensive. In Walloon, we believe we are doing are good for fish habitats and other aquatic the best and most economical approach by species. However, the defining characteristic of treating with safe herbicides.

EWM is the 12 to 21 leaflets at each side. The While EWM is one opponent, another invasive pictures to the right show what it looks like in plant that is showing up in mid-Michigan lakes is European Frog-bit, which looks a lot like the water. This season we have treated several patches of miniature lily pads with leaves only a half to 2.5 EWM, however we have had no large masses inches. With other potential invasive threats to and the Environmental Protection Committee Walloon, the Environmental Impact Committee has determined it to be a successful year of is committed to regular monitoring and moving quickly on treatment plans. Still, we cannot mitigation. focus strictly on treatment, which is why EWM is treated with a variety of very safe education and prevention are at the forefront of herbicides that do a great job of eradication. our efforts. The largest area treated this year was Mud Lake. This is a critical treatment area because The number one reason an invasive aquatic the water of Mud Lake flows into the greater plant moves from one lake to another is from boats and trailers that are not adequately body of Walloon. cleaned. All boats and trailers entering or

Alien Undergrowth: By Elijah Brumback, Director of Development & Communications

Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM) in the water

Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM)

A bizarre exploration of our preserve forest floor

chlorophyll, hence the eerie white and waxy appearance. Instead, the plant in another fiendish turn is parasitic, deriving its energy from other fungi, typically gilled, milkcap species in the Russulaceae family, that This strange and fairly-tale like species have an existing mycorrhizal or symbiotic typically grows in small clusters and can relationship with another tree. be found throughout densely shaded and Ghost Pipe was noticed in abundance this thick canopied forests. The waxy and white year and brought to the attention of staff hollow bodies with curved scale-like heads, by long time member, Deb Kurd and furry sometimes seen with black flecks or a pink companion, Bentley, who are frequent hikers hue, give Monotropa uniflora its more of Postle Farm Preserve. While it may have commonly used names — Ghost Pipe or flourished more noticeably, Ghost Pipe, despite its origin, is not an invasive species. It Indian Pipe. A unique looking plant for sure, however is native to temperate regions of Asia, North it’s existence is slightly more intriguing America and northern South America. Our in researching this perennial plant. Unlike forests have a significant presence of beech many of the plants scattered across the forest trees and Ghost Pipe is often associated with floor, Ghost Pipe is not photosynthetic like this deciduous species of tree. In spring and through the summer, if you spend time hiking in the Walloon Lake watershed you may notice an unusual looking plant perhaps not recognized elsewhere but Dr. Seuss stories.

the majority of ferns and other flowering plants in our preserves. Classified within the Ericaceae or Heather family of acid-adoring flowering plants, Ghost Pipe doesn’t contain

leaving Walloon Lake should be washed. Even though it is now a state law there is much more to be done. This year we sponsored three mobile boat wash events to highlight this importance and are working on a long term plan to develop permanent boat washing stations around the lake. If you are interested in helping with these programs, please contact jac@walloon.org.

In addition to its peculiar nature and mystical look, tinctures of Ghost Pipe have been used in Western herbal medicine since the late 19th Century to treat anxiety as the

plant has anxiolytic or nervous systemcalming properties. However, we do not encourage harvesting or ingesting Ghost Pipe in any form.

Monotropa uniflora, Ghost Pipe

We hope you enjoy this new knowledge of the flora and fauna within our wonderful preserves and can better admire the small and remarkable corners of nature right out our backdoor.


