The summer stay on Fremont Island proved so enjoyable that the Wenners decided to take up permanent residence on the island. They built small brick house to replace the camping tent that had been used most of the summer. Their sheep herd was healthy from summer grazing on the island. The Wenners purchased a boat called the Argo to transport the fleeces and lambs to market in Salt Lake City. They hired a man to sail the Argo back to the island to bring mail and books to the family. Meanwhile, life on the Island became more stable and permanent. The children had to complete daily lessons before they could play or swim. The farm gradually increased to include horses, cows, and other domestic animals. As small as their community was, they celebrated most holidays. Kate recorded that on one memorable July 4th the cows were so frightened by the fireworks that they jumped into the lake!