For the second installment of ‘Falling Back in Love with America,’ the Hickmans visit the most isolated, permanently inhabited island on all five Great Lakes.
I visited Beaver Island and some of the nearby uninhabited islands many years ago on a camping trip that used a 34-foot-long, 16-passenger canoe, a replica of the Voyageur canoes used by 17th century explorers. It was a delight to be so disconnected from the ordinary world.
Though the style and goals of this series seem sort of pretentious, I do enjoy reading it. Mainly because I have a life goal of being the “local drunk guy I talked to in bar who said something lucid and clever” - I’m a native in a place inundated with transplants and tourists do occasionally dispense wisdom to them, sometimes better received than others.
If you have not read Blue Highways yet, do consider it. Wonderful, wonderful book by William Least-Heat Moon. From Amazon: "William Least Heat-Moon set out with little more than the need to put home behind him and a sense of curiosity about "those little towns that get on the map -- if they get on at all -- only because some cartographer has a blank space to fill: Remote, Oregon; Simplicity, Virginia; New Freedom, Pennsylvania; New Hope, Tennessee; Why, Arizona; Whynot, Mississippi."
His adventures, his discoveries, and his recollections of the extraordinary people he encountered along the way amount to a revelation of the true American experience.
Since we drive cross country twice a year, there's all kinds of little isolated townlet's, where to find a cup of coffee is a accomplishment, while groceries are 20 miles away.
I prefer a bit more in the civilization department, but not the freeway culture. Easy to find, relaxing, and cheaper than the crowded cities.
I was born and raised on the Island and currently live here at the age of 60. The inaccuracy of this article is astounding. Obviously little research was done in writing this article and is significantly slanted by interviews with “sullen “ drunken locals who can barely talk. I was raised in a hard working family that relied on commercial fishing for a living on the Island. Our means of income generation was taken away many decades ago by the state. Island residents are hardworking, creative individuals that value community. We have diverse streams of income generation such as logging, construction etc…I am involved on township boards, broadband infrastructure, zoning, and community development that work together to build a community of economic potential along with environmental sustainability that protects our natural assets and our vibrant culture. As with any Island community it isn’t always easy to find gainful employment but many individuals work hard in a variety of areas to build a lifestyle that they value. This article in no way reflects what the Island issues are and is simply a reflection of a writer who never really took the time to learn about the community.
Interesting. I was under the impression that he was writing from the perspective on someone visiting the island. I don't think it's represented as a comprehensive telling of the history, culture, economy of the island. It seems clear to me that it's the vignette of a traveler. What about the piece was inaccurate?
I think writers who are visiting should be more thoughtful and inquiring with individuals other than people drinking in a bar. Every Island economy and communities in northern Michigan grapple with housing shortages, limited employment opportunities and various barriers to sustainability. If he talked to people he would have found organizations that are working on broadband, economic development grants, zoning that provides for growth while maintaining our culture and many other initiatives. The writer took broad assumptions from his limited experiences and paints a picture that at best is limited in scope.
Ok. But the author only interviewed the one drunk guy and that guy had a sort of insightful answer. He basically said what you said. Every small community has the same problems. But I get what you're saying. You feel like he misrepresented or didn't do your island justice and if you say that then I believe you. But honestly, the article made want to drive the 700 miles north to catch the ferry. I'm picturing a magical place.
Enjoyed this piece, but reading the comments, everybody is an English teacher aren't they? That's why there are writers and editors and every writer needs an editor. Heck, editors need an editor. The language is incredibly rich, but filled with mine fields forged by tradition and societal class norms that should probably be upheld for no other reason than out of respect for the language. It is after all, the global business language (for now) - except when trying to do business in France, but that's another story for a country with another rich and beautiful language, equally as complex. So Mr. Hickman, find an affordable editor, travel safely and I look forward to reading your next installment.
I like that this series is exploring largely-overlooked parts of our great American experiment.
I do believe this series could be expanded upon, especially given how much time follows each installment, with some commentary. I could see a Gurri V Wiseman (or Weiss V Weiss, or Weiss V Bowles, or Reingold V Rosenfield, or all of the above - I’m ok if I never hear from Nocera ever again) back-and-forth over how the issues facing these communities mirror and/or influence the greater American picture.
The writing is good, if a bit cloying (it seems to be trying a bit too hard). Be yourself, not some aspiring Hemingway.
