Imagine a historian who turned a tiny Lake Erie island into a treasure trove of captivating stories—meet Leslie Korenko! A retired federal worker turned Kelleys Island chronicler, Korenko has spent over two decades weaving the island’s quirky, poignant past into books that feel like chats with old friends. Her knack for uncovering forgotten diaries and handwritten newspapers brings history to life with a playful, engaging flair.
From Civil War soldiers to vanished hotels, Korenko’s work captures the heart of Kelleys Island, a once-wild frontier now known as a cozy resort spot. Her books don’t just preserve history—they make you want to hop a ferry and explore the island’s glacial grooves yourself!
The Making of Leslie Korenko
Leslie Korenko’s journey to historian stardom began after retiring from the federal government. Settling on Kelleys Island, she started writing grants for the village, which sparked a curiosity about its past. What began as a side project—digging into old stories—turned into a passion for preserving the island’s heritage. Korenko’s love for primary sources, like letters and the handwritten Islander newspaper, set her on a path to become the island’s unofficial storyteller.
With no formal training in history, Korenko’s self-taught approach and eye for detail made her a standout. Her involvement in local government, including four years on the Village Council, deepened her connection to the community, inspiring her to share its tales with the world.
Leslie Korenko’s Unforgettable Stories
Korenko’s books are a love letter to Kelleys Island, blending meticulous research with a conversational tone that hooks readers. Her series, spanning 1810 to 1894, dives into the island’s evolution from a rugged wilderness to a bustling community. Kelleys Island 1810-1861: The Courageous, Poignant & Often Quirky Lives of Island Pioneers kicks off the saga, using settlers’ own words to paint a vivid picture of early life, complete with pirates and prison tales.
Her Civil War-focused Kelleys Island 1862-1865: The Civil War, the Island Soldiers & the Island Queen earned praise for its detailed accounts, winning the Henry Howe Award for outstanding Ohio history. Korenko’s later works, like Kelleys Island 1877-1884: The Fire, the Great Grooves, & a Mysterious Disappearance, uncover dramatic events—like a hotel fire and a woman’s vanishing—that read like historical mysteries. Her 1894 volume explores fishing feuds and the first woman naturalized in Erie County to vote, showcasing her knack for spotlighting overlooked voices.
Korenko’s style is accessible yet rich, letting islanders’ voices shine through diaries and letters. Her columns in the Put-in-Bay Gazette and Black Swamp Trader & Gazette, plus appearances on shows like That’s Life, reveal a historian who loves sharing stories as much as uncovering them.
Why Leslie Korenko Matters
Leslie Korenko’s impact goes beyond her books. By preserving Kelleys Island’s history, she’s given a small community a lasting legacy, inspiring locals and visitors to cherish its past. Her work with the Kelleys Island Historical Association, including digitizing archives and creating museum displays, has made history accessible to all. The Ohio Historical Advisory Board’s Citizen Archivist Award recognizes her as a volunteer powerhouse who’s modernized how we engage with the island’s story.
For northwest Ohio, Korenko’s books are a blueprint for regional histories, earning her a spot in libraries like Ohioana and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her storytelling reminds us that even small places have epic tales worth telling.
- Key Works: Kelleys Island 1810-1861, Kelleys Island 1862-1865, Kelleys Island 1877-1884, Kelleys Island 1894
- Awards: Henry Howe Award (2012), Citizen Archivist Award
- Fun Fact: Korenko runs a cozy rental cottage on Kelleys Island!
Ready to time-travel to Kelleys Island? Grab Kelleys Island 1810-1861 and dive into Leslie Korenko’s vibrant historical world!