Discovering the Northwoods

Today’s episode takes us all the way back to 1900, when a group of seven friends from Waukesha decided they needed a break from everyday life and headed north. They weren’t going to a resort, or a guided tour, or anything remotely convenient. They were determined to find lakes so remote they basically didn’t have names yet. Think: no roads, barely a trail, everything hauled in by canoe or on foot....

In this episode, I will cover five articles from Bob Becker's Woods and Water series that explore the Northwoods in the 1920s. Bob Becker was a very influential media figure during the rise of radio in the 1930s. He consistently gave high endorsements of the Northwoods on a national scale and showcased its beauty and wonders across the country through the media. 

B y and Large is a story of a canoe voyage aboard a “Belle Isle” Special – Described in a 1910 advertisement as “The Triumph of the canoe builder’s art. Swift, Safe, Strong, Durable. Easy to paddle, comfortable, graceful.” From photographing timber wolves to baking pickerel over open coals, dodging rocks in roaring rapids, and drifting silently past deer on moonlit waters, this story isn't just ab...

Welcome to Discovering the Northwoods from the Manitowish Waters Historical Society. In this episode, we turn back to August 1917, when Omaha journalist Sammy Griswold recounted a vivid day spent alone at Manitowish Falls. What began as a fishing trip quickly became a profound encounter with the Northwoods—where the roar of the falls, the solitude of the forest, and the thrill of catching thirty-o...

Maribeth Kolarchek is a lifelong Manitowish Waters resident, living on Nazdar Drive right next to her brother Steve, adjacent to Little Bohemia. Little Bohemia and the grounds are very familiar to Marybeth and Steve, as they grew up there while mom cooked at Little Bow and dad tended bar as well as the grounds. Marybeth sat down with Frank DeLeonardi from the Manitowish Waters Historical Society t...

In this episode, we're revisiting a fascinating article from Forest and Stream Magazine, published in 1892. Richard Gear Hobbs takes us on a fishing trip to the Northwoods, offering a unique snapshot of late 19th-century life in America's wilderness. From fishing on the Manitowish River to encountering the hardy lumbermen of the region, Hobbs' account provides a rich window into the outdoor cultur...

Through the help of three different documents, this episode details the adventures of Glyn Bud Roberts during his time in Conservation highlighting the wonders and excitement of the Northwoods.

On today's episode, we revisit August 1894, a time when two teachers, Edward Dvorak and Samuel Kayzer, sought refuge from the confines of city life in the Wisconsin wilderness. Their journey to the Northwoods was not just an escape, but a quest for adventure, marked by fishing, hunting, and the company of the enigmatic guide, Bob Loveless. Through their experiences, we’ll explore their remarkable...

Today, we journey back in time to the eve of the Great Depression, 1928, to explore the remarkable evolution of Rest Lake, a historical gem nestled in the northern part of Vilas County, southwest of Hurley. This article helps uncover the layers of history behind these modern developments such as the Northern Lights Hotel, Tower Tea Room, and Schroeder's bakery and reflects how the past and present...

The document for this episode by Harry Kozel was recently acquired by the Manitowish Waters Historical Society. This 70 year old document looks back to area conservation into the late 19th and early 20th century. I saw Conservation Grow by Harry Kozel explores this time through stories from the Old Timers.

The following two episodes explore numerous stories written by John LaFave about life in the Northwoods in the order presented in My Memories of Yesteryear: Life on Island Lake In the Early Days . Sarah Krembs from the Frank B. Koller Memorial Library is the narrator for Part I and Part II.

The following two episodes explore numerous stories written by John LaFave about life in the Northwoods in the order presented in My Memories of Yesteryear: Life on Island Lake In the Early Days . Sarah Krembs from the Frank B. Koller Memorial Library is the narrator for Part I and Part II.

