About The Project Mission

The collection, documentation, and archive of events, people, and places in history is as old as our civilization, itself. Old paintings scrawled on the rock walls of caves across the world help paint a picture of the early life of mankind, right? I believe it goes without saying that to know the past, is to understand the future. We must appreciate the past and work diligently to protect the memories we have. In any culture, the history and progress of that culture can be measured by not just the “facts on the ground”, but by the testimonies and art of its communities. It allows for a deeper understanding. 

Here, now, we have the memory of a place on Herrington Lake that seemed to stand out above the rest. To know Herrington Lake was to know Gwinn Island. There are two common threads that seem to help bind all the histories of Herrington Lake (in my point of view), and that was the creation of the Dix Dam - the impoundment of the river, creating the lake - and Gwinn Island. 

These two separate heartbeats of our lake’s folklore rise above the others. 

Now, in 2022, we have only the “facts on the ground” and oral histories passed on from descendants to create a meaningful picture of the creation of Herrington Lake. That’s an enjoyable process of discovery but can present difficulties. But, at this moment, we still have people with us that remember Gwinn Island and speak of it with love and nostalgia that is not common. So, it’s time to take note and act to collect as much of this as we can, not just for them - so that they have a place to come share and look at these memories, but also for those of us who enjoy the act of preservation and hope that this provides something meaningful to the lake community, as a whole. 

We will be documenting public and personal records, oral histories, and photographs of Gwinn Island. All are welcome to the project. We hope to connect old friends, hear stories of life from the 1940s through to today, and unbox photographs and memories to share with everyone. I have little doubt we will find and hear some beautiful stories about “lake life” on Herrington - it’s going to be fun! 

This will be a long project, with no timelines or expectations. If you know of anyone who would be interested or would like to contribute their history, please share this with them. The more we have, the clearer the picture, and an entire community will be grateful.  Contact us anytime.