Newman Camp

The Newman Cottage, as photographed in the summer of 1935.

Don Wolbrink Collection, Sheet 35, Photo A

History

The 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.

Gale Camp

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