Big Developments Around Rest Lake

Modern, Fireproof Hotel, Tea Room, Bakery, and Store Being Built In That Vicinity

Iron County Miner (Hurley, Wisconsin) December 7, 1928

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As with many historical works from this era, there are phrases, terms, and descriptions that are inappropriate to our modern sensibilities. The Manitowish Waters Historical Society in no way condones these offensive remarks or passages.

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 and reflects how the past and present come together to offer an enriched experience for all who visit. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about how the Northwoods has evolved, this episode promises to shed light on the intriguing historical journey of Rest Lake.

The article explores the construction of a grand, fireproof hotel, known as The Northern Lights Hotel. This establishment was a significant historical milestone, promising year-round accommodation and comfort in the heart of Wisconsin’s natural splendor. The location of the Northern Lights Hotel is across from Aurora Borealis Restaurant. Additionally, the article discusses the Tower Tea Room and Schroader’s bakery. The Tower Tea Room is now the location of Angler’s Fine Food and Spirits and Schroader’s bakery is now Manny’s Parkside Restaurant. The growth of these businesses in 1928 highlights the Northwoods in the early 20th century as a burgeoning area, turning the quiet, picturesque spot, into the now vibrant hub of recreation and convenience, all while preserving its historical charm.

 

Transcript

Rest Lake, southwest of Hurley, in the northern part of Vilas County, is seeing a wonderful development for the accommodation of the rapidly increasing recreation business in that section, says the Vilas County News Review. Anyone who has not been in the vicinity recently will be surprised at the changes being made.

Probably the largest commercial improvement being made is the erection of a large, modern, fireproof hotel to be opened the year round for the accommodation of seekers after rest and recreation in the Great Lakes and woods region of Wisconsin. A large vapor heating plant is being installed to provide ample warmth in even the most severe weather. This new hotel will make it possible for the public to enjoy winter sports as well as summer recreation up here.

 

The new hotel will be 30 by 66 ft in area with a large sun porch 12 ft. wide extending all around the south and east sides facing Rest Lake. A 20 by 20 ft. wing will house the kitchen.

On the main floor will be the office, lobby, and dining room. All the rooms will have beautiful views overlooking the lake. Large stone fireplaces in the office and lobby will give the desired appearance of warmth and coziness to these rooms. The dining room will have a capacity of between 60 and 70. Additional seating can be provided in the office.

In the basement will be a large recreation room, 30 by 40 ft in size, besides boiler and fuel rooms, laundry, etc.

There will be ten bedrooms and four baths on the second floor. Every room will have circulating hot and cold water and lavatory.

The building is of Haydite concrete block construction with brick trim. It will be finished with stucco. It is well-insulated and has a copper roof. Construction was begun in September. The hotel will be open in time for the accommodation of the early fishing trade next spring.

Eight modern cottages are also to be built by Mr. Oestreich. The hotel is located at the Rest Lake dam on Highway 51, seven miles from Manitowish. Rest Lake is one of the lakes of the Manitowish chain and is famous for its good fishing. There is also a splendid sand beach for bathing on the hotel property.

Just a few rods from the new hotel the Tower Tea Room is being built by Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Zermuehlenn; the property is at the junction of Federal Highway 51 and county trunk W, known as the Winchester-Winegar Road. It was purchased of Frank Laundrie.

The new building is a two-story frame structure. A tower has been built above the roof in the cupola there will be a light to guide the weary wayfarer to the comfort and good cheer of the Tower Tea room.

One room is devoted to the soda fountain and lunch service. A $2000 soda fountain will be a feature of the lunch room. The floors will be covered in inlaid linoleum. The walls are wood in the natural finish stained and varnished, to which a gray tint has been added to soften the effect and harmonize with the floor covering. All of the equipment has been selected with great care to make the place pleasant and attractive.

A short distance south of the Rest Lake dam Walter Shroeder of Milwaukee is erecting a lakers and lunch room and plans to build several cottages. The bakery is a large two-story building and a substantial addition to the buildings on Rest Lake. Summer home owners will find the new bakery a great convenience next summer. Work on the buildings is being pushed and the place will be ready for occupancy early next spring.

The sites for the new hotel and the bakery were purchased of Lakelands Inc., of which M. Holzman [Morris] of Eagle River is manager. Lakelands Inc. also made several sales on frontage on Rest Lake for summer home sites. The company has had a large crew employed this fall in clearing the shoreline of brush and remove stumps and logs from the water in front of its property. Lakelands, Inc., has been largely instrumental in the development that is taking place on the lake and through its agency much activity is looked for on Rest Lake next season.

 

Additional Reading Materials

https://www.mwhistory.org/directory-resorts/listing/northern-lights-hotel/