Who We Are
The Manitowish Waters Historical Society strive to collect, preserve, and disseminate materials and information relating to the history of Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin.
Support the MWHS
Upcoming Events
Event Highlight
Collections
Latest Additions
Spider Lake Minutes
Discover the history and evolution of our town government from Lac Du Flambeau, to Spider Lake, to Manitowish Waters. Click on the link to access the document: http://ppolinks.com/mwhistory/Town%20Ledger%201928.pdf
The Barr Fishway
Explore the unique history and legacy of Harry Barr’s Fishway that was first employed at the Rest Lake Dam in the early 1930’s. The Rayala and Kovar families donated Barr’s document explaining and promoting his fisway as a revolutionary conservation measure. During the Great Depression the Wisconsin Conservation Commission partnered with the town of Spider…
Mantiwoish Waters Historian JoAnn Miller
Click on the title to view publication Swooshing in MW! Remembering a Special Guide
Manitowish Waters Historian Ruth Gardner
Click on the title to view publication The Joy of Ice Skating Fish Tales
A narrative written about Ralph Hanson’s involvement in the MW Sno-Skeeters
Manitowish Waters Snow Skeeters began in the 1960’s as part of a community effort to promote the sport and improve local trails. Over 50 years later, the Snow Skeeters continue their snowmobiling traditions and leadership in the Northwoods. Please read the attached narrative about Ralph Hanson’s involvement in the MW Sno-Skeeters as their lomg…
Forest and Stream: How Fur is Caught IV – 1895
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…
Forest and Stream: How Fur is Caught I – 1895
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…
Dr. & Mrs E.A. Flancher and the Peggy Line by Michael Dunn
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…
Felix the Muskie by Michael Dunn
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…