I’ve enjoyed this series so far, if nothing else I’ve gotten to read about places I’ve never been. I couldn’t help but think, though, that the cranky old guy was right; most places have many of the same problems as others, and you must work past them wherever you go.
Most places, however, are not so isolated, vulnerable to weather changes, and dependent on outsiders for basic needs. While interesting, this wasn’t a great choice by the Hickmans if they truly are looking for a place to live as opposed to creating an off-the-beaten-path travelogue.
“In his inaugural essay, Andy wrote about the tiny hamlet in upstate New York where he came from, his years of hard-bitten traveling across the United States, the decline he witnessed, and why he is deciding to give his country another chance.”
Andy, thank you so, so much for giving our country another chance. I‘m confident the United States would implode absent your presence. But if you do decide to leave, getting out may be struggle—a physical struggle—considering the waves of migrants who have been deceived into believing this is a pretty good place to live.
Same in much of rural Arizona, it seems--counties don't care what you build as long as it's not an atomic reactor :-) Which makes sense, because the only person you're really hurting with bad home design is yourself.
That's why I was surprised that Beaver Island has strict building codes. Being so rural, I expected it to have none or very minimal.
"Connected" to Michigan, but the Upper Peninsula. Areas "connected" to areas they don't want to be connected to. Like Eastern Oregon, to Portland, Northern New York to the NYC Metroplex. But this island is a great place for a crusty retired US Army Ranger Master Sergeant to retire and reflect how Carl Marx, and his followers, have poisoned Western culture and the social curse of pop culture. "Nine years of diesel fuel". This guy does have a plan.
America is a fine place to live and work, and Marx is simply not an issue. But if Sergeant Fury thinks otherwise and wants to live next to an atomic bomb of diesel fuel, hey, FREEEEEEEEEdom.
I visited Beaver Island and some of the nearby uninhabited islands many years ago on a camping trip that used a 34-foot-long, 16-passenger canoe, a replica of the Voyageur canoes used by 17th century explorers. It was a delight to be so disconnected from the ordinary world.
Those who want to learn more about Strang's kingdom can read "A Child of the Sea," available for free at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/34769/34769-h/34769-h.htm.
Though the style and goals of this series seem sort of pretentious, I do enjoy reading it. Mainly because I have a life goal of being the “local drunk guy I talked to in bar who said something lucid and clever” - I’m a native in a place inundated with transplants and tourists do occasionally dispense wisdom to them, sometimes better received than others.
If you have not read Blue Highways yet, do consider it. Wonderful, wonderful book by William Least-Heat Moon. From Amazon: "William Least Heat-Moon set out with little more than the need to put home behind him and a sense of curiosity about "those little towns that get on the map -- if they get on at all -- only because some cartographer has a blank space to fill: Remote, Oregon; Simplicity, Virginia; New Freedom, Pennsylvania; New Hope, Tennessee; Why, Arizona; Whynot, Mississippi."
His adventures, his discoveries, and his recollections of the extraordinary people he encountered along the way amount to a revelation of the true American experience.
Since we drive cross country twice a year, there's all kinds of little isolated townlet's, where to find a cup of coffee is a accomplishment, while groceries are 20 miles away.
I prefer a bit more in the civilization department, but not the freeway culture. Easy to find, relaxing, and cheaper than the crowded cities.
.
I'm wondering what Romanian temp. workers do on this island? Where do they live if housing is so scarce?
Good question. Perhaps their employers provide dorm style housing.
Same as they do in any tourist location...Niagara Falls, for example. Hotel desk clerks, waiters, etc.
I was born and raised on the Island and currently live here at the age of 60. The inaccuracy of this article is astounding. Obviously little research was done in writing this article and is significantly slanted by interviews with “sullen “ drunken locals who can barely talk. I was raised in a hard working family that relied on commercial fishing for a living on the Island. Our means of income generation was taken away many decades ago by the state. Island residents are hardworking, creative individuals that value community. We have diverse streams of income generation such as logging, construction etc…I am involved on township boards, broadband infrastructure, zoning, and community development that work together to build a community of economic potential along with environmental sustainability that protects our natural assets and our vibrant culture. As with any Island community it isn’t always easy to find gainful employment but many individuals work hard in a variety of areas to build a lifestyle that they value. This article in no way reflects what the Island issues are and is simply a reflection of a writer who never really took the time to learn about the community.
Interesting. I was under the impression that he was writing from the perspective on someone visiting the island. I don't think it's represented as a comprehensive telling of the history, culture, economy of the island. It seems clear to me that it's the vignette of a traveler. What about the piece was inaccurate?
