From EARLY -- The Gunn farm is on the north side of the river east of the island, still, I believe, occupied by descendants of the Gunns. (Eberlys.) (Rte. 424 is on the north side.) And the Gunn cemetery is on the north side almost opposite the eastern - downstream - end of the island. As I tried to indicate, I don't know where the Grand Glaize is but much of the Maumee could be described that way - calm - smooth ---, except during the flood season. In the 1700s, Independence Dam was not in existence so Grand Glaize could have been almost anywhere but I'd bet on the present location of Girty's Island. I don't believe Simon built anything on the Maumee - as I said in one of my earlier messages, I think he spent most of his time in the southwestern part of Ohio, Detroit and Canada, and in his early days, eastern Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh. He and George may have visited but that is all. (Of course, I wasn't there so I can't be sure.) Fun to study history, especially when it is local.

Yes, it is fun! I have truly enjoyed studying the history all along the Maumee River. Last weekend some friends told me that the old time candy store in Grand Rapids use to sell different books the pertained to the local history. I am hoping to get here this weekend and hoping that they are still selling these books. If not, some old fashion candy sounds good to me.

River Rat you should be getting a private response. Yes I am related to MPratt. I have the same map she does. My Dad and Aunt spend many summers on the Island with my Grandpa
Gust, their father. If we could get together they could answer a lot of your questions, tell you what ruins you have found plus a lot more. We have a lot of pictures

From EARLY --- One more item - try "GlobalExplorer ImageAtlas" for an aerial photo - topographical map - & several other views of the Island. A good look at the location of the Gunn cemetery on the aerial photo.

To RIVERRAT1 -- from EARLY -- I referred to Butterfield's history of the Girtys in one of my blurbs -- At our library today, I checked Butterfield for Grand Glaize and found it to be, according to Butterfield, at the confluence of the Auglaize and the Maumee; in other words, Defiance, Ohio. Also per B/F, the last trading post James G. had was at Girty's point - in other words, on the north shore of the Maumee at Girty's Island. B/F also states that "Simon has been confounded" with James by some authors who credit Simon with a log cabin on the Maumee. Fun and Games.

This makes since. Simon. By history accounts, was the colorful one of the family. The one noted as a "traitor or white salvage:, so it makes since that history has been twisted (for a better lack of words) to revolve more around Simon vs. James. I have read several accounts about Simon, but haven't can across that many regarding James. What do you think? In your research, have you came across more information about Simon then James? History is not perfect. The farther down the line that information passes, the more likely a writer can change just one small fact and that carries over to the next writer. Us as researchers, must take all the information and compare it from many different sources. I think that is why I like it so much. And either way, we are learning more and more with each fact.

Do you know anything about Bad Creek that runs through Texas, Ohio? A friend of mine stumbled on an article that gave him tons of info, but can't remember were he found it. When I look it up I am finding very little, but I know it played a big part in the history of Texas and the canal.



I have already went to topzone aerial maps. Try this sight. It is more updated and a much better view of Girty's Island. I have them printed out and it is in my Girty's research file. Try it, I think you will like it better.

To RiverRat1 -- What sight? I found no WEB address for a map in your letter. I have GlobeXplorer Image Atlas and National Geographic Map Machine now. Both are good. EARLY

How do guys as questions ? I'm all registered and post in and the works but it will never let me ask a question

What do you know it worked ! My question is to early, where does your family fit in as in time frame to mine, "The Voigts" Did your family purchase the island? What did you do with it. Are you still in the Henry/Defiance county area ?

From EARLY -- My family, as I wrote several messages ago, had an association with Girty's Island in the 1930s when my aunt and uncle rented the big house on the island. They lived there for a few years and then built a small house on the north shore of the canal. My uncle's family owned a farm along the Defiance county line, being an original purchaser from the state. Other than that, there is no connection with the island. As a teenager I spent summers on "the farm" and occasionally visited my aunt and uncle. That was a long time ago.

From EARLY -- I forgot to answer - no I am not in the Henry / Defiance county area - about 75 miles from it. The family farm was sold in the 1980s and my last relative died in 1998 so I have little or no connection.

I am apart of a Paranormal group and growing up in the Napoleon area I have always heard stories. I am collecting research on this location and a lot of the information provided on this message board has been great help. If we get clearance to investigate Girty's Island, I would appreciate it if anyone who has been there can be a guide of sorts. Whether it be on a random day or during an investigation, doesn't matter. Also, I am still inquiring some information in a more collective fashion so my records are clear and I am not taking anyone's work. I'd like to explore not only the haunted history, but any information on the land, area, etc that can be backed by documented evidence. Any information would be greatly appreciated and any contributions to this investigation would be given full credit to the contributors in our research.

You can email me at [email protected]

Again, I greatly appreciate any information provided.

My family owed the Island for many years around the turn of the century. My Dad is one of the 4 surviving grand children of Fred & Mary Voigt. He is 71 and spent many summer days at the Island. We have an extensive history with pictures & maps from the time our family own the island. However, NEVER in all the stories told have I heard of any hauntings. They had an amusement park and later used it for a summer home, It was always very family oriented.

In July River Rat and some friends came to visit at my home to learn more about the Island. My Dad and his older sister were here as well as myself and another cousin.
We had a wonderful time sharing our pictures and memories with them.

