South of Superior - Ellen Airgood [143]
Yale Bailey, b. January 1, 1918, Manistique, Michigan.
Isabella “Bess” Capogrossa, b. June 19, 1911, London, England.
Bruce Erickson, b. January 25, 1932, Grand Marais, Michigan.
Nelmi Hermanson, b. May 25, 1910, Grand Marais, Michigan, d. June 6, 2008.
Bill LaCombe, b. August 7, 1917, Grand Marais, Michigan, d. February 18, 2009.
Aino Schultz, b. October 10, 1913, Grand Marais, Michigan, d. June 20, 2009.
Ted Soldenski, b. December 29, 1912, Grand Marais, Michigan, d. February 22, 2008.
Evelyn “Tudy” Tornovish, b. June 1, 1916, Grand Marais, Michigan, d. March 3, 2010.
Evelyn Wood, b. September 1939, Petersburg, Michigan.
Many people have shared their stories and memories with me over the years (mostly over coffee), and I thank all of them. But also particular thanks to:
Bill Bailey and Al Tornovish, for many memorable phrases, including “Always been broke flatter than piss on a platter.”
Jack and Mary Alice Johnson, for telling me about Sweet White Birch Vitamins and Minerals, and for letting me consult on all things Finnish. Also thanks to Jack for keeping the whole show running by fixing everything from Jeeps to espresso machines.
Also special thanks to:
Rich Anderson, for a tour through the Hotel Nettleton.
Stan Bontrager, for miraculous technical support.
Ilsa Brink, for a lovely website.
Rebecca Fuge, for photographs that I love.
Kristen Hurlin, for insight into an artist’s life.
Steve O’Connell, for building the office.
George VanderHaag, for decades of hard work and fine produce, plus permission to put a produce man much like him in the book.
The West Bay Diner crew of 2010, for going the extra mile on top of all the normal extra miles, so that I could take care of not only the diner but also the book: Laura Bontrager, Amelia Brubaker, Rebecca Fuge, Jamie Hersman, Jenna Hoop, Meghan Malone, Patience Neville-Neil, and Terri Poliuto.
Our friends and customers at the West Bay Diner, for their enormous enthusiasm and support.
A number of friends read this book in manuscript form and gave me valuable insights and encouragement. Thanks to Jean Battle, John Battle, Karen Cody, Tom and Debbie Darling, and Sarah Miller. Jean in particular read this story more times than any civilian should have to, and read like a professional editor—her contribution was significant. I’d also like to thank Lisa Snapp for her years of friendship and reading.
Peta Nightingale’s interest in the manuscript from afar—London, England—was heartening at a crucial time, and her input was invaluable to the story’s development.
I want to thank Caroline Upcher for her editorial work with me, for her admiration of Gladys, and for going beyond the call of duty on my behalf.
My Undying affection goes to Joy Harris and all at the Joy Harris Literary Agency. Special thanks to Sarah Twombly for the title.
Similar affection and regard to Sarah McGrath and Sarah Stein at Riverhead, and to everyone at Penguin who had a hand in building this book.
And now for the family . . .
My mother encouraged me as she always has in every endeavor.
My father held an unshakeable conviction that I was a writer from the get-go.
Mark was one of the earliest readers of this novel, and he Understood what I was getting at right away—he always does—which was heartening through the years of work that followed.
Mariann has always been a tireless listener and reader, and her ways of helping are too various to list. On top of this she sends packages full of things I need.
Matt takes a serious interest in my work and offers comments that get right to the heart of the matter.
Peg has been a great listener and friend, happy for me in whatever makes