Related Records

1. "Bob Town"- Picture of a boat house and boats most likely at one end of Richard Southgate's hand dug canals to/from his summer estate on Little Trout Lake. 1898 - "Bob Town" was named after Southgate's fishing guide, right hand man and caretaker, Robert "Bob" Loveless, who built the first few cabins at Southgate's summer estate on Little Trout Lake. The tall man standing in front might be Southgate.

   Record Type: Photo

   
2. Brief biography of Robert Loveless, Manitowish Waters pioneer 1924 - Taken from the book History of Lincoln, Oneida and Vilas Counties published in 1924

   1924

   Record Type: Archive

   
3. Dolly Tirpe Remembers Manitowish Waters- a 1999 two-part Lakeland Times newspaper feature story by Joyce Laabs. 1871-1998 - Dolly recounts the story of her father Robert Loveless, an early settler and entrepreneur in the area. She shares stories and information about her husband and children as well. Included in the record is a page from her journal of recollections detailing much the same information as in the newspaper article.

   1999

   Record Type: Archive

   
4. Growing Up on Alder Lake by Ella Loveless Kassien 1872-1942 - A narrative written by Ella Loveless Kassien discussing the life of her father, Robert (Bob) Loveless.The narrative covers his time in Manitowish Waters including his sawmill, Virgin Forest Park and store along Highway 10. It reveals what life was like for early settlers in this area. Ella also shares memories of growing up on Alder Lake with her siblings.

   8/29/1999

   Record Type: Archive

   
5. History of the Manitowish Waters cranberry farms by 3rd generation grower Michael Bartling. 1898-2022 - Includes a history of the property where the original cranberry marshes were built as well as a discussion about cranberry plants, why they grow in MW, where the farms are located, who the agricultural pioneers were, when they arrived (1946) and the transition of ownership over the years.

   2022

   Record Type: Archive

   
6. Man made canal connecting Little Trout Lake to Alder Lake. 1890-1928 - Richard Southgate used this canal to access the Manitowish chain from his summer estate on Little Trout Lake. There was also a canal to access the Lac du Flambeau chain. Per Bud Smith, the canals were in disrepair by 1917. The Smith family used them to "portage" on canoe trips. The last passable trip was in the early 1930s.

   Record Type: Photo

   
7. Robert Loveless: The Northwoods Jack of All Trades by Kay Krans 1891-1949 - The article recounts Loveless' life in the Manitowish Waters area including his many entrepreneurial pursuits. Learn about his Virgin Forest Park dance pavilion on Alder Lake during the Roaring 1920s and Prohibition.

   2/2021

   Record Type: Archive

   
8. The Rest Lake Dam and the Manitowish Waters Chain of Lakes- 1978 Thesis by Jim Bauer 1888-1978 - Submitted at UW-Stevens Point. History of the dam and the lakes affected by it. Discusses the dams constructed on Rest Lake, phase I, II and III logging, water level issues over the years, tourism, vacation homes, the fish hatchery and the fish lock.

   7/25/1978

   Record Type: Archive

   
9. US Senate Hearing regarding a complaint about the Southgate canal across Indian land. 1910 - A Lac du Flambeau Indian testified at a Senate hearing requesting compensation for R. Southgate's canal accessing his land. Request denied.

   Southgate estate and canals

   Record Type: Library