This episode covers the 1820 journal of James Duane Doty, secretary attached to the 1820 Lewis Cass expedition exploring the western portions of Michigan Territory. Territorial Governor Cass had many objectives on his 1820 expedition, including delivering some of the earliest Northwoods reconnaissance. The accuracy of the map and narrative are limited, and should only be considered a baseline for...

This episode covers the 1820 journal of James Duane Doty, secretary attached to the 1820 Lewis Cass expedition exploring the western portions of Michigan Territory. Territorial Governor Cass had many objectives on his 1820 expedition, including delivering some of the earliest Northwoods reconnaissance. The accuracy of the map and narrative are limited, and should only be considered a baseline for...

On this episode, we explore the history and origins of the Manitowoc Club. This is a brief history of the Manitowoc club located on Big Lake Vilas County, Wisconsin, as told by George T. Gill, on July 4 1960. In 1935, George T. Gill interviewed Mr. Louis Kuntz about the founding and background of the Manitowoc Club.

On today's episode, we explore Keith Island which is an important part of Big Lake. As mentioned in the last episode on France C. Badger, A.S. Badger of Chicago owned the Keego Estate on Big Lake, and it is believed he told Carl Keith about the island, as both Badger and Keith were from Kenilworth, Illinois. In 1908, Carl and Cornelia Keith purchased the island for a summer home for their family....

We would like to introduce an episode on Frances C. Badger from the handwritten notes on the Keego Lodge alongside newspaper articles from the Lakeland Times in 1920. Kay Krans brings this story to life as the narrator on today's episode.

On this episode, Geologist A. B. Gray travels from Lake Superior into what will become Manitowish Waters in 1846. His map and journal chronicle Chief White Thunder and Cross Lake, which is likely Rest Lake. His trip moves from LaPointe over the Flambeau Trail to the Turtle Portage in Mercer, Wisconsin. Cross Lake, Trout Lake, White Deer Lake, today White Birch Lake, Lac Vieux Desert, and Lake Supe...

On this episode of Discovering the Northwoods, we travel to Kayes Island through the perspective of E.W.H. of Atchison, Kansas. In these two articles, we learn of great hotel resorts, hiking trips, and tours throughout the Great Northwoods.

This episode explores the article titled, "Good Example of Summer Resort Advertising," published by The Hotel World: The Hotel and Travelers Journal on January 1st, 1921. In this edition, the Koerner's Spider Lake Resort is detailed in all its glory as a great place for rest and relaxation. This episode is read by me, Brenna Reilley.

We would like to introduce the final part of the amazing journal, transcribed exactly from the written work of Robert Loveless, who resided on Alder Lake and was one of the founding pioneers of the Manitowish Waters community. Robert Loveless has a comprehensive journal of his hunting, trapping, guiding, and caretaking from the earliest days of Manitowish Waters. His colorful stories, rich details...

We would like to introduce Part II. of the amazing journal, transcribed exactly from the written work of Robert Loveless, who resided on Alder Lake and was one of the founding pioneers of the Manitowish Waters community. Robert Loveless has a comprehensive journal of his hunting, trapping, guiding, and caretaking from the earliest days of Manitowish Waters. His colorful stories, rich details, and...

We would like to introduce Part I. of the amazing journal, transcribed exactly from the written work of Robert Loveless, who resided on Alder Lake and was one of the founding pioneers of the Manitowish Waters community. Robert Loveless has a comprehensive journal of his hunting, trapping, guiding, and caretaking from the earliest days of Manitowish Waters. His colorful stories, rich details, and g...

We would like to introduce a story of The Murder of Big Lake read by Kay Krans. In this thrilling story, we hear from multiple perspectives - first-hand accounts, letters, and newspapers.

We would like to introduce a story from the "Tales of a River" series titled Largest Log Drive Saved by Camp Cook. The article was originally published in the Chippewa Herald-Telegram on February 3rd, 1997. Find out how a camp cook saved the day by listening to the men and changing the menu!