Related Records

1. Establishment of the Manitowish Waters Community Presbyterian Chuch 1951-1955 - Included are photos of the initial organizational meeting at the MW Town Hall (1952), ground breaking ceremony (1954 on property donated by the Ilg family), early service in new building and the building dedication program, which includes the organizational timeline (8/7/1955).

   Record Type: Photo

   
2. General history of Manitowish Waters published in the Vilas County News Review Centennial Edition 2/19/1986. 1890-1937 - 1911-1930s: Logging and local sawmills 1890s-1911: First area resorts 1927: Established Town of Spider Lake 1920s-1930s: Town Hall, School, Cemetery, Fish Hatchery 1934: Dillinger gang at Little Bohemia 1937: Became Town of Manitowish Waters

   2/19/1986

   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 page from 1963-1964 Chamber of Commerce booklets. - Overview of Northwoods and Manitowish Waters history covering the period 1634 - 1963. Now a two page narrative. First page is the same as published in the 1938-1962 Chamber guides. Newly added second page covers 1927-1963 town hall, community center and Chamber of Commerce history. Page 2 appears to be written by historian Michael Dunn III as it is very similar to the 1965 history page authored by him.

   1938- 1962

   Record Type: Archive

   
5. Judy Ilg Peterson interview 2020 - Judy talks about how her grandparents, Leonore and Joe Ilg Sr., came to open the Joe Ilg Camp on Rest Lake. She reminisces about growing up in Manitowish Waters after her parents took over the resort.

   9/21/2020

   Record Type: Archive

   
6. Manitowish Waters Historical Society newsletters 2025 - Published tri-annually. March 2025 publication was on Railroads and impact on MW area; June 2025 publication features the NHAL state forest and conservation efforts by forest rangers, CCC and YCC. November 2025 newsletter compares 'Then and Now" pictures of popular spots and businesses around town as well as MWHS events from the summer of 2025.

   MWHS Newsletters

   Record Type: Library

   
7. 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

   
8. Transcript of 2016 interview with John Hanson reflecting on growing up in Manitowish Waters and his family's history here. early 1900s-early 2000s - John discusses school, recreation and childhood "mischief"; area businesses and families; origins of the Manitowish Waters Boat Club and Skiing Skeeters; and resort life and population before and after 1970

   2016

   Record Type: Archive