A PEEK AT THE PAST
Heistermans Island and Carl Heisterman
by Leonard DeFrain

There is something fascinating about an island, secluded from the rest of the world by an endless chain of rippling waves.

Heistermans Island, located in the Saginaw Bay, about three miles from the mainland, is a part of Fairhaven Township. It was purchased from the United States Government by Carl Heisterman in 1851 and contains 400 acres.

Soon after making his purchase, this early Huron County pioneer settled on the island and lived there for more than 30 years with his wife, who was Mary Dutcher. Their only companions were a family of Indians who had lived on the island for many years. These Chippewa Indians were friendly and lived on a moral plane, which was much higher than that of the ordinary Indian.

These Indians called Heisterman Island Chin-Quaka or Stony Island. They traveled to and from the mainland in their frail canoes. It was said that the Indians knew the location of the lead mines in Huron County. Carl Heisterman often heard the Indian Chiefs tell about these mines.

There were many rattlesnakes on the island. Hogs were pastured on the island for many summers and soon rattlers became scarce. Goats were also pastured on the island for many years.