Volume L | Issue 3

12

Renew Your Membership for 2021 Dear Wallooners,

Let’s keep the collective voice for Walloon Lake and its watershed clear and strong through these challenging times. The year is coming to an end which means it’s time again to renew your Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy membership. If not already a member, please consider becoming part of the WLAC family in 2021. A stalwart and rising membership helps to preserve the pristine quality of the lake and protect the natural beauty of the watershed environment. In addition to keeping Walloon’s fragile ecosystem healthy, your membership gives you the following benefits: • The Wallooner. The publication has been upgraded with a new magazine-style look and more robust content. A special section on the history of Walloon will continue and features many of the multigenerational families around the lake. • 2021 Walloon Lake Directory. This resource provides valuable information regarding Walloon and its residents. • The Walloon Marketplace. Join friends around the lake on Facebook to share information, find services, items and much more. • Timely Communication. Tune in via email and social media to keep informed of news and special events happening on and around the lake. • Active Protection. Support safety buoy monitoring and preserve maintenance, updated shoreline surveys, Swimmer’s Itch research, and aquatic invasive plant surveying. Earlier this year we conducted an in-depth Walloon Lake census, which has already provided useful information to help guide future activities. Currently 64% of membership has responded. If you haven’t completed the 2020 Census form, there is still time to do so. Please go online to www.walloon. org and click on the 2020 Census link. The census will take approximately 5 minutes to complete. While there, click the “Get Involved” tab on our site for more ways to support Walloon & the WLAC. Dues ($95) remain unchanged again in 2021. Your continued support of the WLAC is greatly appreciated. Thank you, WLAC Membership Committee Jan Antalis, Marianne Barry, Danny Fellin, Lauren Macintyre, Ralph Miesel, Pam Roudi and Janet Sarran

Give the Gift of Walloon Lake! At just $95, a membership in the Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy makes a lovely gift for friend or family member at holiday, birthday or other special occasions. Remember, the Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy is not just for home owners on the lake … the WLAC is for anyone who loves and wants to preserve the beauty of Walloon Lake and the surrounding woods and fields! Add a Junior Member for just $10 and connect the next generation of Wallooners to the WLAC. Contact the WLAC office today at 231-535-6112 or at wlac@walloon.org to arrange for a special gift membership certificate. You can also purchase a gift membership and pay via credit card at walloon.org.

Census Snapshot 2020 By Elijah Brumback, Director of Development & Communications

Thanks to your input, the 2020 Walloon Census has provided a wealth of useful data that we at the Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy are excited to put to use. First, you’ve helped us update our database with moves, new email addresses and more. We want to do our best to keep you informed about what’s happening in the community and this was a huge help toward that goal. We also heard your concerns and we’re using your comments to inform our programs going forward. We’ll be leaning in to our Courtesy Campaign next year and we’ll also be releasing new information regarding our participation in a three-lake study of Swimmer’s Itch. We’re hoping that through this research, we can provide better controls and precautions for all Wallooners. Lastly, the Census has allowed us to get a picture of our membership and the data shows an amazing living history in progress. We plan to continue celebrating this through future issues of the Wallooner just like this one! Here are some additional highlights: • 65% of families have been coming to Walloon for 25+ years • 42% of families have been coming to Walloon for 40+ years • Just 10% have been coming for ten years or less • 54% of families are 3rd generation or more • 55% of families spend 13+ weeks at Walloon (keep in mind 26% live year around) • We have at least 3 families with 8 or more generations on the lake! Thank you again for your participation in the 2020 Walloon Lake Census.


The Wallooner | Winter 2020

13

2021 Junior Membership Sign Up Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy

Junior memberships are for all Walloon Lake lovers age 18 and under and are just $10.00. Each junior member will receive a WLAC junior membership card to carry with them and show their Walloon Pride! Junior members will also receive a personalized birthday card in the month of their birth and invitations to special Walloon Junior Member events.

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You can sign your Junior Member up two ways; by completing the form below, providing the information for each junior member and placing it in your Membership renewal envelope, or by going to our website, www.walloon.org, clicking on Membership and Join Today. Junior Memberships are a great way of instilling the love we all have for Walloon Lake to the next generation so sign your junior members up today!

pledge to: • reduce, reuse, recycle • leave no trace • keep the lake clean • be a good neighbor

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Volume L | Issue 3

14

How Well Do You Know Walloon? Can you match these historic camps and hotels on Walloon with the letter of their approximate location on the map? Correct answers can be found on page 17.

