Fe University celebrates its 10th anniversary

The Northwoods is an amazing place, not just because of the beauty of the lakes and woods, but because of the people here. So many are willing to share their expertise on a wide variety of topics. That’s the essence of Fe University, now 10 years old.

When Wendy Thiede had an idea to offer in-depth, college-type classes in 2013, she never dreamed it would come to fruition until she met Andrea (Newby) Bergman, then the family living educator at UW Extension Iron County. With some start-up money and the necessary documents, Bergman organized the first class in August 2014. Eight people signed up for that writing class.

“I was inspired,” Thiede said. “And I was even more inspired when 15 retirees attended the geology class the next year. We were on to something.”

Now, with the help of a volunteer board and the services of two independent contractors, Fe University has offered over 200 classes serving over 800 students, taught by 50 teachers.

Eighty-five students, teachers and friends gathered at Manitowish Waters’ Little Bohemia Lodge on Oct. 10 to celebrate Fe University’s 10th anniversary. There, Thiede spoke about the dedication of the first board members who helped her: Macy Washow, Bob Traczyk, Joe Lemke, Teresa Schmidt and Bergman. Over the 10 years there were many others, leading up to the current board consisting of Washow, Traczyk, Lemke, Roxanne Lutgen, Peggy Bronsberg, Bob Kary, Paul Sturgul, Joan Hauer, Christine Paulik, Vic Ouimette and Thiede.

Also responsible for the success of Fe University are the teachers including those who had faith in FeU from the beginning: Tom Fitz, John Bates, Mary Magray, Mike Hittle, Gary Theisen, Natalie Patritto, Chad McGrath, Gregg Guthrie and many more.

But most important are the students, because without their curiosity, there would be no Fe University.

“It was an awesome event befitting an awesome, inspiring organization!” said Peggy Bronsberg, vice president of Fe University’s board of directors. “Being there, and looking around at the animated, smiling faces of Fe University, I was full of pride and gratitude for our students and teachers who radiate such joy in learning together! Nothing would make me happier than to be among them all again for Fe’s 20-year anniversary, and 30th!”

Before introducing the evening’s keynote speaker, Kay Krans, Thiede turned the mic over to Bergman, who said of FeU: “It was one of the projects I am most proud of, and my favorite project that I have ever been a part of in my professional career.” 

She concluded her remarks: “Lastly, thank you for being inspiring role models to the next generations and showing us that it’s never too late to learn something new, to create new relationships, to prioritize your health and to always stay curious. We are watching.”

Krans then took center stage to set the audience straight on the real stories of gangsters in the Northwoods.

When the 2009 movie “Public Enemies” was being filmed in part at Little Bohemia, she was teaching history in Mercer. She brought history to life by asking her students to research the real story and compare it to the movie version.

Krans’ enthusiasm for local history was still apparent at FeU’s celebration as she walked around the restaurant, engaging attendees with true stories about “Gangsters of the Northwoods.”

She explained that Dillinger, the Capones, Baby Face Nelson, Leon Gleckman and others have left an indelible mark on the history of western Vilas and eastern Iron County. Not only was the area’s remoteness ideal for hiding out, but the area was also known for its welcoming hospitality.

Although the Dillinger gang’s shootout with the FBI at Little Bohemia is the most famous encounter, it was by no means the only one. Anglers, Voss’s, Aurora Borealis, Rest Lake, Plunkett Road, Mercer and Hurley all have their own gangster stories.

Making a living for area resorts was very difficult in the 1930s with Prohibition still in place and the Depression raging. Many turned to bootlegging to survive. Ice cream parlors became popular fronts for backroom operations and formed connections with the Chicago mob. Al Capone justified his profession by saying there was a demand, he merely supplied product. However, bootlegging was a dangerous venture and violence often followed.

One lesser-known gangster story involves Leon Gleckman, the “Al Capone of St. Paul.” He was kidnapped and held hostage in a cottage near Rest Lake owned by a Hurley man. One of the many theories relates that the Chicago gang was behind the kidnapping because they saw Leon as a threat. Although the initial ransom was $200,000, the kidnappers eventually settled for a few thousand.

For a time in 1941 the entire Capone family resided in Mercer. Ralph Capone, Al’s older brother, bought a home in Mercer and managed the Rex Hotel and Billy’s Bar. Ralph was known as “Bottles” because of his soft drink industry that provided the mixers for alcoholic drinks.

Eventually he was sent to prison for tax evasion, but returned to Wisconsin after his release, eventually dying in a rest home in Hurley in 1974. One attendee at the dinner remembered working on Ralph’s red Cadillac. He recalled that Ralph always seemed like a nice guy.

The Dillinger gang shoot-out at Little Bohemia was featured in the movie Public Enemies. In April of 1934, to escape the law, the Dillinger gang retreated to the resort then owned by Emil and Nan Wanatka. During the visit Nan became nervous and asked her brother-in-law Henry Voss to call the FBI.

In the FBI’s subsequent unsuccessful raid, all of the Dillinger gang escaped, but federal agent Carter Baum was killed by Baby Face Nelson at Koerner’s Resort and Eugene Boisneau, a CCC worker misidentified by the FBI agents as one of the gang members, was also killed. Several others were wounded that evening. However, one gang member, shot crossing into Minnesota, died from his wounds a few days later.

This summer, to commemorate the deaths of Agent Baum, Eugene Boisneau and other wounded, many FBI special agents attended the dedication of a state historical marker at the Manitowish Waters Community Center.

Krans’ students, having done their research, were quick to point out discrepancies between history and the movie, which has Baby Face Nelson killed in the FBI raid. She said her students were sure mad the movie didn’t follow the facts!

Being on location at Little Bohemia, with Krans pointing out the escape window, and knowing windows in the adjoining room are peppered with bullet holes, all made the evening very entertaining and provided her audience a great piece of local history. What a way to celebrate 10 years with Fe University!

“I so enjoyed Kay Krans’ rousing stories about the gangster activities in our area,” said Martha Pierpont.

“It was so nice to spend the evening with you,” said Krans. “I loved seeing your (FeU 10th anniversary) slide show and understand all that you have accomplished. Wow! I was honored to be asked to speak at your celebration.”

Thank you to sponsors for helping make this 10th anniversary celebration possible, and to Kay Krans for making it so memorable.