Summer Recreation

Lake Nebagamon residents (all of them, apparently) gathered for a picture at "Black Creek" in 1894. The turn of the century was a time when people worked and played hard. The train that hauled lumber from the forest and mill was used to bring people from Duluth/Superior for outings at the lake. A group arrives for a day at the lake Pioneer Evelyn Drolson recalled riding the train as a young woman and being impressed by the dining cars with white linens and vases full of flowers. Weekend excursions became so popular that the railroad had to add a special Sunday commuter train. Sunday school children pose as they arrive for a day's outing at Scully's (former logging) camp in 1900. The camp burned down in 1904 and the property became the site of the YMCA camp. Then, as now, bathing was a popular activity, although the costumes were different and the atmosphere not as inviting. Note the relatively treeless landscape and the debris washed ashore from lumbering and milling. But the Weyerhauser family encouraged its extended family to enjoy themselves, building a lavish boathouse for all kinds of recreation . And as ever, boating was a popular activity. The Patrick-Duluth Company purchased the Weyerhauser property and turned it into a resort for employees called "Bigpines" . In fact, only a few big pines were left after the logging, but employees probably didn't mind when $1.25 could provide a weekend of fun, including a round trip bus ride from the Glass Block in Duluth, sleeping facilities, breakfast and supper, and all the recreation anyone could want. Another view of the camp .