Related Records

1. An estimated 8000 acres burned near the Town of Spider Lake. 8/8/1933 - The cause of the fire was blamed on a women berry picker who had cooked coffee over a camp fire.

   8/8/1933

   Record Type: Archive

   
2. Biennial Reports of State Conservation Commission of Wisconsin. 1915-1936. - Eleven biennial reports are linked to this record detailing the activities of this commission or department. The areas of reporting include Forestry, State Parks, Fisheries, Forest Products and Game.

   Conservation Collection

   Record Type: Library

   
3. "Camp Mercer CCC is Active; Many Projects Carried on by Enrollees" Newspaper article written by Bill Summers, Camp Mercer project superintendent, published in the Ironwood Daily Globe. 6/20/1933 - The article reviews the purpose and accomplishments of CCC Camp Mercer, specifically fire prevention and suppression.

   6/20/1933

   Record Type: Archive

   
4. CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) 660th Company State Forestry S-79 Camp Mercer. 1933-1942 - History of Camp Mercer written by Jim Bokern. This narrative is posted on the MWHS web page and a summary was highlighted on the MWHS June 2025 newsletter (link included).

   2020

   Record Type: Archive

   
5. History of the Mercer Ranger Station 1928-1989 - The first office/residence building was constructed in 1928. The concrete block service building was built in 1933. State agency re-organizations changed the territory and staffing of this location over the years. In 1989 however it was still fully operational. Image source: Wisconsin Historical Society Image ID 5717

   1989

   Record Type: Archive

   
6. I Saw Conservation Grow by Harry Kozel (1951) ca 1890-1935 - Kozel interviews Iron County "oldtimers" for their thoughts, recollections and reflections on conservation needs and efforts after the cut-over logging period. They discuss forest fires and prevention, deer populations and hunting, and fishing and stocking of lakes.

   1951

   Record Type: Archive

   
7. News clippings about Tom Devine. 1958 & 1960 - Tom was recognized for 22 years of fire fighting and forest protection. He was a guide and brook trout fishing addict.

   Record Type: Archive

   
8. Over 100 images of daily life at Civilian Conservation Corps 660, Camp Mercer. 1934-1935 - Photographer and Camp Mercer member Ambrose S. McKloskey's photo album of life at the camp. 1933-1934

   Record Type: Photo

   
9. Ranger station and first Rest Lake Tower ca 1912 - Located at today's intersection of Highway W and Tower Road.

   Record Type: Photo

   
10. Reflections of a YCC camp experience in Minong, WI in the early 1960s. 2013 - Written by camper Al Curtis; collected by former Statehouse Lake camper Donald Hedbany. Magazine source unknown.

    2013

    Record Type: Archive

    
11. State Forester's biennial reports on everything related to Wisconsin forestry. Includes information on taxation of forest land, soil surveys, forest reserves, leased land, rangers, education, forest fires, forest issues and projects as well as land to purchase or sell. 1909-1912 - Two biennial reports to the State Board of Forestry are linked.

    Conservation Collection

    Record Type: Library

    
12. The first Rest Lake fire tower. ca 1912 - Located at today's intersection of Highway W and Tower Road.

    Record Type: Photo

    
13. UW-Madison Forest Rangers course bulletin. Images in the bulletin include the Rest Lake ranger station with the fire tower in the background. 1914 - The bulletin contains all details related to the Forest Rangers course offered by UW-Madison including calendar, faculty, course purpose, facilities, course plan, location of field work (which includes Trout Lake Ranger Station), tuition and a list of courses of study with a description of each.

    Conservation Collection

    Record Type: Library