to identify flowers, constellations, and learning how to fish.
As both aunts were vivid bird watchers, Esther stated she
wished she had “charged her memory” of those times as she
learned to identify the birds, their songs, and their habits.
On the weekends, however, the island turned into a busy
place as family, friends, and many guests came to visit.
“I was especially lucky to be able to spend time at the
cottage on the Island as a child,” she stated. “And later, my
husband and I lived there the first summer after we were
married. It was a beautiful place at that time – trees, but
also open grassy areas. Many people seemed to consider it
theirs, as they came on foot or wading across from Bayside
and in boats. Sometimes they would wander around the
outside of the house, staring inside to see what we were
doing. Excursion boats brought crowds of passengers to
Bayside on the weekends and, when the water happened
to be low, a steady stream of people would head for the
Island where they would spend the day. We often smiled at
the usual scene – a girl sitting on the ground with her back
against a tree – a man lying on the ground with his head in
her lap.”
In 1971, the island was gifted by the Ashland’s to the State
of Iowa on the stipulation it be left in its natural state, and
no causeway constructed to make it part of the mainland.
They felt very strongly that the island should be used by the
people of Iowa, thus, it can be accessed by boat and used
for public picnics and fishing. They asked the Conservation
Commission to maintain trails and open areas so generations
could enjoy exploring there. They have, along with the
help of descendants of the Woodford/Ashland families,
maintained this wish. The Island is held for public use only
and no commercial enterprise is permitted on it.
To this day, the Island remains a focal point of our incredible
lake. Over the years, hundreds of Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts
spent countless hours on the island, exploring and camping.
So many people have such fond memories of their youth
and spending time on the island.
Riddled with such a rich history, I wish I could have seen it all
those years ago. Back in the glory days of Woodford Island.
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