Navigation was now open. Boats and vessels could be seen passing.
Fishermen had come from Detroit, Cleveland, Lake Huron and Canada.
Several had brought their families to spend the summer beside the sea.
My brothers came with the rest. Mr. Cable, or Uncle Alva as he was
called by every one, was very happy. He felt sure the little village
would grow fast, as he intended making many improvements as soon as
possible. Word soon came from Beaver Island for those two Mormon
families to come back to the island. In some way the Mormons had found
out the men were with the Gentiles. The men sent back word that they
would never go back. Soon another message came saying a boat with force
enough would be sent to bring them to the island.
As soon as navigation opened Strang extended his territory by sending
several families to South Fox Island and several more to Grand Traverse,
where they settled near the pretty little harbor, which they named
"Bower's Harbor" in honor of the man who had charge of the little
settlement, where a beautiful resort is now situated at the harbor,
which is called "Neahtawanta" (peaceful waters.) Those who settled
there were Mormons only in name, as they were only too glad to get away
from the island. About this time it was becoming quite difficult for
Strang to manage all his people. The new people coming to the island had
very little faith in his "Divine Revelations." They enjoyed the island
life for its healthful climate. Strang was losing hold upon many of his
people. The newcomers had means of their own and felt free to come and
go when they pleased. Many of the women were refusing to wear the
bloomer dress and their hair cut short. This greatly annoyed Strang, for
he could see he was fast losing control of the people. There had been
many improvements, farms were well cultivated, a new dock and store at
the harbor village, roads made through the island, good warm houses with
gardens attached, and the most of them were very comfortable.