I think writers who are visiting should be more thoughtful and inquiring with individuals other than people drinking in a bar. Every Island economy and communities in northern Michigan grapple with housing shortages, limited employment opportunities and various barriers to sustainability. If he talked to people he would have found organizations that are working on broadband, economic development grants, zoning that provides for growth while maintaining our culture and many other initiatives. The writer took broad assumptions from his limited experiences and paints a picture that at best is limited in scope.
Ok. But the author only interviewed the one drunk guy and that guy had a sort of insightful answer. He basically said what you said. Every small community has the same problems. But I get what you're saying. You feel like he misrepresented or didn't do your island justice and if you say that then I believe you. But honestly, the article made want to drive the 700 miles north to catch the ferry. I'm picturing a magical place.
Love his style of writing and the pictures he paints. What fun to think of visiting such a place! Can’t wait to read more.
Enjoyed this piece, but reading the comments, everybody is an English teacher aren't they? That's why there are writers and editors and every writer needs an editor. Heck, editors need an editor. The language is incredibly rich, but filled with mine fields forged by tradition and societal class norms that should probably be upheld for no other reason than out of respect for the language. It is after all, the global business language (for now) - except when trying to do business in France, but that's another story for a country with another rich and beautiful language, equally as complex. So Mr. Hickman, find an affordable editor, travel safely and I look forward to reading your next installment.
Be safe in your journey shared told.
"Groceries cost my wife and I nearly double," and "curious members flocked around my wife and I..."
It's "my wife and me"--I was going to let the first one go, but after the second one, I thought I should mention it for future reference.
So true. So many people do this because "my wife and me" sounds goofy. But it's correct.
I like that this series is exploring largely-overlooked parts of our great American experiment.
I do believe this series could be expanded upon, especially given how much time follows each installment, with some commentary. I could see a Gurri V Wiseman (or Weiss V Weiss, or Weiss V Bowles, or Reingold V Rosenfield, or all of the above - I’m ok if I never hear from Nocera ever again) back-and-forth over how the issues facing these communities mirror and/or influence the greater American picture.
The writing is good, if a bit cloying (it seems to be trying a bit too hard). Be yourself, not some aspiring Hemingway.
I didn't even know this place existed. Thanks for sharing it with us.
I’ve enjoyed this series so far, if nothing else I’ve gotten to read about places I’ve never been. I couldn’t help but think, though, that the cranky old guy was right; most places have many of the same problems as others, and you must work past them wherever you go.
Most places, however, are not so isolated, vulnerable to weather changes, and dependent on outsiders for basic needs. While interesting, this wasn’t a great choice by the Hickmans if they truly are looking for a place to live as opposed to creating an off-the-beaten-path travelogue.
“In his inaugural essay, Andy wrote about the tiny hamlet in upstate New York where he came from, his years of hard-bitten traveling across the United States, the decline he witnessed, and why he is deciding to give his country another chance.”
Andy, thank you so, so much for giving our country another chance. I‘m confident the United States would implode absent your presence. But if you do decide to leave, getting out may be struggle—a physical struggle—considering the waves of migrants who have been deceived into believing this is a pretty good place to live.
Very well-written piece, thank you.
But building codes? What state is Beaver Island attached to legally so it would have building codes?
Apache County, AZ. For an initial fee, you can build without codes...a bubble gum house, if that's your taste.
Same in much of rural Arizona, it seems--counties don't care what you build as long as it's not an atomic reactor :-) Which makes sense, because the only person you're really hurting with bad home design is yourself.
That's why I was surprised that Beaver Island has strict building codes. Being so rural, I expected it to have none or very minimal.
"Connected" to Michigan, but the Upper Peninsula. Areas "connected" to areas they don't want to be connected to. Like Eastern Oregon, to Portland, Northern New York to the NYC Metroplex. But this island is a great place for a crusty retired US Army Ranger Master Sergeant to retire and reflect how Carl Marx, and his followers, have poisoned Western culture and the social curse of pop culture. "Nine years of diesel fuel". This guy does have a plan.
America is a fine place to live and work, and Marx is simply not an issue. But if Sergeant Fury thinks otherwise and wants to live next to an atomic bomb of diesel fuel, hey, FREEEEEEEEEdom.
Isolation breeds paranoia, as my desert experiences have taught me. America is fine.
Yes, America IS fine, I'm glad to see someone else thinks so too. I like it here.