OBITUARY Iron River Reporter November 24 1933 "Former Teacher Dies Yesterday In Iron River: Mrs. Beulah Robinson Succumbs To Heart Attack Here"
Mrs. Beulah Robinson died at 8:45 o'clock yesterday morning in the Robinson apartment in the Iron Inn. Heart disease and complications were said, by doctors, to be the cause of her death.
She had been ill for about a year but was taken critically sick only about November 1. A year ago she had made a trip to Dr. Tucker's clinic in Ashland, Wis., for treatment and returned again the first of this month. She was there, however, for only a week when she came back to Iron River.
Yesterday morning she had asked her nurse for breakfast and had eaten lightly of the food brought to her. Death came very suddenly, shortly after this. She was about 60 years of age.
FUNERAL SERVICES Funeral services will be held at 2:30 o'clock tomorrow afternoon from the Presbyterian church under the direction of Rev. Charles Murray. The body of Mrs. Robinson will lie in her home from 2:30 o'clock this afternoon until the time of services. Burial will be in the Resthaven cemetery.
With the exception of the last three years she had been teaching in Iron River schools since her arrival in this city in 1912 and was recognized as one of the best teachers in the district, it was said. Young and old remembered her for her kindliness to children who were failing in their studies and to families who needed help to regain lost health or survive some particularly severe crisis.
In the same spirit she founded a $500 scholarship fund at the Iron River high school which is under the direction of the Twentieth Century club. Aid from the fund did not depend upon grades or ability as much as upon the actual need of help to the student. Since the institution of the revolving scholarships, a large number have been aided through their courses at the Iron River high school.
TAUGHT AT MANISTIQUE Prior to her services in Iron county she had taught for a number of years in Manistique and had been county commissioner of schools for Schoolcraft county during a part of the time. She was also a candidate for the office in Iron county at one time.
More than three years ago she severed her connection with the schools in Iron county and then taught for a year at the Fuller's school and for two years more at Bonifas. She had not been teaching since the conclusion of the school year in June.
In addition to her interest in the schools, she developed the Robinson lake district and made a resort of it. At one time she built and owned 25 cabins around the lake, several of which were later sold to persons for summer vacation residences.
Before her first marriage her name was Beulah Olivia and she was born at Reed City, Michigan. She obtained her education at Ypsilanti State Normal college and at the University of Michigan. She was married three times.
Her most recent marriage was to John Robinson, civil war veteran and father of Charles Robinson, proprietor of the Iron Inn. Her marriage took place May 21, 1911, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Robinson, in Niagara, Wisconsin. Her husband died in 1927, the last of Iron county's members of the Grand Army of the Republic.
As far as is known she has no brothers and sisters but has two cousins, John and Spencer Tynan, of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
All her life she was an ardent lover of the out-of-doors and spent long hours fishing and hunting, or walking through the woods.
Mrs. Robinson was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Iron River and the White Shrine in Iron Mountain.
FUNERAL NOTICE Iron River Reporter Nov 28 1933 "Hold Funeral Rites For Mrs. Robinson"
The body of Mrs. Beulah Robinson, widely-known for her public and private philanthropy, was buried Saturday afternoon in the Resthaven cemetery. She died Thursday morning after an illness of more than a year.
The Rev. Charles Murray had charge of the services which were conducted from the Presbyterian church in Iron River.
Mrs. Robinson had been a teacher in the Iron River and Manistique schools for about 18 years. Her husband John Robinson, who died in 1927, was the last of Iron River's members of the G.A.R.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron County Reporter March 25 2015 “Country Café: Beulah’s Story” by Allyce Westphal
For a number of years, the Beulah Robinson Scholarship has been awarded to graduating seniors, first at Iron River High School and now West Iron County, in recognition of not only their outstanding scholarship but for contributions of time and effort to improving life in their school and community.
One often heard question is, “Who is Beulah Robinson and why this scholarship?” With a little bit of research and a few written recollections, I’d like to tell you Beulah’s story.
It begins about 1912 when Beulah, more properly “Mrs. Robinson,” began her teaching stint in the Iron River School System, more specifically at the old James School.
James School, a two-and-a-half-story building, was located at the intersection of Sunset Lake Road and Iron Lake Road on the southeast 40 of land that is said to have been donated by L.F. Camins, a local pharmacist and owner of the Iron River Pharmacy.
The school was a neighborhood school, one of many that were scattered throughout the surrounding area, dedicated to bringing public education to local and immigrant children. First grade class was in the north end of first floor; second grade on the south end. Third and fourth grades were located above second grade; fifth and sixth located above first grade. At the top flight of stairs was the principal’s office, between third and fourth grade and fifth and sixth grade. Beulah was principal and also taught fifth and sixth grades.
One story recalls a time when Beulah sprained an ankle and had to hold class on that broad flight of stairs. There’s also the story of students being treated to hot chocolate on occasion. The cocoa was provided by the Scalcucci Store in the Virgil Location. While students enjoyed their cocoa, Beulah could be seen enjoying her cup of tea “dunked with an onion.”
Discipline and respect were expected and followed. Those who decided otherwise would be brought before Beulah, who would take the miscreant’s hand, with palm up, and give it a slight whack with a thick ruler. It wasn’t as much of a punishment as a means of reminding the erring youngster to be more “law-abiding,” recalled one former student.
Education was a major part of Beulah’s life. She received her education at Ypsilanti State College and at the University of Michigan. She taught for several years in Manistique and was also a county commissioner of schools for Schoolcraft County. She was also, according to her obituary, a candidate for this position in Iron County, and was recognized in the county as one of the best teachers in the district.
Pearl Windsor, superintendent of schools during Beulah’s tenure, called her “a remarkable woman.”
