Click on the link below to explore the fourth article from a series published in Forest and Stream titled: How Fur is Caught IV 1895.   Most of the article is based in the Winchester and Presque Isle areas with detailed accounts of trail blazing, running a trap line, winter shelters and surviving the cold of the Northwoods…

Click on the link below to explore the first article from a series published in Forest and Stream titled: How Fur is Caught I 1895.  This late 19th century publication contains detailed descriptions of trapping, logging, winter survival and hunting.    Most of the article is based in the Mercer area with detailed preparation and explanation…

This is Micheal Dunn’s recollection of his interactions with Dr. Edwin A.and Louisa Flancher who had a summer home at Balsam Point on Manitowish and Little Manitowish Lakes. The narrative discusses how the Flancher’s house was built and summer life on the property. He recalls Mrs. Flancher talking about the “Peggy line” used by the…

A Michael Dunn story about a “trained” muskie that would regularly appear at Jens and Lenore Larson’s bait shop on Little Star Lake, much to the delight of their customers. A fun and interesting story that parallels the experiences of the team at Greer’s Pier, who have also had “pet” muskies enjoying free bait from…

A narrative by Michael Dunn reminiscing about a Mrs. Maude Johnson who the author remembers as their laundry lady when he was young. She lived at Woodchuck Hollow and then later moved to Little Star Lake where she opened Deer Trail Cottages. To view the document click on the link. Link to: Mrs. Maude Johnson by…

Michael Dunn’s notes on logging and lumber company complexes around Manitowish Waters and the distinctive equipment of logging railroads.  Importantly, Dunn adds insightful analysis of railroad logging in Manitowish Waters and the geographic limits of northern Vilas County creating numerous saw mills in Busswell, Winchester and Winegar. To view the document click on the link.…

Cover letter from Michael J. Dunn III to John Hanson, MW Town Chairman dated 5/1/2017 referencing the attached copies of his historical narratives and personal reflections. His narratives or “sketches” include “A Look Back”-general history from 1600-1999, Logging history, logging notes, canals to Little Trout Lake, Flancher Family & Peggy line, Felix the Muskie and…

“The Little Trout Lake Canals”. This narrative discusses the purpose and building of the canals from the railroad stations in Manitowish and Lac du Flambeau to Little Trout Lake to access a vacation estate owned by Richard H. Southgate. This document is the most comprehensive analysis of the canal system from White Sand Lake to…

“A Thumbnail Sketch of Logging Activities in the Manitowish Waters Area”. This narrative discusses the logging and lumber history from 1887-1912. It references logging and lumber companies and barrons as well as railroad companies and lines. An outstanding review of logging practices in the Manitowish Waters area that included new details regarding the logging era. …