Dorothy Molter: The Root Beer Lady

by Sarah Guy-Levar, Terri Schocke

Kindness, Strength and Perseverance Her name is synonymous with the Boundary Waters and root beer. Her story is one of struggle and triumph. Dorothy Molter lived in the BWCA for over 50 years―15 miles and 5 portages from the nearest road. In 1952, a Saturday Evening Post article even declared her “The Loneliest Woman in America,” though nothing could be further from the truth, as she received countless visitors over the years. This is the biography of the Nightingale of the Wilderness, of a woman who fought the government for her land, of a woman whose life inspired a museum in her honor. Book Even those familiar with Dorothy’s incredible life story have never experienced it like this.

152 pages, Paperback

First published May 15, 2011

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fascinating life! This was a quick read, and I appreciated the layout of the book, the photographs, and the succinct writing. Living very close to the setting of the book, it’s easy to imagine how challenging Ms. Molter’s life must have been, but also understandable why she chose to stay out as long as she could.

[Susan Fetterer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This pictorial chronology of Dorothy Molter's remarkable life and her decision to make northern Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area's Isle of Pines her home is filled with tales of courage, the solitude (which she argued was never akin to loneliness), how thousands of hot and weary paddlers would stop for her legendary homemade root beer (still brewed and sold today), and the challenges endemic to winter life----snowshoeing 17 miles to Ely for supplies. She once said, "If I ever find a man who can portage heavier loads, chop more wood, or catch more fish, then I'll marry him." Several books have been written about her life, each one having a somewhat different take.....reading isn't enough. A trip to Ely for a visit to her museum is a must....her cabin and furnishings were relocated following her death. Plus...there's a TON of really cool stuff to do there!

[Sheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Bought this book after touring the Dorothy Molter museum in Ely. I was fascinated with the story after watching the video and seeing her actual living quarters. What an amazing story! This book is very well written with copies of actual documents written by Dorothy. A very fun read.....especially if you have been to the Bwca.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dorothy Molter spent 56 years living in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) wilderness in Minnesota and was its last resident. In addition to running a rustic resort and helping the many people who came through the area, she brewed her own root beer to help support herself. This book tells her remarkable story. I had the opportunity to see a one woman play based on her life, “The Root Beer Lady,” and I wanted to learn more. She was an amazing woman. I really enjoyed the Christmas letters she wrote that are included. She was very creative.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great souvenir from the Dorothy Molter Museum in Ely, MN. Great photos, stories and even letters from and about the Root Beer Lady. A good lesson in the formation of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area too!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think I was the intended audience. I would have preferred a long wiki article. I can see for the people who live in the area that they probably get a lot more out of it. The drama over the wilderness designation was interesting.

[June Sadlick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting life!