Beulah, whose maiden name was Olivia, was born in 1862 in downstate Reed City. Prior to coming to Iron River, Beulah married John Robinson in 1911 at the home of his son Charlie in Niagara. Beulah was John’s second wife; he was her third husband. John was a Civil War veteran who was originally from Illinois. He was 17 when he joined the Grand Army of the Republic in February 1864. He later came to the U.P., and in 1906 became general manager of the Manistique and Northern railway.
After the death of her husband, Beulah was reported to have moved to the Iron Inn where she had an apartment. Her obituary lists the apartment as her place of residence at the time of her death.
Although Beulah may most be remembered for her work in education, there are several known stories recalling her love of the outdoors.
It’s interesting to note that some of her older students were called in for some “afterschool” duties to help Beulah with several chores around the homestead, or provide her with fishing bait.
One story recalls her sitting on the bank of the river reading a book, with a fishing pole close at hand. Another tells of her being quite handy with a rifle and shotgun, shooting a bobcat out of a tree.
There’s also the story of one person coming upon Beulah during hunting season in the Robinson Lake area. Yes, Beulah had quite a bit to do with developing that area as well. According to his story, when he first saw her, he thought he was looking at a bear on a stump. It turned out to be Beulah on post wearing a bearskin coat.
The Robinson homestead cabin was located along what is now called Robinson Creek, in the general vicinity of the Paint and Net Rivers. Where the two rivers met was the area called the Flat Iron, which was about a quarter mile from the Robinson cabin.
There were a few homestead farms in the area, and stories tell of Beulah being assisted by some of her neighbors as she traveled from cabin to school and back again.
As noted in her obituary, “all her life, she was an ardent lover of the out-of-doors, and spent long hours fishing and hunting, or walking through the woods.
Beulah continued teaching at the James School until the spring of 1927, according to one report. That was the year her husband died, and that might have had something to do with it, or perhaps it was something else. Whatever, it seems it was an abrupt departure from Iron River. Her obituary said she “severed her connection with the schools in Iron County.” She then taught for a year at the Fuller school and then at the Bonifas for two years-both schools were located in the Watersmeet area at that time.
In addition to her work in education, Beulah became something of an entrepreneur, developing the Robinson Lake district into a resort area where she built and owned 25 cabins around the lake. Several of these were later sold as summer vacation homes.
But her ties to education seemed to be foremost for this remarkable individual. She founded the Beulah Robinson Scholarship fund at the Iron River High School under the direction of the Twentieth Century Club, an organization of prominent local women, which organized in 1912 as a study club.
She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Iron River and the White Shrine in Iron Mountain.
Beulah died in November 1933 at the age of 71 and was buried at Resthaven Cemetery alongside her husband.
She spent 18 years teaching, and many, many more years as an inspiration to a great number of former students who remembered her as “the best teacher I ever had.”
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Sep 14 1963 "Plans Completed For 50th Anniversary of Eastern Star" (excerpt)
IRON RIVER-Preparations are being completed for the Golden Anniversary observance of Iron River Chapter 410 of the Order of Eastern Star, to be held Sept. 28.
A meeting of 19 women and nine Master Masons was held on April 10, 1913 in the First National Bank Building-now called the Iron River National Bank-on Genesee Street.
Beulah Robinson was the first secretary, who in a great service to the community and to students needing assistance to complete their college education, established the Beulah Robinson Scholarship Fund, which is under the juristiction and supervision of the Twentieth Century Club of Iron River.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Feb 15 1960 "Beulah Robinson Scholarship"
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Dec 11 1936 “Robinson Will Is Upheld by Court; Involves $20,000”
Following the decision of the state supreme court sustaining the will of the late Beulah Robinson, administrators of the scholarship fund expressed themselves as pleased. It is estimated that the committee will receive between $15,000 and $20,000 when the affairs of the estate are finally settled. The fund was started in 1931 by Mrs. Robinson, a teacher in Iron River.
After Mrs. Robinson died, her estate was estimated at about $16,000 and her relatives in various parts of the country instituted a contest claiming that it was not the intention of Mrs. Robinson to leave such a large amount to the educational fund. Accordingly, suit was brought in circuit court by Mrs. Clara Sullivan of Detroit, but Judge Frank A. Bell upheld the provisions of the will. The case was then appealed to the state supreme court.
As the result of the decision, officers of the club and members of the committee believe that a revision should be made of the present rules governing the administration of the fund.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Dec 12 1933 “Robinson Will Leaves Bulk of Estate to Fund: Scholarship Fund She Created Is Greatest Beneficiary” (excerpt)
Aside from minor bequests, the estate of Mrs. Beulah Robinson, consisting of large real estate holdings and stocks and bonds, was left to the Beulah Robinson Scholarship fund in a will entered for probate in Iron county Saturday.
No estimate of the value of the property willed the fund was given out, but friends said its worth will run into several thousands of dollars.
The property is left in the hands of Frank Fisher, member of the Iron River high school faculty, who is authorized to dispose of the property at any time he thinks it has again reached its normal value. Meanwhile all income will accrue to the scholarship fund.
Minor bequests were made to Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Robinson, step children of Mrs. Robinson, to Mrs. James A. Dickie, and Mrs. Della Fisher, wife of Frank Fisher. Except for Mrs. Robinson’s home, which was given to Mr. Robinson, most of the other bequests were of personal effects. The residue of the estate went to the fund.
The scholarship fund was created by Mrs. Robinson in 1928 when she agreed to give $500 provided a like amount could be raised by the Twentieth Century club. A committee of the club succeeded in raising this sum and the fund was established. It has, according to Miss Pearl Windsor, high school principal and a member of the fund committee, assisted 10 young people in securing an education through loans from the fund.
