Johnson Journals part 260

8/15/72 At 1:30 Jim & Lee Gallahue called from Falls. I went to get them. They were guests here the first year (1945). Good people. They stayed until 3 p.m. when I went to pick up Nissis. A grand reunion there. Both Howard and Gloria worked closely with us on NWI deal with ADM. It would have been a rough go without them. We sat and talked until midnight. They brought us up to date on many old friends and acquaintances.

8/16/72 Layna to town with Edwards tribe. Karen and Robin off for Ranier to pick up Bensons. I rowed over and had an hour’s visit with Les Cleveland. By the time I got home - 5:30 - the island full of people again. The Edwards left but 12 sat down to dinner. 3 Bensons, 2 Laird Monahans, 2 Robin Monahans, Gene, Toby, Brad, Layna and me. It is hard for me not to tell myself “This goddamn thing has gotten way out of hand.” Layna pretty edgy, too, altho she puts on a better front to guests.

8/17/72 In keeping with the family policy of “let’s use the island as much as possible”, Karen invited Mary Kay McKibbage, Mary Turrene, Sheryl & Mike Toolan, Ah-li and Laird, Peggy Lynch and Sheila & Tara. The last two to take care of the 6 kids brought by the others. Despite all this confusion, my only involvement was to furnish transportation. I realize that a day like this, had it happened earlier, would have been nothing. We must by reaching the saturation point.

8/18/72 At 4 a.m. Layna woke me up to say that a bear had tipped over garbage can. I shined light on him and he reared up on hind legs. A beautiful sight. Sure great to see wildlife - any kind. Robin and Bensons left after late breakfast. My foremost thought was “Bensons are fine people - but wouldn’t it have been great if we could have spent a little time with our own great people - Karen and Robin?” I took Karen and Toby to landing and home to only Layna and Brad. Layna folding her laundry. 30 sheets, 30 pillow cases, innumerable towels not to mention our personal stuff. She was pooped.

8/20/72 Brad & I over to pick up Byrne and Jane at 11:00. A happy reunion. My mind full of questions concerning the future of that fine family. Maybe the next week will furnish some of the answers. Gil and Jean brought the three girls over. A wild welcome for their parents. We all ate lunch at NWI. Much good talk. At 4:00 they all took off for Canada.

8/21/72 Byrne’s family over from Edwards at noon. They have moved into main cabin and it good to have them all here. Brad gone only one night and he acted like he was coming home. He does not get along too well with his sisters. Byrne and I had chance to talk a lot all p.m. but nothing said about their EI. Surely we will get it sooner or later. At 7:00 wind blowing hard from north, we went to Holiday Isle. I had been invited to talk to the annual banquet of the Lions Club. I gave a 20 minute talk on the old Rainy Lake Aristocracy. It went fine. Didn’t even use a note.

8/22/72 Layna and rest of females to town about 10:30 leaving Byrne and me on island. We sat and talked for 1 ½ hours and I came away with a much better insight as to their situation. There is no doubt but what he is deeply concerned as to the role of his children in this changing world. He feels strongly that the course they are taking, separating them to all parts of the country is the best one to adapt them to future conditions. He has given this a lot more thought than I have. It is his decision and I am not about to criticize it.

8/23/72 As planned by Layna, this developed into a big day at NWI. Jean and Gil here first followed by 5 Dean Minters, Dale, & girls, Jayme, 3 Rays, Les Cleveland, Bernice, Linda Cummings, the 6 Byrne Johnsons were here & Don & Layna. Quite a group. Brad and I went to #265 and brought back the tape of Jim DiOnne. I played it to the whole group. What entertainment! The language would be rated “X” even in this age. A good song fest - mostly Edwards & Johnsons until 10:00 p.m. (We had been joined by Buck & Timmy). Said Dr. Edwards on leaving “It has been great to be here”. Said Dale “It is always fun to come here. This is a happy house” AMEN!

8/24/72 Gil and Jean over for lunch. After eating we went up to big cabin. Byrne & Jane, Gil & Jean, Don & Layna. It was a meeting that the Edwards had talked about for some time. Byrne, with some help from Jane, outlined the purposes and aims of the EI and their relationship with same. It was very apparent that Gil was concerned primarily with the economics of it - and I can see why - and don’t blame him. There is no doubt but the atmosphere was considerably cleared for all involved when we were thru. Brad and his sisters at one another almost constantly. Plenty of friction between the girls, too. Maybe the EI is right. It is better to break the group up.

8/25/72 Took Byrne and kids over for tour of Dahlbergs Island. All impressed by work accomplished so far. As for me, I am appalled at the work left to be done. While there I invited the Lynches for fish fry tonight. After lunch I heard kids doing their usual bickering in living room and I really blew up. Said a lot more than I should have possibly. Later I apologized to Linda Cummings, who had heard it all, and she said “It is about time somebody told them off.” Only 14 for fish feed. We are slipping. John Lynch’s birthday! 27 years old.

8/26/72 Byrne announced last night that they planned on leaving here at 7:00 a.m. Jane said “No way!” and I agreed. By gosh, they almost made it. Up before 6, Layna made breakfast, and all in boat at 7:05! I took them to landing and broke down completely when saying goodbye. After they pulled out I sat and bawled on dock. Poor Goddamn mixed up people. Poor kids, poor little Muffin who epitomized the whole family. Aw, nuts, maybe I’m the one who is mixed up. To Curtice Island at 5:30. Good party put on by Buck & Dale. Secrists, Johnsons, Rays, Lynches - food good, drinks good, conversation good - Great!

8/27/72 Our summer’s entertaining not over yet. Layna picked up Vivian Sutch at 10:30. Our usual good visit. At 4:30 I picked up Jim Donnelley and Vivian Lofgren. We had promised them a trip to island when he moved into our house. It was a long time in coming. A good afternoon and evening with these fine young people. Almost forgot that Jim and Don Cummings here for lunch. Very Canadian. When we got back from landing our mobile operator told us that someone from Holiday Inn had called. It was Harvey Bennett who had taught me at Buck Lake in 1920! I made a date to pick him, and wife and another couple, up at landing tomorrow at 9:00. I am excited.

8/28/72 The Bennetts & Flynns at dock at 9:00. What a reunion with my old teacher. To island where we had couple hours of reminiscing. I was amazed at the names, places and events that we recalled from 52 years ago. Jean and Gil here at 5:45 and off for Thunderbird for dinner. Etta along. The Edwards insisted on paying which strongly indicated that they appreciate whatever favors we do in course of summer.

8/30/72 Etta’s birthday - Sheila too, also Nancy- quite a coincidence. Etta with us all day and it was enjoyable. She is great company when she is not on the EI kick. At 5:30 we went to Thunderbird for dinner. Harry took us. Fun. On to Daveys for first whist of season and Bern and I ran away with 2 games. On way home Layna said “Playing cards with Harry is like sending to Sears. You never get what you order!”