Hear stories of Charlevoix’s history and memories from our veterans (mostly of WWII) in this collection of thirty interviews with local elders. Charlevoix Oral Traditions was made possible through a generous donation from Peter and Julie Cummings in September, 2007, to honor Edith Gilbert’s 90th birthday. Edith Gilbert, a long-time local activist for the arts, conducted two interviews, as well as being interviewed herself. Videographer was Rick Pierpont of Pierpont Productions in Harbor Springs, MI.
Introduction To Oral Traditions Videos:
All DVD’s are available to check out from the Charlevoix Public Library or you may view by selecting the following links:
1. Edith Gilbert — interviewed by Judith Ivan, Assistant Librarian. Charlevoix Resort Life.
(September 2, 1917—-July 31, 2009)
2. Edith Gilbert interviews Steve Braun. Belvedere Club Golf Pro.
3. Edith Gilbert interviews Alvin and Patsy Ranger. History of two prominent
Charlevoix families: Rangers – boat builders; Ratigans – writers.
(Alvin Ranger: December 31, 1932—-June 19, 2020)
Veteran’s Histories
4. George Baldwin — WWII Army Air Force, European Theater.
(July 29, 1921—-June 2, 2008) (Part I begins at 00:47)
5. William Behrens — WWII Army, Pacific Theater.
(November 9, 1917—-June 22, 2008)
6. Charlie Butcher — WWII Army Air Force, European Theater.
(August 22, 1927—-September 2, 2012)
(Bill Darnton: January 13, 1919—-August 19, 2012)
8. George DeGraeve — WWII Army, European Theater.
(September 3, 1922—-March 10, 2011)
9. Ed Linse — Korea & VietNam, Army Air Force.
10. Eugene (Bob) Pittman –WWII Army Air Force, Pacific Theater.
Part I Part II Part III Part IV Part V
11. Isabelle Seidel — WWII Army Nurse, European Theater.
(November 29, 1919—-May 26, 2020)
12. Gus Schmidt — WWII Army, European Theater.
Veteran’s Histories & Charlevoix Memoies
13. Russ Bolt — Korea USMC. Charlevoix Artist.
15. Louis McKenzie — WWII Army Air Force, Pacific Theater. Tile layer, photographer.
(January 19, 1923—-February 16, 2011)
16. Frank Ochs — WWII Navy, European Theater. Rexall Drug Store Pharmacist.
(June 13, 1919—-April 2, 2008)
17. Ken Staley — WWII USMC Pacific Theater. Neighborhood Grocery Store Owner, Councilman, Mayor.
(October 15, 1922—-June 9, 2020)
Charlevoix Memories
18. Nancy (Kipke) Bambach — Daughter of long-time, successful coach and teacher, Ray Kipke.
(Dale E. Boss: June 8, 1931—-May 28, 2016) Part I Part II Part III
20. Eleanor Freedman — Freedman Artifacts Factory & Volunteer Guild at the Hospital.
(July 3, 1923—-September 10, 2012)
21. Rosalyn Goldstick — Poetry of Charlevoix Life, post – WWII.
(September 8, 1919—-November 26, 2016)
(October 7, 1914—-July 31, 2015)
23. David Miles — Son of local photographer, Bob Miles. Charlevoix Historical Society, Earl Young.
24. Edwina Powel — Resort Life, Chicago Club.
(January 29, 1916—-October 10, 2013)
26. Bill Stevens — Phelps, MI, Rural Farming Community in Marion Township, Stevens Concrete.
27. Jeannine Wallace — Shop of the Gulls Business Owner, DDA, Earl Young Homeowner. Part I: HGTV Special
Part I Part II Part III Part IV
28. Ralph Ware — Resort Life, Belvedere Club.
(June 19, 1925—-March 24, 2019)
29. Jake “Chum” White — Commercial Fisherman.
(January 24, 1922—-March 11, 2012)
30. Adaline (Bellinger) Wollam –Growing up in the 1920’s, 30’s; boat building, Bellinger Marine.
(October 11, 1918—-December 13, 2012)