Related Records

1. Frank & Olga Stenback, from Bessemer, MI, leased State of WI land on Rest Lake. 1920-1993 - The land was in Section 3, Lot 1 in what is referred to as Finn Bay. (Stenback and other lessor John Lahti immigrated to the US from Finland). The Stenbecks built two cottages and a sauna on the property and spent summers there. Frank tried to purchase the land for many years but the WI DNR was not interested in selling. Wisconsin terminated all leases of state land in 1954 however the Stenback family was granted extensions until 1972. Frank's daughters, Eila Stenback and Mrs. Helvi Serbin, lost the "battle" to purchase the property in 1976 but were given a lifetime lease by WI Governor Patrick Lucey. The cottages were eventually sold and moved. The land is now the Town of Manitowish Waters Serbin Park.

   Record Type: Archive

   
2. "Hanson, DNR criticized for controversial removal of 'floating island'"- by Eric Johnson, reporter for The Lakeland Times 4/2008 - The Rest Lake floating island was removed via excavator in February 2008. The Wisconsin DNR approved the permit submitted by Town Chairman John Hanson. Area residents and Town Board Supervisors felt the removal was not properly discussed and decided prior to the action.

   4/8/2008

   Record Type: Archive

   
3. "The Islands of Rest Lake" by Jim Bokern 1888-2008 - This article discusses the history of Fox Island, Judge Kersten Island, the "floating" island and bog islands.

   6/2023

   Record Type: Archive

   
4. The Stenback daughters, Eila Stenback and Helvi Serbin, continued their father's efforts to purchase land they leased from the State of Wisconsin on Rest Lake. 1974-1976 - The land was in Section 3, Lot 1 in what became referred to as Finn Bay on Rest Lake. Though their orginal 1920 lease was extended, it expired in 1972. The women continued to pursue a purchase, even citing precedence of a leased land sale on Big Lake. WI Governor Patrick Lucey granted them a lifetime lease in 1976. The cottages were eventually sold and moved. The land is now the Town of Manitowish Waters Serbin Park.

   Record Type: Archive