@VisitElyMN HISTORY HIGHLIGHT
the life & legacy of DOROTHY MOLTER
She was known as “The Nightingale of the Wilderness”, “The Root Beer Lady”, or simply “Dorothy”. BWCAW legend Dorothy Molter’s story is one that continues to captivate and inspire visitors to the area more than 90 years after her arrival in the area. Dorothy carved out her legacy in the Boundary Waters, living on the Isle of Pines on Knife Lake for more than 56 years where she paddled, hiked, fished, and skied this pristine area until her death in 1986. This is her story.
THE EARLY YEARS Dorothy Louise Molter was born in Pennsylvania
on May 6th, 1907. She was one of six children of Mattie and John “Cap” Molter. When she was seven,
Dorothy’s mother died and her father was forced to separate the children into pairs to stay with relatives so he could continue to work. Eventually, he remarried and moved the family to south Chicago. Dorothy’s path didn’t follow that of the traditional gender role of her time. When she graduated high school in 1927, she chose to attend nursing school rather than get married and have children, which was expected.
On a school break in 1930, she accompanied her family on a fishing trip to northeastern Minnesota and fell in love with the Northwoods. They stayed at the Isle of Pines on Knife Lake, a fishing camp built by Bill Berglund. After passing both her nursing board tests, she returned to Knife Lake. Over the next several summers she worked on the Isle of Pines. In 1934, Bill asked her if she would like to stay on a more permanent basis and work for him. She flouted conventions again, and despite the disapproval of her family, she agreed. Her training as a nurse was widely known amongst travelers, and her location was pointed out on maps by outfitters to their clients. Over the years, Dorothy ensured her nursing skills stayed sharp and in compliance with current training requirements.
She would help many visitors who were in need of first aid, including tending to injured wildlife.
SPRING & SUMMER GUIDE
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