The Root Beer Lady

The Root Beer Lady tells the story of the indomitable Dorothy Molter, the last legal non-indigenous resident of the Boundary Waters. The story reflects the beauty and hardships of Molter’s solitary yet satisfying life beginning in 1934. The play, funny and passionate, explores her independence, fortitude, and love of nature. Molter pushes back against the premise that her time in the North Woods made her the  “Loneliest Woman in America,” as the  Saturday Evening Post  claimed in 1952. Back by popular demand, Dorothy’s story will delight all, young and old.

“...a warm, enjoyable love letter to the Boundary Waters.”  - Pioneer Press

Jess Edberg is a Minnesota native who loves the great outdoors all year long. She is currently the executive director of the Dorothy Molter Museum, a volunteer on the board of the MN Alliance for Heritage Response and the St. Louis County Historical Society, and a member of the International Wolf Center's Wolf Care Team. In addition to serving on multiple community committees, she has 20 years of experience as an educator, both in the classroom and in the field. With her spouse and two chocolate labs, she spends most of her free time hunting, fishing, and exploring in the Northwoods.

Steve, in his role as Government Relations Manager, brings over 25 years of political experience, including lobbying at the capitol, campaign volunteer work, and community and individual organizing to save our water. At the state capitol and in Washington, DC, Steve is in charge of the Friends' lobbying and policy efforts. He's usually in his garden, at the lake enjoying the outdoors in his kayak, or sitting on the beach when he's not at the capitol or scheming with colleagues on how to win our campaigns.