In the late 1930’s and early 1940’s there were few places as popular as
the Spur Lake Recreation Area for an afternoon of family fun. Two
toboggan slides and several small ski hills and ski trails provided plenty
of entertainment during the long northern winters. When the winds blew too
cold, there was always a roaring fire in the big warming house.
This excerpt from an article in the November 4, 1938 issue of the Herald
describes the facilities quite extensively:
The Chequamegon Forest, recognizing the need for a winter sports area near
Park Falls where these fine sports could be engaged in by all, old and
young, novice and experts alike, has announced the completion of such an
area east of Fifield.
The area may be reached by driving three miles east of Fifield on Highway 70
and then driving south on a forest truck trail about 1 ½ miles.
A large warming shelter, 40 feet by 20 feet, designed in the rustic style of
a Swiss chalet has been constructed for the convenience of the users of the
area. The shelter is equipped with a huge fireplace and a cook stove
so hot lunches may be made and served during your visit.
The area features two toboggan slides which are constructed parallel to each
other, but which have their starting point on opposite hills, A ride
down one slide carriers the tobogganers near the starting platform of the
other side. This eliminates the necessity of a long, hard walk back up
the hill after each ride. One slide is 500 feet in length and the
other is over 400 feet in length. They are rigidly constructed and may
be used with safety by all.
The ski runs are designed in a graduated series; the first moderate slopes
being for children while others become increasingly difficult with the
largest run taxing the skill of an expert with a 60-degree slope.
A cross-country ski run has been developed which offers a variety of skiing
thrills.
Further facilities for youngsters have been provided by the construction of
a tin pan slide which will be iced for the youngest to slide on pans,
cardboard, or the seats of their winter snow suits.
A large parking area, well, and other facilities are being provided.
The area will be open for the free use of all with the coming of the first
blanket of winter snow.
Picture Identification
Left oval from front to back: Dori Abraham, Alice Koshak and Gerry
Costello.
Center square: Jim Chizek and Danny Zunker (in front) and in back is
believed to be Walter Detko and the man in the back of the picture is Jim
Chizek Sr.
Large right oval: Mary Lou (Ehmke) Cory, right of toboggan. Judy
Ehmke on toboggan. Fred Ehmke pushing. Margaret Johnson, the
first girl standing on the right, and the girl in the back is Nancy Johnson.
(Identification help from Warren Fellinger)
Note: Spur Lake Recreational area doesn't exist anymore except in the
memories of those that were fortunate to experience the joy of tobogganing
or skiing down it's gentle hills! Just as the description above
describes, it was a beautiful facility with a large warming house
constructed of huge logs, in a Swiss chalet style, probably
constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corp. and I understand destroyed by
vandals. What is there today? I don't know. If anyone
knows, please let me know and I will post that information here.
Ray Hilgart wrote in November 2004: "While partridge hunting I crossed
a large cement foundation, well covered by brush, which I believed to be the
last remains of the Spur Lake winter recreation lodge. Suicide hill still
evokes memories of sheer terror. "
If you have any memories of Spur Lake or pictures, please share them with
me and I will post them here. --Doug Severt