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| 6/18/2004 | Email this article • Print this article | Recalling the early days of tourism in the Lakeland area
Joyce Laabs
Editor's Note: As we swing into another tourist season in the Lakeland area, we thought our readers might enjoy reading of the early days of tourism as recalled in Vol. II of Northwoods Nostalgia.
By the year 1912, logging and the mills had ceased to be the mainstay of the economy of the Lakeland area. Indeed, people by the hundreds were leaving as lumber barons moved entire towns out and eventually ceased all operations.
The area resembled a vast wasteland. As far as the eye could see was a panorama of stumps and cuttings which had replaced the virgin timber that once reached to the sky.
It was an area in transition. Farming had been tried as a substitute, but it was soon discovered that about the only crop that would prove to be lucrative in Wisconsin's Northwoods was potatoes. Most everything else needed a longer growing season.
So here it was - the year of 1912 - and the hardy pioneers who had blazed the trails that opened the north had to find a way to survive. Even then the trend towards tourism had begun - and though they didn't know it at the time - it was to be the Lakeland area's salvation.
In that year of 1912, a forward looking group of men formed the Fish and Game Protective Association of Northern Wisconsin and published a booklet aimed at attracting tourists. Minocqua members of this group were pioneers T.H. Bosacki, Henry Hanson, R.C. Wasserberger, H.T. Ames and Gus Nolan, plus Ed Gabe of Sayner and C.H. Coon of Trout Lake.
In their own words, "the association was organized for the purpose of protecting and fostering the fish and game of Northern Wisconsin," plus active efforts were made to present "the beauty and advantages for sport and outing offered to the vacationist and tourist."
They touted the scenery, the crystal lakes, the tumbling trout streams and the bracing and reviving air.
Ads were taken out by the major resorts of the area and the booklet was geared "to the office worker or city dweller who can spare only a week or 10 days for an outing; and the man of means, who wishes an outing but must be within easy reach of headquarters."
They promised the office worker that he could feel assured "that he is having sport as keen, is enjoying scenery as grand, and is breathing air as pure and cool as many of his richer brothers are spending hundreds of dollars to find in foreign lands."
It was the beginning of the marketing of the area for the tourist - and anyone who bucked the crowds during any Fourth of July weekend knows they hit upon a winning combination.
The fees for licenses to hunt and fish were nominal. Residents of Wisconsin paid $1 to hunt and none to fish. Non-residents could pay $25 to hunt both deer and small game, or $10 to hunt just small game. A non-resident fishing license (for those over 16) was just $1.
The picturesque descriptions of some of the resorts are worth repeating - and you may recognize some of the names.
The Lost Lake Resort in Sayner had just begun under the leadership of Ed Gabe. In fact, he advertised that the management is new and in competent hands. He continued - "my new hotel, completed May 1, 1912, will be a great improvement to the resort. Have five cottages and can accommodate 50 guests." He also advertised good rowboats and that the stage would meet the trains at Sayner.
A.H. Darrow advertised his "Darrow's Camp" as on the shore of one of the most beautiful of the thousands of lakes in Northern Wisconsin - Lake Shishebogama. He then went on to say "come up to this pine country and leave your business and other cares behind. You will find no golf links, telegraph offices, daily papers and the like to remind you of the ceaseless grind of city life."
Hanson' Squirrel Lake Resort merely stated: "Start In. It's a habit you can't quit."
The High Lake Resort, under the proprietorship of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Pope (now part of Dairymen's Country Club), said their resort "is now in its prime as regards the angling for the finny tribe and for hunting of deer and partridge." They also tried to lure the tourist by promising that "an abundance of well-cooked nutritious food is served three times daily - and a lunch between times if you wish it."
Gus Nolan told those reading the brochure that The Northern was an ideal resort for those who want all the advantages of an outing without sacrificing comfort and convenience."
And it wasn't only the resorts that were advertised. Land was being offered for sale.
Schwartz and Anderson of Hazelhurst advertised that lots were now on sale for the first time on the beautiful shores of Lake Katherine - "from whence Tomahawk Lake, Minocqua and all tributary points can be reached via canal."
William Schlecht of Minocqua asked the question: "Why not locate in the Town of Minocqua? He offered "very good hardwood farming lands and lake frontage for sale on easy payments." It was further advertised as "The Hazelhurst Land Company's first addition to the Village of Minocqua."
The T.H. Bosacki Cigar Factory advertised the El Emfatico - "the cigar that is right - equal in flavor to the balminess of Wisconsin's unrivaled climate."
A.J. Klumb and E.A. Pedder of the Minocqua Boat Livery and Machine Company offered launches, rowboats and camping outfits for rent, and added that they had a telephone connection.
William Froelich of Sayner, dealer in general merchandise, dry goods, fancy groceries, hardware, sporting goods, etc., advertised that souvenirs of Sayner and Plum Lake were a specialty, and further stated that "any purchases made from me will be delivered to any branch store on the shores of Plum Lake for the special convenience of guests at resorts on this lake."
John Sutton of Minocqua offered furnished cottages for rent from $10 to $25 per week, and furnished rooms at $4 to $5 a week.
J.R. Marvin, proprietor of The Lakeside Hotel in Minocqua, solicited the patronage of "Traveling Men," and offered an excellent sample room plus steam heat and electric lights.
The City Meat Market in Minocqua offered all kinds of fish in season, in addition to fresh, salted and smoked meats, and promised that "special attention will be paid to summer resorts and summer homes."
Probably the ad that sums up the entire thrust of the Lakeland area resorts and services was the one run by Roman Woodzicka, proprietor of Sun Flower Cottages on Tomahawk Lake.
He quoted a poem by W.A. Jenkins:
"Far midst Wisconsin lakes,
Lies one from Indian weapon named,
Where outing oft the angler takes,
To fish for what the lake is famed.
In Tomahawk's clear depths are found
The savage musky and black bass,
While pike and pickerel abound, With bluegills in the smaller class.
In Sunflower Cottage, where the best of food and chewer, while music's sound
Contentment brings to every quest.
Some come with lines of various kind,
With certain luck their minds are fraught,
They troll and cast for days and find that muskies big are seldom caught.
But in Woodzicka's treatment kind,
All disappointments disappear,
They meet all wants, and in your minds,
You vow you'll come again next year."
And come they have - thousands over the years - to find their little bit of paradise in the Lakeland area. They brought the base of an economy that grows each year - and allows the fortunate to enjoy the pleasure of the Northwoods year-round.
We own special thanks to this inventive group who had the foresight to promote the area.
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