1. ______ Lombardy Lodge Resort

7. ______ Camps Sherwood & Huntingdon

2 ______ Hilltop Camp

8. ______ Valhalla Camp

3 ______ Birch Point

9. ______ New Walloon Hotel

4 ______ Echo Beach Hotel

10. ______ St. Louis Club

5 ______ Indian Garden Hotel

11. ______ Fort Wayne Camp

6 ______ Baer’s Den Hotel

12. ______ Illinois Point


The Wallooner | Winter 2020

15

New WLAC President & Trustees Pam Roudi,

WLAC President Friends introduced Pam and husband Dennis to the Walloon area in 1982, and with one glance at the beauty of Walloon they were hooked! After spending many years in a house on Indian Garden Road, five years ago the Roudis found their year round home on Shadow Trail Road on the South Arm. Pam’s passion for Walloon led her to first become involved with Walloon Lake Association committees, then serve on the WLA Board for six years, culminating with the presidency in 2013-14. She has also served as a Trustee of the Walloon Lake Trust and Conservancy. She currently also contributes her time on the board of the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, a close partner of the organization. Pam is committed to preserving Walloon and its watershed and educating the public about conservation. Now a retired “domestic engineer” Pam enjoys gardening, cooking, birding and photography when she is not busy with her many volunteer efforts. She and Dennis have a son and a daughter, and enjoy boating, sunrises and sunsets on Walloon.

Steven Dutton,

New Board Member Steve’s wife Molly first came to Walloon with her parents in the early 50s. After they were married in1972, they took their first trip to Walloon together just a few years later. The lake he says, “had me at hello.” In their early days on the lake they rented one of the Voran cottages in the South Arm and visited often. Their children grew to love Walloon just as they did and in 1989 the Dutton’s purchased a home in the West Arm near Camp Daggett and have been enjoying wonderful family times there ever since. Steve is a certified CPA and earned his undergraduate degree at Ohio Wesleyan University and his MBA from Ohio State University. After a career in accounting and financing and later as the present principal and CFO of CASTO, a real estate development firm, Steve eventually partnered with Wayne Hilton at Bear Cove Marina. Having previously served on the WLAC Safety Committee, Steve is enjoying learning more about the inner workings of the organization and how it continues to safeguard and enhance our very special environment. He looks forward to contributing meaningfully in his new role on the Board of Trustees.

Marty Makinen,

New Board Member Marty and his family have enjoyed Walloon Lake since the 1960s. They first stayed at the old Valhalla Resort, then bought the Greentree Lodge cottage with Audrey and Dave Fick’s family, and finally, their own Valhalla cottage (after Louise Williams sold the resort she agreed that the Makinen family could take on the name)—all on Forest Lane in Wildwood Harbor. Marty and his family are both summer and winter visitors, appreciating the warm lake water in summer; going skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing in the winter; and watching beautiful sunsets year round. Marty is an economist, with a PhD from the University of Michigan, who has had a career working on health systems in low- and middle-income countries around the world. Living mainly on the East Coast from Boston to DC, he has been a Vice President at Abt Associates and Results for Development Institute. Now he teaches health financing at the George Washington University School of Public Health in Washington, DC and does freelance consulting. Marty’s work and tourism has taken him to more than 80 countries with long-term stays in Kenya, Cameroon, and Madagascar. Marty’s family includes wife Holly Wong, daughter Jasmine Wong, sister Kitty Cortez, and brothers Jerry and Alan Makinen, along with many nieces and nephews. Marty has served on the WLAC Finance Committee the past two years and joined the Board in 2020. He looks forward to contributing to the protection and enhancement of nature’s gift to all of us—Walloon Lake!


Volume L | Issue 3

16

In Memoriam…

If you have a loved one who has recently passed and would like to submit a memorial story in the next issue of the Wallooner, please let us know.

