A Peek At The Past

Waubee Lake is located in the northern part of Oconto County about six miles northeast of Lakewood. The exact history of the attractive lake, with its forested shores is lost in the past. It is known there was an Indian chief named Waubee, but not of any connection between him and the lake.

Three brothers, Abel, Abram and Henry Tourtellotte were among the Frenchmen who arrived early in Oconto County. They started a trading post on the shore of the lake long before Lakewood was a settlement. The location was probably between what is now Powers Lane and Waubee Park Lane, along the lakeshore. The Nicolet Pines Resort is presently on what might be the exact location. After awhile a man named Langlois bought the trading post. Apparently he sold it to a man named Hick McMconley who operated it as a hunting and fishing camp. A man named Buckskin August operated a trading post in the early 1900's. It seems on the same spot as the earlier one, and he was the last to operate it as a trading post.

He bought deer from the Indians and shipped them to restaurants in Chicago. Some of which built up a thriving business selling meals of wild game. There were a number of Indians around Waubee Lake so Buckskin August did well too.

One of the main paths of the Indians passed by the lake. It is said the many footsteps had worn a deep groove in the ground. Sometimes a hunter or logger has come across a mysterious furrow running through the woods in a southeast direction. It could be the old footpath.

Another of the earlier owners of the resort were the Everetts. They ran it the way most resorts were run in those days - a number of small cabins for sleeping and a large building where everyone gathered to eat.

In 1919 a man named Wallace bought a section of land along the west and north shore. He thought it would be a good place to raise sheep. The buildings were at the end of what is now Power’s Lane. A huge shed, open on one side, long and narrow, could be seen from County F where the small pine planting now stands, not far from the Nicolet Pine. Members of the family like to ride and were often seen riding their horses along the roads.

In 1930 Wayne King, the “Waltz King”, bought the section of land and built a summer cabin. Near it were some Indian graves, but there is no knowledge of their origin. Mr. King hired people from the country side to do his building and other work. He and his wife were soon known to the neighbors and were well liked by them.

They were both good water skiers, and every afternoon if the weather was right, people around the lake and patrons at Nicolet Pine Resort spent pleasant hours watching them. Nicolet Pine is now owned by Vard and Letha Davies. In 1968 the Kings left the north country, having sold out to the Federal Government.

Wilkins, Burziks, Hebsons, Mary Park Neumans and Middys were among the first people to build summer cottages on the lake. The small park at the end of Waubee Park Lane is dedicated to Mary Park. She was among a few people who realized what would happen on the lakes if some control wasn’t exercised and she worked hard to organize property owners.

Herman Kroger worked for Wayne King as caretaker. He left the position to open a tavern which has been incorporated into the building that is Waubee Lodge. The building has been changed in appearance according to the ideas of each new owner. Among them were Frank and Marie Einberger, Phyliss and Bob DeGroot. Tom Wurzer operated Waubee Lodge until the fire in August 2005.
Look for the newest version of Waubee Lake Lodge in the near future.