My health has not bee good, I am currently recovering from my 5th major surgery in a year, however I am anxious to get back to the Island this fall.

My family lived on the island for many years in the 1970s. My grandfather stayed in the cabin, which was located near the middle of the island, & we mostly camped on the East side.

When we were there, we had horses & gardens. My mom did a lot of canning there. The island was rumoured to be haunted. The old buildings were still up & I spent many years exploring them & the things people left behind.

We left when the government asserted the land as a forest preserve. We had to evacuate & kill the horses. The buildings were leveled shortly thereafter. Some of our farm equipment still exists underwater (& I've heard causes all sorts of troubles for boaters in the area).

I came across this posting because I was searching for information about Girty's Island in the hopes that I could return for a visit in Spring 2009. Let me know if you're interested in a tour.

P.S. I have pictures, including some very good aerial shots.

When you say that your grandfather stayed in the cabin are you referring to the stone cottage with the stone "Princess Madeline" ? If so my Grandfather built that cottage. Also what was the big house like. I have many pictures of the buildings taken during the time my family owned the island in the early 1900's but I have always wondered what they actually looked like. I would love to see your pictures. Did you ever find anything that was from the early 1900's that may have been my families ? Such as bowling balls, bowling pins, Beer bottles, things left behind at the dancing platform, there were rooms behind the stage that the visiting actors & actresses stayed in. I would just love to have something from that time that related back to my family. I am hoping to get on the Island this fall.
Gust

Kitty,

First of all "Welcome to the group"! It is always great meeting another Girty's Island fan.

I would love to get in touch with you. You hold the answers to the period I am missing in my time-line/research. I tried private massaging you, but that option isn't available yet. Right click on my name (RiverRat1) and choose private message. You can then send me your contact information. Your information will truly be appreciated in my research. Also, please read all of "Early's" answers. His Aunt and Uncle lived on the island between the Voigt's and your family. You may get some answers yourself :)

I have heard about the farm machinery at the bottom of the river. My neighbors at where we stay on the river had a friend who farmed the island during your time. I wonder if it is your family that they know.

I was just on the island Sunday, 9/7/08. It was tough going! With all the weeds, bushes all grown out and vines connecting them all. As many times I have been to the old house, it took me some time to find it. It didn't help that a very large cotton wood tree fell, taking another very large tree with it. I didn't see the wooden arch that I love so much and I hope it isn't under the fallen trees, I would be heart broken. The one thing that man did not level, nature might have. I will know for sure when the vegetation starts to die off. I am looking forward to talking to you!

For the rest of my readers, I want everyone to know that I had the great privilege to meet two of the three surviving Grandchildren of Fred and Mary Voigt and the rest of the family. This family invited me into their home and shared everything they have with me (I even got to hold one of the bowling balls!). Words can not describe how grateful I am! After three years of research, not only did I find the Victoria Amusement Park I was searching for, I found the people in it. This is a family that has pain stakingly kelp everything and anything that related to their family roots and the island. If anyone has anything from the island resort days, please let "Gust" know. If it doesn't mean anything to you, it would mean the whole world to them. They are a proud, loving family and I am truly blessed to have found them. It is important to let everyone know that Fred Voigt just didn't create Girty's Island, he created something much, much more. He was a very smart successful business man who's thinking was well belong the period he was living in.

Looking forward to more replys. Lets keep things going, all of us are learning so much!

We lived on Girty's from the mid-1970's until approx 1980. Grandpa stayed in the *lovely* stone cottage apparently built by gust's grandfather. I believe I can still draw its floorplan correctly. I have photos of us repainting the areas of the cottage made of wood, hosting family get-togethers, etc... as well as a few great photos of the buildings & surrounding woods ~~ the areas where we stayed.

We never took anything from the island, so I'm sorry I don't have anything to give that could have been from anyone's family. However, I do recall that the cabin had random kitchenware items, games, & marionettes.

The other buildings were mostly too dilapidated & dangerous for me to explore, but one room in what I called the hotel was in an almost pristine state. It had a twin size bed, a dresser with mirror, a small dresser, framed pictures on the wall. It was here where I found the items left behind that I adored: a framed photo of a dancer, a hairbrush, combs, & one cloth shoe. I never took any of the items; I just loved to be in that room. I tried to imagine what may have happened to inspire such a quick & thoughtless departure. It seemed magical.

But so did all my years on the island. It's not that common that kids get to explore history alone. I'm sorry I do not have much more to give you than pieces of my favorite memories. But I really do appreciate the memories & fantasies your families gave mine.

KittyCatCarlyle, Thank you so much for answering me!! I was talking to River Rat on the phone when I found your response, She thought it was beautiful!! The building your thought was the hotel was the family home. Just think those articles could have belonged to my family ! That is exciting!! But they could have also belonged to the Gunn Family who was on the Island between my family and yours. River Rat and my family are going out to the Island this Sunday. I am really excited as it will be my first time. My Dad is going and he was a little boy when he went to the Island. We are taking a taking a metal detector and a shovel to see if we can find anything.
Wouldn't that be neat! The last time River Rat was there she found the pump and then a turn buckle from the ferry.
We'll let you know what we find
Gust

I have sent a picture of Girty's Island to your E-mail address - wonder if it got through. /s/ Early