Related Records

1. Boating Ordinance No 3-69 in the Town of Manitowish Waters 1970 - Boating regulations regarding safety, noise, channel speeds, waterski hours and houseboats. This ordinance repeals No 1-65.

   1970

   Record Type: Archive

   
2. Government documents and resolution changing the Town name from Spider Lake to Manitowish Waters. November 1939 - Town residents approved the resolution on 11/13/1939. Vilas County approved it on 11/14/1939 and the State of Wisconsin recorded the change on 11/24/1939.

   November 1939

   Record Type: Archive

   
3. "Government on the Home Front" by Frank DiLeonardi 10/2020 1928-2020 - This article discusses Manitowish Waters government structure and changes from its inception in 1928 to 2020. It includes an interview with the current Town Chairman, John Hanson.

   10/2020

   Record Type: Archive

   
4. History of Manitowish Waters narrative from 1965-1972 Chamber of Commerce guides and an updated page 3 published in the 1973-78 guides. - Written by historian Michael Dunn III, this narrative covers the area's history from the Ojibwe inhabitants to fur trading, logging, railroads, establishment of the Town and services, development of tourism, resorts, recreation, schools, retail and manufacturing, all in 3 pages! Also attached is page 3 from 1979-1986 published narrative with added images of the airport and Fire Department.

   1965-1986

   Record Type: Archive

   
5. Manitowish Waters Historical Society Newsletters 2018-2021 - Published tri-annually 11/2018- Archaeology Best Practices; 3/2019- Hikes and Tree Blazes; 6/2019- Early Water Transportation; 11/2019- Early Settlers; 3/2020- Bygone Winter Activities; 6/2020- Fish Tales; 11/2020- MW Government & Politics; 3/2021- Roaring 1920s; 6/2021- Summertime in MW; 11/2021- Wild Rice

   MWHS Newsletters

   Record Type: Library

   
6. Manitowish Waters Town Hall. ca 1930s - early 1960s - This building was located at the Pine Lawn Cemetery. It was built by Neal LaPorte for a reported $3000. That included two outhouses behind the building! 1937 aerial photo showing the building and cemetery is included.

   Record Type: Photo

   
7. Michael Dunn III "A Look Back" historical overview of Manitowish Waters published in the 1987-1992 Chamber of Commerce guides. 1600-1999 - The overview covers the period from the 1600s to 1999. The document discusses the Chippewa Indians, logging, resorts, tourism, summer homes, fishing, agriculture and economic and business development. Attached are two documents, both with the same text. One history has images embedded and the other is text only.

   Record Type: Archive

   
8. News clippings of town government candidates and election results. 1950s - Spring 1951 and spring 1955

   Record Type: Archive

   
9. Newspaper clippings about Matt J. Plunkett 1922-1937 - Matt was the son of pioneers Mr. & Mrs. M.J. "Jim" Plunkett. As per the clippings, Matt held assessor and surveyor positions and was selling land in Manitowish Waters. Other records indicate Matt owned land that later became Northwood Lodge on Little Star Lake and the property Michaelis' acquired for their Birch Bay Resort on the Rest Lake Channel. He also built the cabins at Haakenson's Resort (later Bazso's Hillcrest). Included is a news clip about an auto accident Matt and his wife were involved in.

   Record Type: Archive

   
10. Spider Lake Township Ledger of Annual Meeting minutes. 3/17/1928-4/2/1940 - This book includes the minutes from the Annual Caucus (Nomination) and Annual Town Meetings,as well as the Cash Reciepts Journal, for the Town of Spider Lake. The Town of Spider Lake became the Township of Manitowish Waters in 1940.

    Record Type: Archive

    
11. The Manitowish Waters Airport history as written by B.C. "Benji" Roemer 1945-2003 - Benji was instrumental in establishing the airport, the town's Airport Committee, the paved runways and the new terminal building.

    2003

    Record Type: Archive

    
12. Vilas County Board Resolution to change the town name from Spider Lake to Manitowish Waters 11/14/1939 - As documented in the county resolution, the Town of Spider Lake Board of Directors unanimously adopted to change the town name on 11/13/1939. Included is a cover letter notifying the Wisconsin Secretary of State of this change.

    11/14/1939

    Record Type: Archive