The Friends of the Bergland Cultural and Heritage Center have a plan.
The plan is to continue to re-introduce the vibrant cultural fabric and historical significance of the former Ottawa National Forest Bergland administrative office and the surrounding communities to tourists and locals alike. The site is already on the National Registry of Historic Places and the group and its partners have done a good job doing just that.
After a successful season last year, the group and its volunteers has plans to duplicate its efforts this year.
The Bergland Cultural and Heritage Center opened May 21, and will offer up the history of the Bergland and Lake Gogebic area to anyone who stops in. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time). The center closes Sept. 28.
An Ottawa National Forest ranger station from the 1930s when it was constructed until recently when it closed, the station maintains a close partnership with the U.S. National Forest Service. With the help of Melanie B. Fullman of the Bessemer Ranger District, the Friends have managed to find the funds through grants and independently preserve the former ranger station to its depression-era glory.
The original office, a warehouse, the old oil and gas house and the original ranger house were restored and remain in place on site. Only a couple modular buildings constructed long after the 30s were removed after the forest service relinquished its control of the facility.
A successful transition formulated by community members, the Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Regional Commission and the U.S. Forest Service, the groups followed a blueprint for economic diversification which allowed the ranger station to be preserved with almost all its buildings intact. It also benefits the community culturally and economically.
WUPPDRC stayed aboard and identified the entire community of Bergland as a potential "Heritage Hub" located within the forest's boundaries.
Back in 1996, the Ottawa National Forest proposed the ranger station be used as an interpretive center, showcasing the area's history, culture and ecological significance. Fullman and members of the community decided they wanted to make architectural adaptations and re-use the site for public education, workshops, interpretive and eco-tourism events.
Period tools, uniforms and other exhibits from the lumber era offer an interpretive experience for those stopping for a brief visit off M-28.
The Friends hosted an old-time quilt show last September, and plans a wood carving expo from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 4. Displays accentuate the region's logging history, as well as other elements which make the Bergland area unique.
The cultural and heritage center still even carries out the function it had when it was the only ranger station around by passing out visitor brochures and maps to visitors.
The Friends are hoping to find other area artisans and craftsmen for future events. They are also looking for volunteers to continue to restore the site, and watch the center during hours.
A short trail connects the center to Bergland's Town Park, Lake Gogebic and is close to the nearby Bergland Segment of the North Country Trail, which can be picked up at the Presque Isle Campground off the Lake Superior Trail.
Annual membership in the Friends is $5, however admittance to the center is free. The group meets once a month. For more information, write: Friends of the Bergland Cultural and Heritage Center, P.O. Box 44, 691 W. M-28, Bergland, MI 49910, or call Fullman at (906) 932-1330.Ironwood Daily Globe
