Newman Camp

Tobin Harbor



Newman Cottage, 1950s: [NVIC: 50-267], ISRO Archives.

T

he Newman family were from Omaha Nebraska. E.R. Newman was the son-in-law of Tom "Omaha" Smith of Smith Island. The date of construction for their cottage is not known, but land purchaser E.G. Willemin noted... "the cottage is about 15 years old" during his survey in 1936. All structures on Newman's island were eventually removed by the NPS, including a main cottage, woodhouse, privy, stone crib, and dock. Newman held an adverse view of park establishment and thought individuals on the land would do a better job maintaining it than those who did not know the area. He also disagreed with the price land purchaser E.G. Willemin offered for his land. Ultimately, Newman declined a life lease and the land went into condemnation. The property was transferred to the U.S. government on June 20, 1939, in exchange for $857.61.

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Help Tell The Story

Are you related to this family? Would you be willing to share stories or photos associated with related events? If so, we would love to hear from you! Please contact the Cultural Resource Manager at Isle Royale National Park. Or write to:

Isle Royale National Park
800 East Lakeshore Drive
Houghton, Michigan 49931-1896
906-482-0984

Citations

  1. Newland, Dave. 2003. Executive Summary of the Newman Life Lease. Isle Royale National Park. Houghton, MI.