Washington Island Music Festival: August 2–19, 2010
It’s Summer, my favorite time of the year. For many musicians summer means that the intense activity of the symphony orchestra season is over until September. But what I love most about summer is that it means Washington Island Music Festival will once more be the focus of our musical activity for two very busy and exciting weeks.
Island Fair Coming Late August!
Like most events on the Island, this one is devoid of flash, but with a sense of low-key fun and the spirit of a time gone by. Imagine a county fair from decades ago — with its food stands, exhibits, a parade, games, bingo — and you’ll be pretty close to the reality.
In Memoriam: Arni Richter
The ARNI J. RICHTER became the ferry line’s hard-working winter ferry, as well as a productive and popular summer ferry. Its name honors the man most responsible both for building earlier ferries and for management of the company that provided the overall ferry service itself – Arni J. Richter (1911 – 2009).
Stavkirke
Washington Island harbors a real, almost hidden historical treasure: the Stavkirke (Church of Staves) based on drawings of one built in Borgund, Norway in 1150 AD. Be it history, old world beauty, spirit, there is something about this structure so compelling “You just have to see it.” A ‘prayer path’ leads you through the woods.
School House Beach
What’s so attractive about a stony beach? Well, like everything else about the Island, the place seems so natural, so unassuming, just lying in wait for the sojourner who happens to come upon the grand sweep of this quiet cove by bike, on foot, by car. Historically, Washington Harbor, by name. The site of the first log school house on the Island (1850). Deep, clear, blue waters that have sheltered many a ship and small vessel in storms.
The Journey Over
There and back again: Norbert Blei describes the inexorable pull of the ferry journey to and from Washington Island.
Requiem for an Island Poet: William H. Olson
Norbert Blei’s moving tribute to Washington Island resident William (Bill) Olson, the Island bard, who recently passed away.
Driving the Island
“You can drive into some scenes around here and the center of the Island which hold you fast…make you pull to the side of the road, get out, take a look around—and thank the Great Spirit you don’t know where you are at the moment. And you don’t care. You’re on an island. And you really like it this way.”
In 50 Years, Not Much Has Changed
Norbert Blei explores memories of his first visit to Washington Island, in 1956.
