AMERICAN GIRL BOOK LAUNCH

Jim Anderson signed books for the many well-wishers who
came to the Ferry Terminal lobby, Saturday.

Washington Island, Wisconsin -

There were many who were interested in learning more about a chapter in Island history, about the Anderson family's freighting with the American Girl.   But it also appeared that those who gathered wanted to meet and visit with Jim Anderson, the former manager of the Island Outpost store at Lobdell Point, something they remembered and missed from the years past.

The Island Outpost was Jim's business for 43 seasons and a point of personal connection with many who were not only shoppers, but boaters, sportsmen and Island visitors.

Mike Berger, a close friend of Jim's, said, "Jim has an uncanny knack, like no one else I know, for remembering the names of people.  And the names of their dogs, too."

After several hours of non-stop signing of his new book, Memories of the American Girl, Stories of a Washington Island  family freighting business, Jim admitted he was deeply touched by the well-wishers, some of whom had traveled a distance to be there, many whom he hadn't seen in a number of years.

Official delivery of Jim Anderson's book at Seaway
Printing in Green Bay.

His book reflects the same care for people as did his opportunity for personal contact Saturday.  

Publication by Seaway Printing of Green Bay was completed in timely fashion Thursday afternoon.  The books were picked up Friday morning, July 15, and a box holder notice was delivered that same day.  It was close and fortunate timing for a signing event Saturday afternoon.

-  Dick Purinton

While their wives chatted, Al Thiele and Butch Jess wasted
no time previewing Jim's book. (photo by Barbara Greenfeldt)