MBL Resident Grandchildren – c. 1953

William H. and Erna Wunker had seven Grandchildren: Bill and Anna’s children are Barbara and Kathy, Bob and Mary’s are Russ and Mary Lou, and Don and Audrey’s are Randy, David and Janice.
Don and Audrey (and Randy), left Miners’ Bay in 1953. Don and Audrey served as missionaries in the Dominican Republic for four decades. Their second and third children were born there. They returned to Canada regularly – usually for a year - each five years.
While they were away, Bill and Erna referred to the “on site” grandchildren as being “resident”! This photo, taken c. 1953, shows (left to right) Mary, Mary Lou, Russ, Barbara, and Kathy.
It is interesting from several standpoints: The rustic chairs are two of a number that over the years had been hand crafted, and were purchased from native people. They were made of bent and formed sticks, and had wooden seats – sometimes made of elm bark.
Bill Wunker made the rocking horse – which was enjoyed for years by family members and Lodge guests alike.
MAP Cabins # 16 and # 17 are the original small structures that were later expanded for the addition of new bath rooms.
The elm trees along the driveway grew for a couple more decades – until they succumbed to Dutch Elm Disease.
The location of this photograph, (behind the store/office), is still a popular meeting place for MBL guests.

Russ Wunker
January 2019