800 ACRES OF LAND Included in the property from which the scholarship fund will realize benefits are 20 forties of land, mostly in the vicinity of Robinson lake.
Mrs. Beulah Robinson died at 8:45 o'clock yesterday morning in the Robinson apartment in the Iron Inn. Heart disease and complications were said, by doctors, to be the cause of her death.
She had been ill for about a year but was taken critically sick only about November 1. A year ago she had made a trip to Dr. Tucker's clinic in Ashland, Wis., for treatment and returned again the first of this month. She was there, however, for only a week when she came back to Iron River.
Yesterday morning she had asked her nurse for breakfast and had eaten lightly of the food brought to her. Death came very suddenly, shortly after this. She was about 60 years of age.
FUNERAL SERVICES Funeral services will be held at 2:30 o'clock tomorrow afternoon from the Presbyterian church under the direction of Rev. Charles Murray. The body of Mrs. Robinson will lie in her home from 2:30 o'clock this afternoon until the time of services. Burial will be in the Resthaven cemetery.
With the exception of the last three years she had been teaching in Iron River schools since her arrival in this city in 1912 and was recognized as one of the best teachers in the district, it was said. Young and old remembered her for her kindliness to children who were failing in their studies and to families who needed help to regain lost health or survive some particularly severe crisis.
In the same spirit she founded a $500 scholarship fund at the Iron River high school which is under the direction of the Twentieth Century club. Aid from the fund did not depend upon grades or ability as much as upon the actual need of help to the student. Since the institution of the revolving scholarships, a large number have been aided through their courses at the Iron River high school.
TAUGHT AT MANISTIQUE Prior to her services in Iron county she had taught for a number of years in Manistique and had been county commissioner of schools for Schoolcraft county during a part of the time. She was also a candidate for the office in Iron county at one time.
More than three years ago she severed her connection with the schools in Iron county and then taught for a year at the Fuller's school and for two years more at Bonifas. She had not been teaching since the conclusion of the school year in June.
In addition to her interest in the schools, she developed the Robinson lake district and made a resort of it. At one time she built and owned 25 cabins around the lake, several of which were later sold to persons for summer vacation residences.
Before her first marriage her name was Beulah Olivia and she was born at Reed City, Michigan. She obtained her education at Ypsilanti State Normal college and at the University of Michigan. She was married three times.
Her most recent marriage was to John Robinson, civil war veteran and father of Charles Robinson, proprietor of the Iron Inn. Her marriage took place May 21, 1911, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Robinson, in Niagara, Wisconsin. Her husband died in 1927, the last of Iron county's members of the Grand Army of the Republic.
As far as is known she has no brothers and sisters but has two cousins, John and Spencer Tynan, of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
All her life she was an ardent lover of the out-of-doors and spent long hours fishing and hunting, or walking through the woods.
Mrs. Robinson was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Iron River and the White Shrine in Iron Mountain.
FUNERAL NOTICE Iron River Reporter Nov 28 1933 "Hold Funeral Rites For Mrs. Robinson"
The body of Mrs. Beulah Robinson, widely-known for her public and private philanthropy, was buried Saturday afternoon in the Resthaven cemetery. She died Thursday morning after an illness of more than a year.
The Rev. Charles Murray had charge of the services which were conducted from the Presbyterian church in Iron River.
Mrs. Robinson had been a teacher in the Iron River and Manistique schools for about 18 years. Her husband John Robinson, who died in 1927, was the last of Iron River's members of the G.A.R.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron County Reporter March 25 2015 “Country Café: Beulah’s Story” by Allyce Westphal
For a number of years, the Beulah Robinson Scholarship has been awarded to graduating seniors, first at Iron River High School and now West Iron County, in recognition of not only their outstanding scholarship but for contributions of time and effort to improving life in their school and community.
One often heard question is, “Who is Beulah Robinson and why this scholarship?” With a little bit of research and a few written recollections, I’d like to tell you Beulah’s story.
It begins about 1912 when Beulah, more properly “Mrs. Robinson,” began her teaching stint in the Iron River School System, more specifically at the old James School.
James School, a two-and-a-half-story building, was located at the intersection of Sunset Lake Road and Iron Lake Road on the southeast 40 of land that is said to have been donated by L.F. Camins, a local pharmacist and owner of the Iron River Pharmacy.
The school was a neighborhood school, one of many that were scattered throughout the surrounding area, dedicated to bringing public education to local and immigrant children. First grade class was in the north end of first floor; second grade on the south end. Third and fourth grades were located above second grade; fifth and sixth located above first grade. At the top flight of stairs was the principal’s office, between third and fourth grade and fifth and sixth grade. Beulah was principal and also taught fifth and sixth grades.
One story recalls a time when Beulah sprained an ankle and had to hold class on that broad flight of stairs. There’s also the story of students being treated to hot chocolate on occasion. The cocoa was provided by the Scalcucci Store in the Virgil Location. While students enjoyed their cocoa, Beulah could be seen enjoying her cup of tea “dunked with an onion.”
Discipline and respect were expected and followed. Those who decided otherwise would be brought before Beulah, who would take the miscreant’s hand, with palm up, and give it a slight whack with a thick ruler. It wasn’t as much of a punishment as a means of reminding the erring youngster to be more “law-abiding,” recalled one former student.
Education was a major part of Beulah’s life. She received her education at Ypsilanti State College and at the University of Michigan. She taught for several years in Manistique and was also a county commissioner of schools for Schoolcraft County. She was also, according to her obituary, a candidate for this position in Iron County, and was recognized in the county as one of the best teachers in the district.
Pearl Windsor, superintendent of schools during Beulah’s tenure, called her “a remarkable woman.”
