Last updated: September 1, 2020
Article
Emerson Camp
Don Wolbrink Collection, Sheet 34, Photo B
History
Ralph W. and Jane D. Emerson, of Omaha, Nebraska, owned 0.13 acres of land in Tobin Harbor. Ralph was a relative of the famous essayist, lecturer, and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson. The main cottage was constructed in 1908. Other structures once existing on the property include a pagoda, boathouse, woodhouse, oil/gas house, privy, tool house, and numerous docks. Ralph Emerson passed away and outlined in his will that the island would go to his wife Jane and then her step-son Horace P. Emerson. During negotiations, the Emerson's agreed to a higher purchase price for their property over a life lease. The sale was finalized on September 19, 1938. While the Emerson's did not accept a life lease, they favored establishment of Isle Royale National Park. All structures remaining on the property were removed in 1954.
Status
The Edwards Camp is the last of the original Life Leases properties, which remains valid under Mary Parke Manning, daughter of Deane Edwards. Richard Edwards passed away in early 2016. Professors Joan Edwards and David Smith use the Edwards Camp as a base for their respective research projects.
The Edwards Camp retains five buildings: a cottage, dining room, privy, storehouse, all of which are in good condition, and have high degree of integrity in all areas except for setting, which has medium integrity due to the overgrowth of vegetation. "The Gem," (#575) is a 10' x 15' cottage associated with the Edwards Camp, and is on its own small island near Edwards Island. It is also in good condition, and has high integrity in all areas but feeling, location, setting, and association, which are medium due to overgrown vegetation.