Name/Title
Mary Wark interview/Pump House tourEntry/Object ID
2024.41.257Scope and Content
[synopsis needed] - [if you found this video informative, consider sending your summary of its content to the SDHC Archvies at archives@mysdhistory.org.]
Part one - 1992 Pump House tour, narrated, exterior and interior - 10 minutes
Part two - Mary (Hans) Wark interview about Wark childhood, Scarlett Farm, Bank Holiday, DepressionCataloged By
Winthers, SallyAcquisition
Accession
2024.41Acquisition Method
Found in CollectionCredit Line
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This video was created by Saugatuck-Douglas History Center volunteers or was donated to the Center in a good faith effort to preserve local history. If you feel this content should not be available to the public — or have additional information that will add context to this interview — please contact the SDHC Archives at archives@mysdhistory.org.Oral History Details
Interviewee
Wark, Mary (Hans) 1905-2000Interviewer
Kontio, MarshaInterview Date
Oct 9, 1992Dimensions
Dimension Description
DVD versionWidth
5 inDepth
5 inLocation
AWS/VidArch SSD/DVD originals
Relationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
735 Park/S-D History Museum/Shorey Cottage/Pump HouseGeneral Notes
Note
YouTube summary (generated by AI):
Nov 3, 2025 SAUGATUCK
Mary Hans Wark (1905-2000) was interviewed by Marsha Kontio on October 9, 1992.
Mrs. Wark moved to Douglas in 1920 and lived with the Scarlett family for four years, working to pay for school in Saugatuck. After obtaining a teaching certificate, she taught in Douglas for seven years before marrying Edward and buying a farm during the Great Depression. She discusses family history and the Kirby building in Douglas, including personal experiences as a patient and visitor at the hospital. The conversation includes other buildings in Douglas: a drugstore, a liquor store, a filling station, the post office, the Douglas Hotel, and the basket factory. Mrs. Wark reminisces about grocery stores and shares memories of walking home from school, cutting through Mrs. Drought’s orchard, and encountering Aunt Lizzie’s Airedale dog. A collection of historical photographs evokes memories, including a costume party at Grandpa Wark’s house and the old harbor. Mrs. Wark recounts memories of teaching in Fenville, witnessing the pavilion fire in 1960, and caring for aging parents. They had a simple wedding during the Depression, officiated by Reverend Winter in Holland. She shares memories of her sister’s military service during World War II and subsequent teaching career in Grand Haven.Create Date
March 23, 2025Update Date
November 7, 2025