Beulah, whose maiden name was Olivia, was born in 1862 in downstate Reed City. Prior to coming to Iron River, Beulah married John Robinson in 1911 at the home of his son Charlie in Niagara. Beulah was John’s second wife; he was her third husband. John was a Civil War veteran who was originally from Illinois. He was 17 when he joined the Grand Army of the Republic in February 1864. He later came to the U.P., and in 1906 became general manager of the Manistique and Northern railway.
After the death of her husband, Beulah was reported to have moved to the Iron Inn where she had an apartment. Her obituary lists the apartment as her place of residence at the time of her death.
Although Beulah may most be remembered for her work in education, there are several known stories recalling her love of the outdoors.
It’s interesting to note that some of her older students were called in for some “afterschool” duties to help Beulah with several chores around the homestead, or provide her with fishing bait.
One story recalls her sitting on the bank of the river reading a book, with a fishing pole close at hand. Another tells of her being quite handy with a rifle and shotgun, shooting a bobcat out of a tree.
There’s also the story of one person coming upon Beulah during hunting season in the Robinson Lake area. Yes, Beulah had quite a bit to do with developing that area as well. According to his story, when he first saw her, he thought he was looking at a bear on a stump. It turned out to be Beulah on post wearing a bearskin coat.
The Robinson homestead cabin was located along what is now called Robinson Creek, in the general vicinity of the Paint and Net Rivers. Where the two rivers met was the area called the Flat Iron, which was about a quarter mile from the Robinson cabin.
There were a few homestead farms in the area, and stories tell of Beulah being assisted by some of her neighbors as she traveled from cabin to school and back again.
As noted in her obituary, “all her life, she was an ardent lover of the out-of-doors, and spent long hours fishing and hunting, or walking through the woods.
Beulah continued teaching at the James School until the spring of 1927, according to one report. That was the year her husband died, and that might have had something to do with it, or perhaps it was something else. Whatever, it seems it was an abrupt departure from Iron River. Her obituary said she “severed her connection with the schools in Iron County.” She then taught for a year at the Fuller school and then at the Bonifas for two years-both schools were located in the Watersmeet area at that time.
In addition to her work in education, Beulah became something of an entrepreneur, developing the Robinson Lake district into a resort area where she built and owned 25 cabins around the lake. Several of these were later sold as summer vacation homes.
But her ties to education seemed to be foremost for this remarkable individual. She founded the Beulah Robinson Scholarship fund at the Iron River High School under the direction of the Twentieth Century Club, an organization of prominent local women, which organized in 1912 as a study club.
She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Iron River and the White Shrine in Iron Mountain.
Beulah died in November 1933 at the age of 71 and was buried at Resthaven Cemetery alongside her husband.
She spent 18 years teaching, and many, many more years as an inspiration to a great number of former students who remembered her as “the best teacher I ever had.”
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Sep 14 1963 "Plans Completed For 50th Anniversary of Eastern Star" (excerpt)
IRON RIVER-Preparations are being completed for the Golden Anniversary observance of Iron River Chapter 410 of the Order of Eastern Star, to be held Sept. 28.
A meeting of 19 women and nine Master Masons was held on April 10, 1913 in the First National Bank Building-now called the Iron River National Bank-on Genesee Street.
Beulah Robinson was the first secretary, who in a great service to the community and to students needing assistance to complete their college education, established the Beulah Robinson Scholarship Fund, which is under the juristiction and supervision of the Twentieth Century Club of Iron River.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Feb 15 1960 "Beulah Robinson Scholarship"
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Dec 11 1936 “Robinson Will Is Upheld by Court; Involves $20,000”
Following the decision of the state supreme court sustaining the will of the late Beulah Robinson, administrators of the scholarship fund expressed themselves as pleased. It is estimated that the committee will receive between $15,000 and $20,000 when the affairs of the estate are finally settled. The fund was started in 1931 by Mrs. Robinson, a teacher in Iron River.
After Mrs. Robinson died, her estate was estimated at about $16,000 and her relatives in various parts of the country instituted a contest claiming that it was not the intention of Mrs. Robinson to leave such a large amount to the educational fund. Accordingly, suit was brought in circuit court by Mrs. Clara Sullivan of Detroit, but Judge Frank A. Bell upheld the provisions of the will. The case was then appealed to the state supreme court.
As the result of the decision, officers of the club and members of the committee believe that a revision should be made of the present rules governing the administration of the fund.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Dec 12 1933 “Robinson Will Leaves Bulk of Estate to Fund: Scholarship Fund She Created Is Greatest Beneficiary” (excerpt)
Aside from minor bequests, the estate of Mrs. Beulah Robinson, consisting of large real estate holdings and stocks and bonds, was left to the Beulah Robinson Scholarship fund in a will entered for probate in Iron county Saturday.
No estimate of the value of the property willed the fund was given out, but friends said its worth will run into several thousands of dollars.
The property is left in the hands of Frank Fisher, member of the Iron River high school faculty, who is authorized to dispose of the property at any time he thinks it has again reached its normal value. Meanwhile all income will accrue to the scholarship fund.
Minor bequests were made to Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Robinson, step children of Mrs. Robinson, to Mrs. James A. Dickie, and Mrs. Della Fisher, wife of Frank Fisher. Except for Mrs. Robinson’s home, which was given to Mr. Robinson, most of the other bequests were of personal effects. The residue of the estate went to the fund.
The scholarship fund was created by Mrs. Robinson in 1928 when she agreed to give $500 provided a like amount could be raised by the Twentieth Century club. A committee of the club succeeded in raising this sum and the fund was established. It has, according to Miss Pearl Windsor, high school principal and a member of the fund committee, assisted 10 young people in securing an education through loans from the fund.
800 ACRES OF LAND Included in the property from which the scholarship fund will realize benefits are 20 forties of land, mostly in the vicinity of Robinson lake.
