Brigadier General Frederick S. Strong, Jr. (right) presents the deed to Apple Island to the West Bloomfield School District. Michigan Governor William Milliken is behind Strong.

The last private owners of Apple Island were Marjorie Ward Strong and Harold Lee Ward. Upon Ward Strong’s death in 1970, and in accordance with her wish as expressed to her husband, Brigadier General Frederick S. Strong, Jr., the island was deeded by members of her family to the West Bloomfield School District. Apple Island was dedicated as Marjorie Ward Strong Woodland Sanctuary on October 11, 1970. The proclamation made that day was:

“This historic island is given to the West Bloomfield School District in memory of Marjorie Ward Strong, its principal owner and faithful conservator for half a century, whose last request was that it be preserved in its natural state as a permanent woodland sanctuary, that the children of this favored land of lakes and forest may, as young students, learn to cherish, understand, and guard the priceless gifts of nature.”