Dr. Jack R. Postle Tree Arts Council Endowment, Public School Human Growth and Development curriculum, and North Central Michigan College Board of Trustees. A 113 acre parcel of land in Melrose Township (affectionately known as “the Farm”) provided recreation for the family and friends over the years and Jack was pleased and proud that the land now belongs to the Walloon Lake Land Trust and will remain a natural site in perpetuity as the Postle Preserve. After retirement, Jack and Pat moved to Lake Keowee in South Carolina and Jack continued his conservation interests with the Friends of Kemerer. Following his medical internship, he served in the U.S. Lake Navy, stationed at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Sasebo, Japan. Patricia Keowee Society. In 2009 Jack and Pat moved to the Cascades and their first born son, Jack Jr. (Jay) were able to accompany him Verdae Retirement Community in Greenville, South Carolina for part of his tour of duty. His residency training in Obstetrics where Jack spent his final years. During these later years Jack and Gynecology at Ohio State University Hospital was completed spent countless hours maintaining and improving the nature trail in 1960 and the family, now including Jeffrey and Linda, moved at Cascades including writing monthly newsletters and four books to Petoskey, Michigan to join Burns Clinic Medical Center. Dr. highlighting the natural beauty he observed. Jack was preceded in Postle was the first Obstetrician–Gynecologist at the Clinic and death by his parents, two brothers, his wife Patricia, and son Jay. He started a new department that grew to five members at the time of is survived by his son Jeff (Diana), daughter Linda, grandchildren his retirement in 1991. Jack’s interest in the Petoskey community Patrick (Kristen) and Teresa, great granddaughter Lindsey Paige, included chairing a school study committee that resulted in nephew Herb, nieces Beth, Katherine and families. Jack suggested obtaining the property where the Petoskey Middle School and that memorial gifts go to the Walloon Lake (Michigan) Association High School now stand, United Way, Planned Parenthood, Crooked and Conservancy or any other land trust of interest. Dr. Jack R. Postle died peacefully on September 20, 2020. He was born in Columbus, Ohio as the third son of Wendell and Helen Postle. He attended Upper Arlington Schools, graduating in the class of 1946. He attended Ohio State University, receiving BA, MD, and Master of Med. Sc. Degrees. In 1953, he was married to Patricia Ann

Robert W. Charlton Robert “Bob” W. Charlton, 68, died on November 1, 2020 at his home on Walloon Lake, surrounded by his loving family. Born on February 19, 1952 in Kansas City, Mo. to Cordelia and Stan Charlton, Bob lived a full and blessed life. After graduating from North Kansas City High School, Bob studied at the University of Missouri School of Journalism. While in school, he worked as a dishwasher at nearby Stephens College where a beautiful, young brunette caught his eye—his future wife, Maggie. Maggie and Bob were married for 44 years and were blessed with three sons. Bob spent 30 years with The Dow Chemical Co., retiring as global vice president of public affairs and communications (he undoubtedly would have liked to edit this before going to print). A four-year stint in Zurich, Switzerland created so many memorable experiences for the family.

Bob spent summers on Walloon Lake—his favorite place in the world. The family settled on Walloon Lake in 1996 after returning from Europe. Originally landing on the lake for the winters (because of the close proximity to Boyne Mountain), the family ultimately stayed for the incredible summers. Whether it was maintaining immaculate landscaping, happy hour cruises, or family gatherings, Bob cherished every moment on the lake. But most importantly, Bob treasured the time he spent with his grandchildren on the lake. “Poppy Time” at the lake was a favorite of all five grandchildren.