OBITUARY Iron River Reporter November 24 1933 "Former Teacher Dies Yesterday In Iron River: Mrs. Beulah Robinson Succumbs To Heart Attack Here"
Mrs. Beulah Robinson died at 8:45 o'clock yesterday morning in the Robinson apartment in the Iron Inn. Heart disease and complications were said, by doctors, to be the cause of her death.
She had been ill for about a year but was taken critically sick only about November 1. A year ago she had made a trip to Dr. Tucker's clinic in Ashland, Wis., for treatment and returned again the first of this month. She was there, however, for only a week when she came back to Iron River.
Yesterday morning she had asked her nurse for breakfast and had eaten lightly of the food brought to her. Death came very suddenly, shortly after this. She was about 60 years of age.
FUNERAL SERVICES Funeral services will be held at 2:30 o'clock tomorrow afternoon from the Presbyterian church under the direction of Rev. Charles Murray. The body of Mrs. Robinson will lie in her home from 2:30 o'clock this afternoon until the time of services. Burial will be in the Resthaven cemetery.
With the exception of the last three years she had been teaching in Iron River schools since her arrival in this city in 1912 and was recognized as one of the best teachers in the district, it was said. Young and old remembered her for her kindliness to children who were failing in their studies and to families who needed help to regain lost health or survive some particularly severe crisis.
In the same spirit she founded a $500 scholarship fund at the Iron River high school which is under the direction of the Twentieth Century club. Aid from the fund did not depend upon grades or ability as much as upon the actual need of help to the student. Since the institution of the revolving scholarships, a large number have been aided through their courses at the Iron River high school.
TAUGHT AT MANISTIQUE Prior to her services in Iron county she had taught for a number of years in Manistique and had been county commissioner of schools for Schoolcraft county during a part of the time. She was also a candidate for the office in Iron county at one time.
More than three years ago she severed her connection with the schools in Iron county and then taught for a year at the Fuller's school and for two years more at Bonifas. She had not been teaching since the conclusion of the school year in June.
In addition to her interest in the schools, she developed the Robinson lake district and made a resort of it. At one time she built and owned 25 cabins around the lake, several of which were later sold to persons for summer vacation residences.
Before her first marriage her name was Beulah Olivia and she was born at Reed City, Michigan. She obtained her education at Ypsilanti State Normal college and at the University of Michigan. She was married three times.
Her most recent marriage was to John Robinson, civil war veteran and father of Charles Robinson, proprietor of the Iron Inn. Her marriage took place May 21, 1911, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Robinson, in Niagara, Wisconsin. Her husband died in 1927, the last of Iron county's members of the Grand Army of the Republic.
As far as is known she has no brothers and sisters but has two cousins, John and Spencer Tynan, of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
All her life she was an ardent lover of the out-of-doors and spent long hours fishing and hunting, or walking through the woods.
Mrs. Robinson was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Iron River and the White Shrine in Iron Mountain.
FUNERAL NOTICE Iron River Reporter Nov 28 1933 "Hold Funeral Rites For Mrs. Robinson"
The body of Mrs. Beulah Robinson, widely-known for her public and private philanthropy, was buried Saturday afternoon in the Resthaven cemetery. She died Thursday morning after an illness of more than a year.
The Rev. Charles Murray had charge of the services which were conducted from the Presbyterian church in Iron River.
Mrs. Robinson had been a teacher in the Iron River and Manistique schools for about 18 years. Her husband John Robinson, who died in 1927, was the last of Iron River's members of the G.A.R.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron County Reporter March 25 2015 “Country Café: Beulah’s Story” by Allyce Westphal
For a number of years, the Beulah Robinson Scholarship has been awarded to graduating seniors, first at Iron River High School and now West Iron County, in recognition of not only their outstanding scholarship but for contributions of time and effort to improving life in their school and community.
One often heard question is, “Who is Beulah Robinson and why this scholarship?” With a little bit of research and a few written recollections, I’d like to tell you Beulah’s story.
It begins about 1912 when Beulah, more properly “Mrs. Robinson,” began her teaching stint in the Iron River School System, more specifically at the old James School.
James School, a two-and-a-half-story building, was located at the intersection of Sunset Lake Road and Iron Lake Road on the southeast 40 of land that is said to have been donated by L.F. Camins, a local pharmacist and owner of the Iron River Pharmacy.
The school was a neighborhood school, one of many that were scattered throughout the surrounding area, dedicated to bringing public education to local and immigrant children. First grade class was in the north end of first floor; second grade on the south end. Third and fourth grades were located above second grade; fifth and sixth located above first grade. At the top flight of stairs was the principal’s office, between third and fourth grade and fifth and sixth grade. Beulah was principal and also taught fifth and sixth grades.
One story recalls a time when Beulah sprained an ankle and had to hold class on that broad flight of stairs. There’s also the story of students being treated to hot chocolate on occasion. The cocoa was provided by the Scalcucci Store in the Virgil Location. While students enjoyed their cocoa, Beulah could be seen enjoying her cup of tea “dunked with an onion.”
Discipline and respect were expected and followed. Those who decided otherwise would be brought before Beulah, who would take the miscreant’s hand, with palm up, and give it a slight whack with a thick ruler. It wasn’t as much of a punishment as a means of reminding the erring youngster to be more “law-abiding,” recalled one former student.
Education was a major part of Beulah’s life. She received her education at Ypsilanti State College and at the University of Michigan. She taught for several years in Manistique and was also a county commissioner of schools for Schoolcraft County. She was also, according to her obituary, a candidate for this position in Iron County, and was recognized in the county as one of the best teachers in the district.
Pearl Windsor, superintendent of schools during Beulah’s tenure, called her “a remarkable woman.”
