1903 TILDEN RESORT CABIN | Eagle River Historical Society

- THE TILDEN BROS. RESORT & THE GODDING FAMILY LEGACY-

HOPES FOR A HOMESTEAD

Fred Tilden and his brother Horace Tilden built the resort originally in 1903 On Meta Lake. In 1919 Fred bought out his brother Horace's share and changed the name to “The Tilden Resort” While an uncommon process today, the brothers acquired the land by means of a Wisconsin Homestead Act. The state of Wisconsin wanted to develop property in the Northwoods, meaning the state would delegate land to you to homestead on, and when you met the state requirements for developing it, the land would become your homestead.

In 1893 the brothers applied for some land next to Eagle River on Silver Lake with the intention to have a place to vacation in the Northwoods. When they came to Eagle River, they were told their land was 6 miles south of Eagle River, what is now Oneida county today. Going south on Hwy 45 to Meta Lake road, and across the county line into Oneida county, between Meta Lake and Cranberry, is where their homestead was to be. This is where Meta Lake road followed the northeast shore line of Meta Lake. Fred Tilden, his parents, brother Horace, and his wife Haddie first camped in tents during the summers until they built the tarpaper shacks in the late 1890's . Which we actually have pictures of in our collection!

Hanging out the wash with tarpaper schoolhouse at left, Tilden Resort Cabin can be seen in background c.1900-1901

Meta Lake Shoreline with Tarpaper Schoolhouse at right just behind fence c.1895-1901

Tar paper school after storm, Mrs. Tilden in doorway c.1901

They built their first log home in 1900. This being Paul Bunyan Country, it is where the timber came from to build Chicago. All that was left was brush and a few non timber trees. Oral Histories claim that one could stand on a stump and see all the way to Eagle River, because of the clear cut forests.

THE TILDEN BROS RESORT

From 1893 until 1903 many of the Tilden Family's friends would ask if there was a place they could stay when traveling north. In 1903, that need was met when the Tilden Brother's were presented with a document, signed by President Teddy Roosevelt, giving them ownership of the 1⁄4 section Homestead property. That year they would build the first cottage for the Tilden Brother's Resort, being among the first generation of resorts to really promote the leisure and tourist capabilities of north-eastern Wisconsin.

From there the resort would slowly add new buildings and accommodations such as an American Plan dining hall, as none of the cottages had kitchens in them. In 1950 Jack Godding's parents purchased the resort and ran it until it was subdivided. The cottage that is being donated was moved to its current location in 1985 and served as Jack Godding's workshop as he is a master carpenter making unique furniture and home goods.

At the age of 84 Mr. Godding offered to donate the cottage to the Eagle River Historical Society's new Heritage Center Campus to ensure it's preservation for future generations. To read Jack Godding's Memoir on growing up on Meta Lake and his family's legacy that is the Tilden Resort, click the button below!

READ JACK GODDING'S MEMOIR HERE!

- DO YOU WANT TO HELP SAVE THE CABIN? -

To properly move the cabin to the Eagle River Historical Society's Campus, it will cost $25,000 and any support is greatly appreciated in preserving this Northwoods Landmark! Very rarely do buildings of this vintage get saved, no less ones with such a rich and interesting history, and once they are gone there is no getting them back. The Cabin needs to be moved before October of 2026, meaning time is of the essence!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE GO FUND ME!

If you would like to mail a check, you can to P.O. Box 2011 Eagle River Wi, 54521