West Bay Lake Resort

The State of Wisconsin looked very different in the not so distant past. In 1936, Wisconsin wasn't even a state. It was mostly unbroken wilderness, inhabited by less than 20,000. That would all change soon enough. As pioneering settlers moved in, the Native Americans were pushed out. Wigwams were replaced with homesteads.

John H. Frank was one such pioneer. Mr. Frank was born in Akron, Ohio in 1871. His family moved to Kent City, Michigan when he was still a small child. At the tender age of 12, John struck out to make his own way by earning his own living as a farm hand. He must have had a little wanderlust in him and before long he had relocated to Washinton to learn the Blacksmith Trade. He traveled for some years in this manner before heading to Eagle River, Wisconsin, where he worked in Sawmills and lumber camps. Eventually, he gave up the art of Blacksmith to set up a homestead. That homestead is known as Summerwind Mansion today.

John and his wife Alma worked to convert that homestead into a Summer Camp. During those years, vacationers would take a train from the city, intent on relaxing in the woods. They ran West Bay Lake Resort for years before selling the property to Robert P. Lamont.

West Bay Lake Resort

I believe John Frank still had a bit of wanderlust in him and after he sold the property, he drove by motor car to the Pacific Coast and spent a year, By today's standards of a car, that doesn't sound like much of an accomplishment. However, if you take a look at a 1917 car and road image, that puts a whole new spin on his travels.

John finally settled down and lived out the rest of his days with his family in Eagle River, Wisconsin.