Beulah, whose maiden name was Olivia, was born in 1862 in downstate Reed City. Prior to coming to Iron River, Beulah married John Robinson in 1911 at the home of his son Charlie in Niagara. Beulah was John’s second wife; he was her third husband. John was a Civil War veteran who was originally from Illinois. He was 17 when he joined the Grand Army of the Republic in February 1864. He later came to the U.P., and in 1906 became general manager of the Manistique and Northern railway.
After the death of her husband, Beulah was reported to have moved to the Iron Inn where she had an apartment. Her obituary lists the apartment as her place of residence at the time of her death.
Although Beulah may most be remembered for her work in education, there are several known stories recalling her love of the outdoors.
It’s interesting to note that some of her older students were called in for some “afterschool” duties to help Beulah with several chores around the homestead, or provide her with fishing bait.
One story recalls her sitting on the bank of the river reading a book, with a fishing pole close at hand. Another tells of her being quite handy with a rifle and shotgun, shooting a bobcat out of a tree.
There’s also the story of one person coming upon Beulah during hunting season in the Robinson Lake area. Yes, Beulah had quite a bit to do with developing that area as well. According to his story, when he first saw her, he thought he was looking at a bear on a stump. It turned out to be Beulah on post wearing a bearskin coat.
The Robinson homestead cabin was located along what is now called Robinson Creek, in the general vicinity of the Paint and Net Rivers. Where the two rivers met was the area called the Flat Iron, which was about a quarter mile from the Robinson cabin.
There were a few homestead farms in the area, and stories tell of Beulah being assisted by some of her neighbors as she traveled from cabin to school and back again.
As noted in her obituary, “all her life, she was an ardent lover of the out-of-doors, and spent long hours fishing and hunting, or walking through the woods.
Beulah continued teaching at the James School until the spring of 1927, according to one report. That was the year her husband died, and that might have had something to do with it, or perhaps it was something else. Whatever, it seems it was an abrupt departure from Iron River. Her obituary said she “severed her connection with the schools in Iron County.” She then taught for a year at the Fuller school and then at the Bonifas for two years-both schools were located in the Watersmeet area at that time.
In addition to her work in education, Beulah became something of an entrepreneur, developing the Robinson Lake district into a resort area where she built and owned 25 cabins around the lake. Several of these were later sold as summer vacation homes.
But her ties to education seemed to be foremost for this remarkable individual. She founded the Beulah Robinson Scholarship fund at the Iron River High School under the direction of the Twentieth Century Club, an organization of prominent local women, which organized in 1912 as a study club.
She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Iron River and the White Shrine in Iron Mountain.
Beulah died in November 1933 at the age of 71 and was buried at Resthaven Cemetery alongside her husband.
She spent 18 years teaching, and many, many more years as an inspiration to a great number of former students who remembered her as “the best teacher I ever had.”
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Sep 14 1963 "Plans Completed For 50th Anniversary of Eastern Star" (excerpt)
IRON RIVER-Preparations are being completed for the Golden Anniversary observance of Iron River Chapter 410 of the Order of Eastern Star, to be held Sept. 28.
A meeting of 19 women and nine Master Masons was held on April 10, 1913 in the First National Bank Building-now called the Iron River National Bank-on Genesee Street.
Beulah Robinson was the first secretary, who in a great service to the community and to students needing assistance to complete their college education, established the Beulah Robinson Scholarship Fund, which is under the juristiction and supervision of the Twentieth Century Club of Iron River.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Feb 15 1960 "Beulah Robinson Scholarship"
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Dec 11 1936 “Robinson Will Is Upheld by Court; Involves $20,000”
Following the decision of the state supreme court sustaining the will of the late Beulah Robinson, administrators of the scholarship fund expressed themselves as pleased. It is estimated that the committee will receive between $15,000 and $20,000 when the affairs of the estate are finally settled. The fund was started in 1931 by Mrs. Robinson, a teacher in Iron River.
After Mrs. Robinson died, her estate was estimated at about $16,000 and her relatives in various parts of the country instituted a contest claiming that it was not the intention of Mrs. Robinson to leave such a large amount to the educational fund. Accordingly, suit was brought in circuit court by Mrs. Clara Sullivan of Detroit, but Judge Frank A. Bell upheld the provisions of the will. The case was then appealed to the state supreme court.
As the result of the decision, officers of the club and members of the committee believe that a revision should be made of the present rules governing the administration of the fund.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Dec 12 1933 “Robinson Will Leaves Bulk of Estate to Fund: Scholarship Fund She Created Is Greatest Beneficiary” (excerpt)
Aside from minor bequests, the estate of Mrs. Beulah Robinson, consisting of large real estate holdings and stocks and bonds, was left to the Beulah Robinson Scholarship fund in a will entered for probate in Iron county Saturday.
No estimate of the value of the property willed the fund was given out, but friends said its worth will run into several thousands of dollars.
The property is left in the hands of Frank Fisher, member of the Iron River high school faculty, who is authorized to dispose of the property at any time he thinks it has again reached its normal value. Meanwhile all income will accrue to the scholarship fund.
Minor bequests were made to Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Robinson, step children of Mrs. Robinson, to Mrs. James A. Dickie, and Mrs. Della Fisher, wife of Frank Fisher. Except for Mrs. Robinson’s home, which was given to Mr. Robinson, most of the other bequests were of personal effects. The residue of the estate went to the fund.
The scholarship fund was created by Mrs. Robinson in 1928 when she agreed to give $500 provided a like amount could be raised by the Twentieth Century club. A committee of the club succeeded in raising this sum and the fund was established. It has, according to Miss Pearl Windsor, high school principal and a member of the fund committee, assisted 10 young people in securing an education through loans from the fund.
