Diaries of an Isle Royale Fisherman

Synopsis: Reproductions of the journals and correspondence of A A collection of the diaries and letters of Elling Seglem, who fished the waters of Lake Superior from Isle Royale between 1920 and 1932. A photographer during the winter, Seglem was extremely creative in designing and illustrating newspaper-format letters home to his family in Chicago.

In his letters and journals, Seglem tells of the hard work and pleasures of the simple life on this isolated island. His sense of humor and attention to detail make his writing a delight to read.

Lots of historic photographs, drawings, and cartoons.

About the Author: Elling Seglem immigrated to the U.S. from Norway in 1859, at the age of 15, along with his mother and sister. The family originally joined relatives in Iowa before settling in Chicago. He was a professional photographer for most of the year, but joined his cousin Edward on Isle Royale summers.

He and his wife, Almida, had five children who were the recipients of many of the letters and diaries included in this collection.