In loving memory ofJoe Harwig1958–1979Shakey Lakes Park, Stephenson, Michigan

I don’t know how many of our Shakey Lakes Park users have ever noticed what a beautiful flag pole stands at the entrance of the park. But the next time you visit here, take a special look. This is a stainless steel pole, about 10 inches in diameter and very high. It is all one piece and is surrounded at the bottom with a very decorative setting.

Near the bottom of the pole is a plaque with the name of a young man on it. The name is totally unknown to me until I meet this interested couple. After a few moments I find that this man and lady are Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Harwig of Aurora, Ill., and that they have had this beautiful flag pole erected as a memorial to their son, Joseph, who died some years ago in an apartment house fire in Aurora. To folks who have suffered similar tragedies, nothing has to be said more than that the boy was an especially loved one. He was an outdoor type and spent most of his youthful days, during the summer months, in the Shakey Lakes area at the family cabin on Long Lake. He was an Eagle Scout and would be 21 years old, now. I, too, lost a young loved son in a tragic accident, so it was very easy to relate to these parents.

Young Joseph Harwig loved the Shakey Lakes part of the Upper Peninsula so much and wanted to be up here to such an extent that his Mom and Dad just simply figured that this was the only setting for this memorial. And now, because of the love of the parents of a young lad, we, the folks who live here, have an enduring shrine that we can enjoy in the many years to come. On your next trip to Lake Township, make it a point to look over this loving memorial.

STEPHENSON — The Harwig family had a special reason for traveling to the flag-raising ceremony Sunday at Shake Lakes Park.

The flagpole, which received new U.S. and Michigan state flags, was donated by Arthur and Delores Harwig in memory of their son Joe.

The Harwigs traveled from Aurora, Ill., for the weekend ceremony. Their son, Jeff, and grandsons, Justin and Jason, also made the trip.

The flagpole has already been in place for four years near the entrance to the park, and although a brass plaque marks the memorial, few county residents know the story behind the flagpole’s having been erected.

Young Harwig was 21 years old when he was killed in an apartment house fire in 1979.

The Harwigs, who own a cottage on Long Lake near the park, have been coming to the area almost 40 years.

Their son, Joe, loved the park and spent a lot of time there in his youth, said his father.

“As a young boy, he swam here and had fun here,” said Harwig. “Later, when he was old enough, he’d bring his friends up and they’d camp here.

“He knew Bruce Lockhart (the former parks director) real well. After Joe’s death, we told Bruce we’d like to do something for the park,” he said.

After some time, Harwig said, Lockhart approached them with the suggestion of the flagpole.

“We thought that was a wonderful idea, and we helped in the design,” said Harwig. “It had to have an eagle on top, because Joe was an Eagle Scout.”

“You know,” Harwig said, “it’s beautiful here. They talk about ‘God’s Country.’ It’s all here. I’ve been a lot of places and this place is as beautiful as any. Joe loved it here. He loved the park.”

The next time you go out to Shakey Lakes, stop and take a look at the flagpole and the commemorative marker, and think of Joe Harwig, a young man who really loved and appreciated the park, one of Menominee County’s most beautiful spots.