Event
- Eras
- Modern era
- Concepts
- maritimetourismcommunityenvironment
- Within
- Beaver Island
Summary
On February 24, 1963, Charlevoix brothers Ivan Whitley and Donald Whitley walked to Beaver Island across the winter ice. The March Beaver Beacon says they left Charlevoix at 7:45 a.m. in temperatures around five degrees below zero, covered approximately 26 miles, and were met near Sand Bay by Walt Wojan on a snow scooter. They were then guests at a Civic Association smorgasbord.
Evidence and limits
The article is a local account of an unusual winter journey. It does not provide a route survey, ice measurements, independent travel log, or proof that the editors’ “first” claim is exhaustive.
Open questions
- Can the Whitleys’ own account, photographs, or Charlevoix records be located?
- What exact route and ice conditions did the crossing use?
Sources
- Beaver Beacon, March 1963, “Ice Hikers Visit Island.”Reports Ivan Whitley, 27, and Donald Whitley, 25, leaving Charlevoix at 7:45 a.m. in sub-zero, windy conditions, covering approximately 26 miles, and being met near Sand Bay by Walt Wojan; it calls the walk a first as far as the editors knew.