800 ACRES OF LAND Included in the property from which the scholarship fund will realize benefits are 20 forties of land, mostly in the vicinity of Robinson lake.
Mrs. Beulah Robinson died at 8:45 o'clock yesterday morning in the Robinson apartment in the Iron Inn. Heart disease and complications were said, by doctors, to be the cause of her death.
She had been ill for about a year but was taken critically sick only about November 1. A year ago she had made a trip to Dr. Tucker's clinic in Ashland, Wis., for treatment and returned again the first of this month. She was there, however, for only a week when she came back to Iron River.
Yesterday morning she had asked her nurse for breakfast and had eaten lightly of the food brought to her. Death came very suddenly, shortly after this. She was about 60 years of age.
FUNERAL SERVICES Funeral services will be held at 2:30 o'clock tomorrow afternoon from the Presbyterian church under the direction of Rev. Charles Murray. The body of Mrs. Robinson will lie in her home from 2:30 o'clock this afternoon until the time of services. Burial will be in the Resthaven cemetery.
With the exception of the last three years she had been teaching in Iron River schools since her arrival in this city in 1912 and was recognized as one of the best teachers in the district, it was said. Young and old remembered her for her kindliness to children who were failing in their studies and to families who needed help to regain lost health or survive some particularly severe crisis.
In the same spirit she founded a $500 scholarship fund at the Iron River high school which is under the direction of the Twentieth Century club. Aid from the fund did not depend upon grades or ability as much as upon the actual need of help to the student. Since the institution of the revolving scholarships, a large number have been aided through their courses at the Iron River high school.
TAUGHT AT MANISTIQUE Prior to her services in Iron county she had taught for a number of years in Manistique and had been county commissioner of schools for Schoolcraft county during a part of the time. She was also a candidate for the office in Iron county at one time.
More than three years ago she severed her connection with the schools in Iron county and then taught for a year at the Fuller's school and for two years more at Bonifas. She had not been teaching since the conclusion of the school year in June.
In addition to her interest in the schools, she developed the Robinson lake district and made a resort of it. At one time she built and owned 25 cabins around the lake, several of which were later sold to persons for summer vacation residences.
Before her first marriage her name was Beulah Olivia and she was born at Reed City, Michigan. She obtained her education at Ypsilanti State Normal college and at the University of Michigan. She was married three times.
Her most recent marriage was to John Robinson, civil war veteran and father of Charles Robinson, proprietor of the Iron Inn. Her marriage took place May 21, 1911, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Robinson, in Niagara, Wisconsin. Her husband died in 1927, the last of Iron county's members of the Grand Army of the Republic.
As far as is known she has no brothers and sisters but has two cousins, John and Spencer Tynan, of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
All her life she was an ardent lover of the out-of-doors and spent long hours fishing and hunting, or walking through the woods.
Mrs. Robinson was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Iron River and the White Shrine in Iron Mountain.
FUNERAL NOTICE Iron River Reporter Nov 28 1933 "Hold Funeral Rites For Mrs. Robinson"
The body of Mrs. Beulah Robinson, widely-known for her public and private philanthropy, was buried Saturday afternoon in the Resthaven cemetery. She died Thursday morning after an illness of more than a year.
The Rev. Charles Murray had charge of the services which were conducted from the Presbyterian church in Iron River.
Mrs. Robinson had been a teacher in the Iron River and Manistique schools for about 18 years. Her husband John Robinson, who died in 1927, was the last of Iron River's members of the G.A.R.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron County Reporter March 25 2015 “Country Café: Beulah’s Story” by Allyce Westphal
For a number of years, the Beulah Robinson Scholarship has been awarded to graduating seniors, first at Iron River High School and now West Iron County, in recognition of not only their outstanding scholarship but for contributions of time and effort to improving life in their school and community.
One often heard question is, “Who is Beulah Robinson and why this scholarship?” With a little bit of research and a few written recollections, I’d like to tell you Beulah’s story.
It begins about 1912 when Beulah, more properly “Mrs. Robinson,” began her teaching stint in the Iron River School System, more specifically at the old James School.
James School, a two-and-a-half-story building, was located at the intersection of Sunset Lake Road and Iron Lake Road on the southeast 40 of land that is said to have been donated by L.F. Camins, a local pharmacist and owner of the Iron River Pharmacy.
The school was a neighborhood school, one of many that were scattered throughout the surrounding area, dedicated to bringing public education to local and immigrant children. First grade class was in the north end of first floor; second grade on the south end. Third and fourth grades were located above second grade; fifth and sixth located above first grade. At the top flight of stairs was the principal’s office, between third and fourth grade and fifth and sixth grade. Beulah was principal and also taught fifth and sixth grades.
One story recalls a time when Beulah sprained an ankle and had to hold class on that broad flight of stairs. There’s also the story of students being treated to hot chocolate on occasion. The cocoa was provided by the Scalcucci Store in the Virgil Location. While students enjoyed their cocoa, Beulah could be seen enjoying her cup of tea “dunked with an onion.”
Discipline and respect were expected and followed. Those who decided otherwise would be brought before Beulah, who would take the miscreant’s hand, with palm up, and give it a slight whack with a thick ruler. It wasn’t as much of a punishment as a means of reminding the erring youngster to be more “law-abiding,” recalled one former student.
Education was a major part of Beulah’s life. She received her education at Ypsilanti State College and at the University of Michigan. She taught for several years in Manistique and was also a county commissioner of schools for Schoolcraft County. She was also, according to her obituary, a candidate for this position in Iron County, and was recognized in the county as one of the best teachers in the district.
Pearl Windsor, superintendent of schools during Beulah’s tenure, called her “a remarkable woman.”
