Interpreters Entertain Bois Blanc's 2 Students, Community

At right: Nine-year-old George Spray, dressed in 18th century period clothing, shows an animal pelt to Bois Blanc Island residents as Mackinac State Historic Parks interpreter Jim Evans and George's brother, seven-year-old Grant, look on during the educational outreach program that was presented on Bois Blanc February 25. (Photograph courtesy of Mackinac State Historic Parks)

One of the more unique stops among the 60 schools visited by Jim Evans and Dennis Havlena's this year was on Bois Blanc Island February 25, where the two men brought their Mackinac State Historic Parks outreach program to two students and 25 community members. The two interpreters, along with park naturalist Jeff Dykehouse, visited the one-room school to present the "Historic Mackinac on Tour" program, which brings 18th-century life in the Straits area to life for elementary students through dance, costumes, skits, and props.

The three men enjoyed a potluck meal with the community afterwards.

A trip to Bois Blanc Island has not been made for at least 15 years, said Katie Cedarholm, the parks' curator of education.

This year, the school has two students enrolled, seven-year-old Grant Spray, a second grader, and his brother, nine-year-old George, a fourth grader. Both boys are being taught by their mother, Wendy.

Bois Blanc has about 42 year-around residents and about 300 summer residents.

Other schools visited this year were in Jackson, Grand Rapids, Battle Creek, Brooklyn, Cadillac, Dexter, Port Huron, Farmington, and Detroit.

The outreach program is funded by Mackinac Associates.