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Beaver Island

Away out in northern Lake Michigan lies the island of Big Beaver, thirteen miles long and six to three miles wide, with a population of a few hundred persons, chiefly fishermen: Irish, French-Canadian, and a few Indians. For several months of the year, Beaver Island can be reached safely only by plane—although some of the natives heroically drive their automobiles (with great timbers attached) across the treacherous ice to the mainland of Michigan. The Chippewa and Ottawa came to Big Beaver first; then the coureurs de bois; then, in 1847, a Mormon colony under “King” Streng, the only monarch ever to reign in Michigan. Mainland Gentiles slew King Streng in 1856, the Mormons were deported, and Irish fishermen occupied the island. These, with the French and Indians, have been there ever since.

RK

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Russell Kirk

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Beaver Island

Away out in northern Lake Michigan lies the island of Big Beaver, thirteen miles long and six to three miles wide, with a population of a few hundred persons, chiefly fishermen: Irish, French-Canadian, and a few Indians. For several months of the year, Beaver Island can be reached safely only by plane—although some of the natives heroically drive their automobiles (with great timbers attached) across the treacherous ice to the mainland of Michigan. The Chippewa and Ottawa came to Big Beaver first; then the coureurs de bois; then, in 1847, a Mormon colony under “King” Streng, the only monarch ever to reign in Michigan. Mainland Gentiles slew King Streng in 1856, the Mormons were deported, and Irish fishermen occupied the island. These, with the French and Indians, have been there ever since.