1914 TOURIST COTTAGE
1914 TOURIST COTTAGE
Built in 1914, this Tourist Cottage is an exceptionally rare and un-altered example of early tourism in Eagle River. Originally located on a homestead near Watersmeet Lake Rd, this cabin was among a series of small, seasonal accommodations that served as a "side business" for the homesteaders. While they toiled in small farm plots, these cottages were offered to travelers who were looking for a desperate escape from the metropolitan centers of Milwaukee, Chicago, and Minneapolis to experience the Northwoods at the turn of the last century.
The original owners of the cottage sold the cabin to Fred & Kathryn Longer ("Ong" was a nickname) in 1917 where they vacationed from Chicago every summer until 1972, where it was bequeathed from generation to generation to enjoy, unfortunately ending with the late Max Rockafellow.
COTTAGE COMFORTS
COTTAGE COMFORTS
While primitive, the cottage ironically serves the same purpose today as it did over 100 years ago. Every year Eagle River swells with generational tourists and new visitors, all looking for a small slice of the peace and quiet, fresh air, and a slower pace - just like the Longer Family and so many others decades ago. Below are some of the amenities that the Longer's had in their cabin, consider how they have changed or stayed the same:
- Mid-1930's Magic Chef Gas Stove
- Aluminum Pots, pans, and Tea Kettles
- Glass Spice & Cream Jars and Measuring cups
- Games, cards, and personal pictures.
- Out House & Water Pail for rinsing
- Electric Fuse box to power electric irons, toasters, overhead lighting.
WHY THE TOURIST COTTAGE?
WHY THE TOURIST COTTAGE?
The Historical Society is always seeking ways to educate people about the past and to do so, it takes sometimes moving a literal building to connect people tangibly with our origins. This structure being so unique, un-molested, and authentic to the area's history, it will certainly serve generations going forward by showing the humble beginnings of our now main industry, the people who sought it, and to teach current and future generations that sometimes LESS IS MORE. These structures always are the first to come down across the county as well as our beloved Chain of Lakes, and unfortunately within the coming decades, they may be all but extinct. If this cottage can prevent other historic sites and structures from being destroyed or inspire a revival in similar ones, it will have done its job more than it was ever designed to do.
