In the late 1930’s and early 1940’s there were few places as popular as the Spur Lake Recreation Area for an afternoon of family fun. Two toboggan slides and several small ski hills and ski trails provided plenty of entertainment during the long northern winters. When the winds blew too cold, there was always a roaring fire in the big warming house.
This excerpt from an article in the November 4, 1938 issue of the Herald describes the facilities quite extensively:
The Chequamegon Forest, recognizing the need for a winter sports area near Park Falls where these fine sports could be engaged in by all, old and young, novice and experts alike, has announced the completion of such an area east of Fifield.
The area may be reached by driving three miles east of Fifield on Highway 70 and then driving south on a forest truck trail about 1 ½ miles.
A large warming shelter, 40 feet by 20 feet, designed in the rustic style of a Swiss chalet has been constructed for the convenience of the users of the area. The shelter is equipped with a huge fireplace and a cook stove so hot lunches may be made and served during your visit.
The area features two toboggan slides which are constructed parallel to each other, but which have their starting point on opposite hills, A ride down one slide carriers the tobogganers near the starting platform of the other side. This eliminates the necessity of a long, hard walk back up the hill after each ride. One slide is 500 feet in length and the other is over 400 feet in length. They are rigidly constructed and may be used with safety by all.
The ski runs are designed in a graduated series; the first moderate slopes being for children while others become increasingly difficult with the largest run taxing the skill of an expert with a 60-degree slope.
A cross-country ski run has been developed which offers a variety of skiing thrills.
Further facilities for youngsters have been provided by the construction of a tin pan slide which will be iced for the youngest to slide on pans, cardboard, or the seats of their winter snow suits.
A large parking area, well, and other facilities are being provided.
The area will be open for the free use of all with the coming of the first blanket of winter snow.
Picture Identification
Left oval from front to back: Dori Abraham, Alice Koshak and Gerry Costello.
Center square: Jim Chizek and Danny Zunker (in front) and in back is believed to be Walter Detko and the man in the back of the picture is Jim Chizek Sr.
Large right oval: Mary Lou (Ehmke) Cory, right of toboggan. Judy Ehmke on toboggan. Fred Ehmke pushing. Margaret Johnson, the first girl standing on the right, and the girl in the back is Nancy Johnson.
(Identification help from Warren Fellinger)
Note: Spur Lake Recreational area doesn't exist anymore except in the memories of those that were fortunate to experience the joy of tobogganing or skiing down its gentle hills! Just as the description above describes, it was a beautiful facility with a large warming house constructed of huge logs, in a Swiss chalet style, probably constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corp.
Here’s the rest of the story:
Alas I think the earlier description of the building being constructed of huge logs in a Swiss Chalet style was completely wrong, but I’m sure it was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Crop. (CCC).
Mike Zang & Barb Bakshis are the owners of a CCC
constructed building that was moved from its original site sometime in the
late 50’s. Located at 1620 West County RD W in Winter WI.
We have owned the building/cabin since 1990. We have
always been curious of the original location asking some of our neighbors if
they could help us with any information.
Periodically over the years we would continue looking
into with obtaining bits of information on approximate location.
Last snowmobile season I came across a Park falls
school sliding group asking one of the older teachers if there was any
remains of an old building being in the area reply was yes on bottom of
hill, turned out was not the location.
I contacted Chequamegon-Nicolette office, Price County
Historical Society, expanded my search talking with locals continue
receiving more pieces of the puzzle.
Interesting enough I was talking to a customer of mine
last spring here in Burlington WI that deer hunts east of Fifield WI south
on Forest Rd 136 asking if there was any signs of building in the area YES
he said old foundation of which he pinned location on his phone and sent me
a copy.
Finally late October Barb and I went to the location found the foundation, water well head, outhouse base and could make out where one of the runs on the hill.
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The warming house as it looks today. |
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If you have any memories of Spur Lake or pictures, please share them with
me and I will post them here. --Doug Severt
