Gitche Gumee Agate and History Museum

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June 2008

As I continue in my tenth year of operating the museum, I was greeted the other day with a kicked-in back door. It could have been a lot worse, but someone forced entry into the museum this past weekend. Other than the back door, nothing else was broken or destroyed. Also, the nonreplacable agates and most of the merchandise were not taken. There was no money drawer in the cash register, so the thief did not get any cash -- only various retail agates. Two other local places were broken into during the past week or so. It is a shame that those of us living in Grand Marais have to think about investing in a security system. I will not let this dampen my enthusiasm and passion for operating the Gitche Gumee Museum. I only hope that the people of Grand Marais will band together to begin catching and prosecuting those who commit unlawful acts.

Other than the break-in, everything else is going well. For those of you who live in areas serviced by a Great Lakes Touchstone Energy Cooperative, the current issue of Michigan Country Lines includes an article about agates titled: “Lake Superior Agates Rock.” Cindy Zuker wrote the article, which does a fabulous job explaining about how to find agates. For those of you who do not receive your electricity from a cooperative, I have duplicated the article in the Media Coverage section of the web page. To access this section, you can click on the link in the update list at the bottom of this homepage.

I included information in last month’s home page about the new high quality Lake Superior rockhounding book, but it bears mentioning again.. Bob Lynch (Agate City, Two Harbors, MN), and his son Dan, have published Lake Superior Rocks & Minerals: A field Guide to the Lake Superior Area. This 208 page 6” x 4 3/8” book is a handy guide with a photographic key and high quality photographs. In many cases, there are photos of both rough and polished specimens. In addition to the general rock and mineral section, there are separate chapters for minerals found in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Those of you who have seen the Wowser Rocks at the Gitche Gumee Museum may recognize two agate specimens pictured on the bottom of page 152. The book is a must-have for rock enthusiasts and is on sale at the museum for $12.95.

This will be a busy summer with the addition of two shows, and my son’s wedding. While I am away for most of the last 3 weekends in July, the museum will be open normal hours, operated by other staff. The show schedule so far for the remainder of the year is below. I have applied to a couple of other shows, but have not yet heard if I’ve been accepted. I’ll post this show schedule each month, including any updated information.

July 10-13 The Wonderful World of Agates Weis Earth Science Museum, Menasha, WI

This is the first time that agate dealers from all over the world will assemble to display, talk about, and sell agate, jasper, and other cryptocrystalline quartz materials. The show is sponsored by the University of Wisconsin, Fox Valley. Those interested can find out detailed information at: www.uwfox.uwc.edu/wesm/agate . There will be a $4 daily admission fee, or $10 for the three days that are open to the public. The displays and exhibits will be open Friday from 10:00am to 7:00pm, Saturday from 10:00am to 5:00pm; and Sunday from 11:00am to 4:00pm.

July 19-20 Moose Lake Agate Days Moose Lake, MN High School

The 39th annual agate days will again be co-sponsored by the Carlton County Gem and Mineral Club and the Moose Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. I have been trying to get into this show for several years, and have finally been accepted as a dealer! I will have my mineral art for sale at a corner booth inside the gym. The hours are Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm and Sunday 9:00am to 4:00pm. More information is available at: www.agatedays.com or www.mooselake-mn.com

August 8-10 Grand Marais Music and Art Festival Grand Marais, MI

Although the museum will be open its usual hours (other than Sunday--we will be closed), we will also have a booth across the street at the music festival. More information and a show schedule, is available at: www.grandmaraismichigan.com.

October 4-5 Cranberry Festival Eagle River, WI

For the second year, we will be exhibiting at the Cranberry Festival. This is a large show in its 29th year that permits only hand-made items for sale. The hours are Saturday 9:00am to 4:00pm and Sunday 9:00am to 3:00pm. I will be in booth X7. More information is available at www.eagleriver.org.

November 22 Schoolhouse Arts & Crafts Show East Grand Rapids, MI

Although this show is usually held at the high school, it is being held at the middle school this year due to construction at the high school. The school is located at 2425 Lake Drive SE. It is a one-day show on Saturday from 9:00am to 4:00pm.

December 5-7 WLUC TV6 Christmas Craft Show Marquette, MI

TV6 used to sponsor 4 shows a year, and have now cut back to two shows including the spring and Christmas shows. The Christmas show is held at the Superior Dome, 1401 Presque Isle Avenue. Show hours are Friday 5:00 to 9:00pm; Saturday 10:00am to 6:00pm; and Sunday 11:00am to 4:00pm. More information is available at www.wluctv6.com.

There are a lot of rocks on our beach this spring due to the windy conditions this winter that pushed the icebergs and their loads of rocks up the beach. Thus, even with the high gas prices it is worth it for you rockhounds to come on north!

Have a great spring!

Karen Brzys
Gitche Gumee Museum
Grand Marais, MI 49839
906-494-2590

June 2008 Update

Current Grand Marais Scenes
Mineral of the Month Ocean Jasper
Customer Agate Find Agates found by Jacque Bugg, Jill Phillips and Renee Beaver/Stocking
History’s Gem of the Month Original Proposal for the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
On-line Gift Shop Several dozen items have been added including agate lamps, plates, nightlights, wine stoppers, stone energy kits, and candles.
Gitche Gumee Gatherings Information about scheduling private, in-home private art shows.
Rockhounding and Adventure Trip Minnesota agate hunting trip
Media Coverage Michigan Country Lines Article
Correspondence Letters and emails	E-mail from a web page visitor

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