Winslow Homer's Minerva
by Peter G. Mc Shane

Commentary 2

Allow me to transcribe the road discoveries, the detailed map of Minerva and their relevance to Homer's sojourns here.

There was obviously a far more interlocking network of trails and backroads throughout the area than heretofore believed. It was primarily necessitated by the incredible size of the logging industry. Their effects on the area cannot be dismissed. The needs of the lumbermen, tourists, sports and townfolks had to be met. Minerva did not live in a vacuum and neither did Homer.

This network connected together the Baker Tract, Aiden Lair and Hewitt Lake Club (Dean Sage Camp). They provided easy carry to North River Town and Indian Lake, where Frederick Loveland for a short time had managed a hotel. Juliette Baker's diary indicates that Frederick Loveland, when necessary ran a livery service along these logging roads. Her diary also places Homer and Frederick Loveland's daughter Ida together at the Baker's.

Initially, Homer's access to the Baker's was from a road adjacent to the elegant Aiden Lair Hotel #2, an important mail and stage stop. It was then owned and operated by Mike Cronin. Guide, Frederick Loveland's home at that time was conveniently located just across the road on the same site where the old Ranger cabin stood. The map indicates the nearness of all the players to one another in this Homer study and that no one was out of reach.

It is inconceivable to believe that this fun loving bachelor would not have partaken of all the great social opportunities that the area afforded.

Despite harsh winter weather and enough hard work, there was no shortage of activities and amusements surrounding the area. Saloons to respectable dance halls, bordellos and church functions, hunting, fishing and sports were plentiful. My research shows Homer's friends indulged in it all.

Indeed, Minerva was a very happy town and Homer was quite contented in his very favorite place.