Bob was strong in his faith, and had a robust network of Christian brothers and sisters through his affiliation with Walloon Lake Community Church in Michigan and Desert Springs Community Church in Arizona. He felt strongly about being invested in the communities where he lived, and contributed time with many local organizations, including: The Salvation Army of Petoskey, Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy, Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation, Petoskey-Bay View Country Club, Bob retired from the corporate life but it was only a change of Goodyear PebbleCreek Rotary Club and Phoenix West Valley scenery. He and Maggie settled in Breckenridge, Colo. for the ESL Literacy Association. Bob was also a mediator with Northern winter season, where Bob spent over 100 days per year on the Community Mediation. slopes—as a patroller for the Breckenridge Ski Patrol, and as a A son, brother, husband, father, father-in-law, poppy, cousin, uncle, Level 3 professional ski instructor for the Breckenridge Ski and friend, colleague, mentor, teacher, and brother in Christ—Bob will Ride team. Many thanks to Boyne Mountain for teaching Bob be missed by so many. Bob is survived by his loving wife, Maggie; the fundamentals of being a great patroller! After 10 winters his three sons, Brad (Kristen), Brian (Chelsea), Scott (Genevieve); in Breckenridge, he and Maggie migrated to the west valley of his five grandchildren, Jack, Thomas, Claire, Beau, Ford; and his Phoenix, Ariz. to enjoy a warmer climate. Bob’s pickleball play two sisters, Ann Lester and Mary Beth Meyer (Doug); and so many improved each season in Arizona. Bob’s dedication, determination more loving family and friends. and focus made him just good enough in order for Maggie not to consider him a liability in mixed doubles tournaments.


The Wallooner | Winter 2020

17

Emma Skinner Makinen Emma May Skinner Makinen was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 19, 1923. She died at the Hiland Cottage Hospice in Petoskey, Michigan, on October 4, 2020. She was married to William “Bill” Makinen (1925-2013) for 66 years. They had four children, Marty (Bethesda, Maryland), Jerry (South Bend, Indiana), Kitty (Cortez) (Lake Stevens, Washington), and Alan (Richfield, Minnesota). Emma has six grandchildren (Angie, Dana, Eero, Jasmine, Kaitlyn, and Nate) and four great-grandchildren (Emma, Isla, Lily, and Remington).

she led a successful effort to pass a code of ethics, promoted girls’ sports as well as girls’ science, technology, engineering, and math studies, and advocated for the use of computers in schools. She was a passionate birder and enjoyed nature hikes and wildflower identification. She was an environmentalist before that term was invented. She was active in the American Association of University Women, book clubs, foreign relations discussions, human rights, and Elder Hostels. A great joy of her life was spending “summers” (May-October) at the family cottage, “Valhalla,” on Walloon Lake. Emma first visited Walloon Lake as a camp counselor in the 1940s. Later, in the 1960s, she brought her family to the resort on Wildwood Harbor called Valhalla, owned by Central Michigan professors Louise Williams and Jane McNamara. Eventually, Emma and Bill bought “Green Tree Lodge” with Bill’s sister Audrey and her husband David Fick. Finally, Emma and Bill bought their own cottage on Wildwood Harbor and adopted the Valhalla name after the resort was sold.

She grew up in Hazel Park, Michigan, and lived in Madison Heights, Redford Township, Farmington Hills, Boyne City (Walloon Lake), and Petoskey, Michigan. Emma graduated from Hazel Park High School in 1942 and Central Michigan College in 1946. She earned a varsity letter at Central, playing basketball and volleyball. She was a teacher in schools in Mount Pleasant and Flat Rock. Emma served on the Farmington Public Schools Board of Education for three four-year terms, first elected in 1972. While on the Board, A memorial for Emma will be held at a later date at Valhalla and at the Makinen Family Grave site in Kaleva, Michigan.

Thank You Memorial Donors Our apologies to these valuable donors who were not listed in the Directory IN MEMORY OF JAMES GERY Sue & Dan Arends Ellen Campbell CDW CDW, PPM Team Daniel & Erin Foley Suzanne Moyer Hutton Mary & Jim Hyer Jody Weinberg Kenway Consulting Jeff & Laura Neher John Joliet Stephaie Santander Robert & Joannie Everitt Glenn & Carolyn Jeffers Stefanie Kelley Jim Kenney

