The light-keeper Mr. Granger, had given up his position as a keeper, Mr.
Peter McKinley succeeding him. I was now married to Mr. Van Riper and
living very near the light-house. My husband had come from Detroit for
his health. After we were married he started a large cooper shop at the
Point, employing several men in the summer season. My father had now
moved into the "Strang House," as the King's house was always called by
the islanders. Up to this time no one had ever lived in it since the
King's death. Somehow no one cared to live in it, but father and mother
found it very comfortable and pleasant. There were more people coming to
the island all the time to settle, buying farms. The "Johnson House" was
now taken down and moved on some farm. All the houses between Strang's
house and Enoch had been taken down. We found the light-keeper and his
daughters very kind neighbors. The two girls and myself were like
sisters as time went on.
There was no doctor at that time on the island. When anything serious
happened the people had a doctor come from Mackinac Island and later
from Charlevoix.
Our mails came by ice in winter from Mackinac Island, a distance of
fifty miles. When our mail carrier came with the pouches full we were
like a hungry lot of people, as often we were without mail for a month
or six weeks. Work was laid aside until the letters and papers were
read, then for several days news was discussed among us. Good news was
enjoyed by everybody and sad news was sadness for all. In later years
our mail route was changed in winter to Cross Village, distant about
twenty-five miles. Both Indians and white men were engaged in carrying
it, using dogs with sleds as the mail grew heavier, with more
inhabitants coming. Winter was the time for social amusements. We
usually had fine ice for skating, which was enjoyed by both old and
young, women, as well as men.
The merchants laid in a good stock of everything necessary in the fall,
but many times people ran short of provisions, then other neighbors
divided with them.