Who has left a permanent impression on your life? Well, Feodor Protar had made a lasting impact on the islanders who have called Beaver Island their home. His log cabin has been made into a museum and stone walls stand guard over his gravesite. A century after his passing, Feodor Protar is still revered on Beaver Island by the 600 year-round residents. We had to learn more about Feodor Protar! Join my husband, Chuck, and I on a chilly Easter weekend as we investigated “The Saint of Beaver Island.”
Feodor Protar, Beaver Islander from 1893-1925
Photo Credit: Beaver Island Historical Museum
Feodor Protar’s Childhood- Europe
In 1838, when Feodor Parrot had been born, his scientific parents had already been dedicated to improving lives of serfs and peasants through modern farming and preservation techniques. The people of their hometown, Dorpat, Livonia (now Tartu, Estonia), had been eternally grateful to the Parrot family for sharing their knowledge. (At some point Feodor had changed his last name from Parrot to Protar. Perhaps when he’d moved to the United States.)
Feodor had reportedly been frequently ill during his childhood and had struggled in school. However, he had excelled in theatrics and became the Artistic Director at the Riga City Theater in Latvia.
In 1874 as the Baltic government began creating restrictions and threatening jail-time on individuals using the German language and books written in the forbidden script, Protar had decided to relocate to the United States.
Feodor Protar – United States
In the early spring of 1874 at 36 years old Feodor had arrived in the United States. He had secured an acting position in St. Louis. Later he taught at a German-American Institute in New York. In 1882 driven with passion for the German language, Protar had purchased the bankrupt newspaper, Volkszeitung, on Rock Island, Illinois. This island bustles in the Mississippi River, 170 miles west of Chicago.
Over the eleven years Protar had worked to bring the Volkszeitung newspaper back to life, he would often travel to Beaver Island for respites. Contrary to his city-life successfulness, Protar had wished for a simpler, more meaningful life style. His reading of Tolstoy had nourished this desire, too.
Absorbing History
As I read through these facts, I can see how bias and racism has been a long standing trait of cultures around the world. In reflection, I am always impressed with the full lives people had lived over 100 years ago. Their employment, relationships, wishes and desires had been fully formed. I’m astonished by how readily they had coursed great distances, too!
Feodor Protar’s Beaver Island Home
Protar had been a successful newspaper editor and actor when he had made the decision to relocate to Beaver Island in 1893. At 55 years old, this spiritual quest had been a search for a more meaningful, self-sufficient lifestyle. With Protar’s standing knowledge of natural remedies, food preservation in addition to his caring manner, Feodor Protar had earned the name “The Saint of Beaver Island” and had been referred to as “Dr. Proctor.”
Nestled among pine and birch trees along Sloptown Road sits Feodor Protar’s cabin. This log home is now a museum on Beaver Island. We crunched across the speckled, snow-covered ground, knowing that the tourist season had yet to begin, so we could only peek through the windows at the island saint’s residence.
I had imagined individuals making their way onto his porch in search of relief from itchy rashes, headaches and fevers.
Protar had instructed islanders on methods of preserving food: canning, salting, smoking and drying collected crops as well as meat.
Besides heating the house, the wood burning stove had been used for preparing simple meals, preserving food through canning and creating medicinal poultices.
Feodor Protar’s Planting and Harvesting Chart
On a nearby post stood an annual chart holding a wealth of information about planting and harvesting schedules. As well, weather reports and the islanders’ communication schedule.
Farming and food preservation had been Protar’s focus. He had been known for trading meals for work on his property. Protar’s natural remedies had been trusted to cure ailments of his island neighbors. These salves had worked well! During the harsh winter months Feodor had generously distributed hats and mittens, which he’d made, to those without proper warm clothes.
Dr. Protar
Islanders had once flocked to see “Dr. Protar.” Even though Feodor had never received a medical degree, he had been sought for answers on a vast array of questions. I found this photo below at the historical museum where an individual had labeled it, “Dr. Protar, Beaver Isld.”
“Dr. Protar.”
Feodor Proctor’s Passing 1925
Upon Feodor Protar’s passing, having aged 87 years, a tomb had been lovingly constructed by the residents complete with a plaque. Later, a book, “The Saint of Beaver Island” had been written.
(Right) The book, “The Saint of Beaver Island”
Leaving A Legacy
Feodor has left a legacy on Beaver Island. His dedication to others had been admirable! Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all of us could reach out to others with a helpful heart? I feel that this world would be a better place if we carried Feodor’s mindset.
Island Life
Islanders, even today, give a wave and readily lend a hand to others. We’ve found a real kinship present on Great Lakes islands as we’ve traveled. Many residents we’ve spoken with ‘wear many hats’ and carry a ‘can-do’ attitude when they are presented with any task.
This hard working resourcefulness has been readily witnessed. As we were purchasing provisions, the grocery store clerk introduced herself and her long list of responsibilities. She happened to be a board member of the Beaver Island Historical Society as well as the Community Center. “We’re restarting the newspaper, too!”
“We stopped by the community center for the Easter celebration.” I commented, “The decorations and activities were impressive.” She smiled as she shared, “We had filled 2,000 plastic eggs for the island Easter Egg Hunt today. They’d all been found in just 15 minutes!” Her eyebrows jumped above the rim of her glasses. I responded, “We had wanted to witness the Easter Egg Hunt, but when we’d arrived, the playground had been cleared and people were already heading to their vehicles carrying full baskets. The kids all had huge smiles!” I added. “A man stopped as I opened our car door. He held out a basket of eggs. ‘You’d missed it. Here take some.’ He had offered. That had been so kind.” Islanders continue to impress me with their generosity!
Angel and Paul Welke
We had the pleasure of meeting Paul Welke and his wife, Angel, owners of Welke Airport. They are the life line to the mainland! The airport team has had to medivac islanders, saving their lives. The pair transport packages and supplies as well as regularly fly residents to and from the mainland. Their dedication to their community goes beyond a 9 to 5 workday!
In fact, Paul and Angel had graciously invited us for a tour of the airport as well as their home where they’ve displayed a museum of military memorabilia. Angel brought out snacks and we visited for hours on Easter Sunday.
Islanders
Meeting islanders has been a favorite part of our travels! Living without typical constraints from society, residents of islands are nourished with a complete sense of belonging and are able to grow into their full personalities! Spending time with islanders today, I now hold a better understanding as to Feodor Proctor’s desire to live on Beaver Island and nurture his neighbors.
Below is the link to Chuck’s YouTube video. Beaver Island has a fascinating history! Check it out!
Related Links:
“The Crazy History of Beaver Island” Restless Viking YouTube Video