IN MEMORY OF BRIAN BATES

Mary Katherine Krause Charlotte Lewis Oscar & Elinor Link John & Grace Lowell Ed & Pat Marchetti Jim Mitchel Keri Myers & Ed Evans Wayne & Polly Nicely Pat Olson Jonathan & Britni Rowley David & Mary Ellen Ryan Shirley & Pat Ryan The Schwanke Family Catherine Vrenna Diann & Bob Walker Stacey Wetttein

Craig & Carol Adams Household James & Denise Anderton Ann & David Bobilya Julie & Allen Boyd Nancy Carr Veronica & Michael Conway Cook Medical Covington Lake Association Melinda & Sterling Doster John Eckberg Fort Wayne Metals James & Tania Gardner Rick & Roberta Grenfell Rick Grinsfelder Penelope & Dennis Hatt John & Vicki Hobey Ann & Steve Holmes Suzanne, Mike and Rachel Horton

Broc & Lynne Johnson John & Karla Kamstra Bruce & Jane Keough Le Grand Eden Prairie Product Management Jerry & Phyllis McCullough Paul and Cynthia Miller Household L.A. Merry William & Cathy Mildren Mark & Susan Moore Slotegraaf Niefhoff David & Barbara Nordloh Ralph Nowak Household Joe & Amy O’Reilly Diane & David Sirota Alan & Kathryn Somers Mary Swallender Stephen & Susan Young

ANSWERS TO WALLOON TRIVIA 1. C Lombardy Lodge Resort

4. J Echo Beach Hotel

7. E Camps Sherwood & Huntingdon

10. G St. Louis Club

2. F Hilltop Camp

5. K Indian Garden Hotel

8. D Valhalla Camp

11. B Fort Wayne Camp

3. L Birch Point

6. H Baer’s Den Hotel

9. A New Walloon Hotel

12. I Illinois Point


Volume L | Issue 3

18

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Good People• Full Service Quality Products • INSIDE OR OUTSIDE STORAGE • INSIDE STORAGE •• CUSTOM CUSTOMDESIGNED DESIGNEDDOCKS DOCKS • DOCK INSTALLATION & REMOVAL • BOAT RENTALS • APARTMENT RENTAL • COBALT BOATS, HARRIS PONTOONS, SHORESTATION DOCKS AND • BOAT RENTALS HOISTS Call for Winter Hours

347-1994 email: wayne@bearcovemarina.com 3052 ST. HILTON LANE • PETOSKEY, MI 49770 03039 LOUIS CLUB RD. • PETOSKEY Wayne Hilton, Owner

231.526.9000 · Cottage-Company.com


The Wallooner | Winter 2020

19

Together we can do more

For good. For ever. For everyone.

Our commitment to enriching lives in Emmet County depends on working together with our nonprofit partners and individuals like you. Together, we can do more to build a stronger community. Contact us today to learn more.

(231) 348-5820 www.phsacf.org Reginald E. Whitcomb, D.D.S. James S. Clement, D.D.S.

100 Top Hospitals® is a registered trademark of IBM Watson Health™

N U.S. 131 South

“Emergencies seen promptly”

Anders

We Welcome New Patients 1301 US 131 South • Petoskey www.petoskeydental.com

on Rd.

347-2100

Sheridan

Hobby Lobby

Petoskey Dental Associates


The Wallooner is published three times per year. In March/April, June/July and November/December, by the Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy, 4060 M-75 N Suite 102, P.O. Box 579, Walloon Lake, MI 49796 Phone (231) 535-6112; Fax (231) 535-6114; E-mail wlac@walloon.org; Web www.walloon.org. ŠCopyright 1975 Walloon Lake Association and Walloon Lake Trust and Conservancy

Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy Trustees Pam Roudi

Greg Adams

Danny Fellin

Russ Kittleson

President

Marianne Barry

Marty Makinen

Vice President

Betony Braddock

John Marklewitz

Treasurer

Jennifer Buchanan

Terry Marrs

Steve Dutton

Ralph Miesel

Michael Hatch Mary Pat Goldich Secretary

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 217 Petoskey, MI 49770 Post Office Box 579 Walloon Lake, MI 49796 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED


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