Beulah, whose maiden name was Olivia, was born in 1862 in downstate Reed City. Prior to coming to Iron River, Beulah married John Robinson in 1911 at the home of his son Charlie in Niagara. Beulah was John’s second wife; he was her third husband. John was a Civil War veteran who was originally from Illinois. He was 17 when he joined the Grand Army of the Republic in February 1864. He later came to the U.P., and in 1906 became general manager of the Manistique and Northern railway.
After the death of her husband, Beulah was reported to have moved to the Iron Inn where she had an apartment. Her obituary lists the apartment as her place of residence at the time of her death.
Although Beulah may most be remembered for her work in education, there are several known stories recalling her love of the outdoors.
It’s interesting to note that some of her older students were called in for some “afterschool” duties to help Beulah with several chores around the homestead, or provide her with fishing bait.
One story recalls her sitting on the bank of the river reading a book, with a fishing pole close at hand. Another tells of her being quite handy with a rifle and shotgun, shooting a bobcat out of a tree.
There’s also the story of one person coming upon Beulah during hunting season in the Robinson Lake area. Yes, Beulah had quite a bit to do with developing that area as well. According to his story, when he first saw her, he thought he was looking at a bear on a stump. It turned out to be Beulah on post wearing a bearskin coat.
The Robinson homestead cabin was located along what is now called Robinson Creek, in the general vicinity of the Paint and Net Rivers. Where the two rivers met was the area called the Flat Iron, which was about a quarter mile from the Robinson cabin.
There were a few homestead farms in the area, and stories tell of Beulah being assisted by some of her neighbors as she traveled from cabin to school and back again.
As noted in her obituary, “all her life, she was an ardent lover of the out-of-doors, and spent long hours fishing and hunting, or walking through the woods.
Beulah continued teaching at the James School until the spring of 1927, according to one report. That was the year her husband died, and that might have had something to do with it, or perhaps it was something else. Whatever, it seems it was an abrupt departure from Iron River. Her obituary said she “severed her connection with the schools in Iron County.” She then taught for a year at the Fuller school and then at the Bonifas for two years-both schools were located in the Watersmeet area at that time.
In addition to her work in education, Beulah became something of an entrepreneur, developing the Robinson Lake district into a resort area where she built and owned 25 cabins around the lake. Several of these were later sold as summer vacation homes.
But her ties to education seemed to be foremost for this remarkable individual. She founded the Beulah Robinson Scholarship fund at the Iron River High School under the direction of the Twentieth Century Club, an organization of prominent local women, which organized in 1912 as a study club.
She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Iron River and the White Shrine in Iron Mountain.
Beulah died in November 1933 at the age of 71 and was buried at Resthaven Cemetery alongside her husband.
She spent 18 years teaching, and many, many more years as an inspiration to a great number of former students who remembered her as “the best teacher I ever had.”
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Sep 14 1963 "Plans Completed For 50th Anniversary of Eastern Star" (excerpt)
IRON RIVER-Preparations are being completed for the Golden Anniversary observance of Iron River Chapter 410 of the Order of Eastern Star, to be held Sept. 28.
A meeting of 19 women and nine Master Masons was held on April 10, 1913 in the First National Bank Building-now called the Iron River National Bank-on Genesee Street.
Beulah Robinson was the first secretary, who in a great service to the community and to students needing assistance to complete their college education, established the Beulah Robinson Scholarship Fund, which is under the juristiction and supervision of the Twentieth Century Club of Iron River.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Feb 15 1960 "Beulah Robinson Scholarship"
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Dec 11 1936 “Robinson Will Is Upheld by Court; Involves $20,000”
Following the decision of the state supreme court sustaining the will of the late Beulah Robinson, administrators of the scholarship fund expressed themselves as pleased. It is estimated that the committee will receive between $15,000 and $20,000 when the affairs of the estate are finally settled. The fund was started in 1931 by Mrs. Robinson, a teacher in Iron River.
After Mrs. Robinson died, her estate was estimated at about $16,000 and her relatives in various parts of the country instituted a contest claiming that it was not the intention of Mrs. Robinson to leave such a large amount to the educational fund. Accordingly, suit was brought in circuit court by Mrs. Clara Sullivan of Detroit, but Judge Frank A. Bell upheld the provisions of the will. The case was then appealed to the state supreme court.
As the result of the decision, officers of the club and members of the committee believe that a revision should be made of the present rules governing the administration of the fund.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Dec 12 1933 “Robinson Will Leaves Bulk of Estate to Fund: Scholarship Fund She Created Is Greatest Beneficiary” (excerpt)
Aside from minor bequests, the estate of Mrs. Beulah Robinson, consisting of large real estate holdings and stocks and bonds, was left to the Beulah Robinson Scholarship fund in a will entered for probate in Iron county Saturday.
No estimate of the value of the property willed the fund was given out, but friends said its worth will run into several thousands of dollars.
The property is left in the hands of Frank Fisher, member of the Iron River high school faculty, who is authorized to dispose of the property at any time he thinks it has again reached its normal value. Meanwhile all income will accrue to the scholarship fund.
Minor bequests were made to Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Robinson, step children of Mrs. Robinson, to Mrs. James A. Dickie, and Mrs. Della Fisher, wife of Frank Fisher. Except for Mrs. Robinson’s home, which was given to Mr. Robinson, most of the other bequests were of personal effects. The residue of the estate went to the fund.
The scholarship fund was created by Mrs. Robinson in 1928 when she agreed to give $500 provided a like amount could be raised by the Twentieth Century club. A committee of the club succeeded in raising this sum and the fund was established. It has, according to Miss Pearl Windsor, high school principal and a member of the fund committee, assisted 10 young people in securing an education through loans from the fund.
800 ACRES OF LAND Included in the property from which the scholarship fund will realize benefits are 20 forties of land, mostly in the vicinity of Robinson lake.
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