2024.41

Found in Collection

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DVD version

5 in

5 in

YouTube summary (generated by AI): Nov 3, 2025 SAUGATUCK Mary Hans Wark (1905-2000) was interviewed by Marsha Kontio on October 9, 1992. Mrs. Wark moved to Douglas in 1920 and lived with the Scarlett family for four years, working to pay for school in Saugatuck. After obtaining a teaching certificate, she taught in Douglas for seven years before marrying Edward and buying a farm during the Great Depression. She discusses family history and the Kirby building in Douglas, including personal experiences as a patient and visitor at the hospital. The conversation includes other buildings in Douglas: a drugstore, a liquor store, a filling station, the post office, the Douglas Hotel, and the basket factory. Mrs. Wark reminisces about grocery stores and shares memories of walking home from school, cutting through Mrs. Drought’s orchard, and encountering Aunt Lizzie’s Airedale dog. A collection of historical photographs evokes memories, including a costume party at Grandpa Wark’s house and the old harbor. Mrs. Wark recounts memories of teaching in Fenville, witnessing the pavilion fire in 1960, and caring for aging parents. They had a simple wedding during the Depression, officiated by Reverend Winter in Holland. She shares memories of her sister’s military service during World War II and subsequent teaching career in Grand Haven.