Melanie Buckley & Bert Caswell article (Spring 2013 newsletter)
Another “snow bird” season is ending and migrating residents are returning to summer homes within our city. Some snowbirds actually go to snowier climates during the winter months.
For the past 11 years, my family has experienced winters in the Wasatch Mountains near Park City, Utah, where I’ve been a part time seasonal employee at Deer Valley Ski Resort. This year, snowfall between the December 8th opening and April 14th closing measured just under 200 inches which is one of the lower totals in the past decade.
East Gull Lake received less total snowfall, but summer residents are still returning to find sufficient evidence of a longer than normal winter in these parts. As they return, history interviews begun last summer will resume, and photos/stories will start appearing under the history tab of the website.
Synchronicity has graced this project which began in earnest about a year ago, and one such example occurred during the closing days of the ski season. All winter long I had wanted to visit the new Zante’ Spa across the hall, and with only a week remaining, it was time to book a wellness acupuncture session. When I spoke with the spa’s acupuncturist, Melanie Buckley, I mentioned wanting to book a session before driving back to Minnesota.
“What part of Minnesota?” She asked.
“Central.” I replied. “Are you familiar with Minnesota?
“My Grandfather lives on Gull Lake.” She asserted.
“No way! WE live on Gull.” We were both realizing how small the world can be when I probed further, “What’s your grandpa’s name?”
“Bert Caswell.” She was turning away when I said, “Wait a minute, I have a photo of him right here in my ‘project’ bag.” I reached for a packet of photos, (feeling somewhat guilty about spending more time skiing this winter than working on the history project,) and showed her a photo taken of Bert and his wife Mona when Dave Maccabee and I interviewed them last fall.
“That IS my Grandpa!” Melanie looked as if she could hardly believe the serendipity unfolding, and went on to explain how she grew up moving around the United States with her military family including mother Nancy (Caswell) Buckley. Wherever they lived, her family returned to visit Gull Lake every summer looking forward to water skiing, catching sunfish, visiting Lumbertown “…and my Grandmother’s rhubarb crisp,” Melanie added.
Melanie served in the Navy and planned to be a Medical Doctor but got interested in Eastern medicine and moved to Salt Lake City to finish her undergraduate degree at the U of U. She then moved to Texas for graduate studies in Chinese Medicine. After practicing in Austin for 11 years, she returned to Utah to raise her 2 sons, Stellan and Roan. “My kids and I return every summer to Gull Lake as it feels like a second home…Gull Lake will always be in our family history.” Her story echoes those of many families who have kept roots here for generations.
Bert Caswell’s current home is on the big part of the lake off of Green Gables Road. His original property was located next to my Grandparents’ cabin (Peter and Rachel Olsen ) in what we called “Lutefisk Bay” just down from the yacht club. Bert was in the navy, too, and more of his story will be forthcoming.
Stay tuned, and check out the website for similar historical stories and photos which will begin being posted in the coming weeks. And, let the ice melt so this spring disguised as winter can give way to another wonderful summer of making memories in our City.
Linda Engel, EGL History Writer
If you haven’t already been contacted, but wish to share, please call City Hall (218.828.9279) or Linda Engel (435.714.0618, email oLesengel@gmail.com.)