Tonka Times Magazine July 2010 : Page 17
Islands always have some mystery around them, and Lake Minnetonka’s Big Island is no exception. In fact, the island has so much fascinating history and legend that at least three local historians are currently writing books about it: Paul Maravelas, Jim Ogland and Darel Leipold. “I’ve done a lot of historical writing,” Paul says, “but this is probably my biggest project to date.” A primary source for Big Island history is the Excelsior newspaper, which is preserved on microfiche. For the past two years, Paul has attempted to read a year of the paper, or 52 issues, each week. How long will this project require? “It takes years!” Paul says. So far he has read issues from the mid 1870s through 1912. It was fun to talk with Paul, Jim and Darel about the fascinating Big Island history they are discovering from their tedious research. During the Steamboat Minnehaha Big Island Adventure weekend June 19-20, I visited the island using the first public transportation available in nearly 80 years. Come along for a journey through time as we briefly explore a bit of Big Island history. PHOTO BY MIKE REVIER RevAir@mchsi.com
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