It’s a stunningly beautiful summer night on the Townsend Flowage. The lake is smooth as glass, a mirror reflecting the full moon lording it over an inky sky. I can hear music from across the lake. I sure wish it was coming from Little Tipsy.
Built in 1898, Tipsy is the original Wheeler Hotel, the oldest commercial building in Townsend. Built for railroad and lumber businessmen, the Wheeler was a welcome stopover on the Laona Line. It has a colorful past, and logging history oozes out of the place.
I was smitten by the Wheeler when I first saw it. It was a key reason why I got involved in saving the logging camp in Lakewood. Over the 128 years of its existence, the hotel has changed hands and been updated several times. Old-timers may remember it as the Wheeler Inn; more recent folks as Markuby’s.
Historic buildings are very special, often serving as both museum and commercial enterprise. They are not for the casual investor and usually require a deep commitment in time, effort and money. I cherish the current owners, Robbie and Kasha Calloway, who rescued this priceless treasure from the wrecking ball.
As is customary, the Calloways were planning a special Memorial Day celebration. Sadly, they were forced to close due to a catastrophic water leak in April. Here’s hoping they can reopen soon. Losing the income anticipated during the summer season can be devastating for small businesses.
Summers are short here as it is. The months from Memorial Day to Labor Day are critical to the economic health of tiny Northwoods towns like ours. Everything depends on weather. The past few years we’ve had three months of March — cold, wet and windy. Not good when all you have to sell is a plethora of outdoor activities.
Still, every year businesses optimistically roll out the welcome mat at the end of May to mark the opening of high tourist season. If the weather cooperates, our population doubles, even triples. It reaches full saturation over the Fourth of July when we host thousands of out-of-towners who flock here to celebrate.
This year, which marks the 250th anniversary of America’s founding in 1776, is one grand birthday party. Local businesses are spending a lot of time, energy and money providing special things to do. Over the Fourth, there was the annual kids fishing tournament, parade, craft show, Friends of Townsend Fire picnic. As always, the celebration concluded with a fantastic fireworks display. Many more promotions are coming up. All good.
Unfortunately, there is trouble in poor man’s paradise. It stems from a steadily growing number of visitors who do not know how to live in the woods. I get it. I didn’t either, but from the time we bought our place in 1993, we knew life here could not be lived as if we resided in a city. Jon and I quickly adapted; we had to.
Unfortunately, more and more of our “guests” think that up north is a no-holds-barred party place. We have heard, “Hey, there are no laws north of Highway 64” for years. Now, it’s some version of, “We spend a lot of money here, so shut up and be grateful.” Really.
One of the most common ways we see this attitude manifest itself is rude behavior. Yesterday I stopped for gas at the station in town. As I was carefully navigating my way to an open filling spot, a UTV almost as big as my Escape whizzed past. Cutting me off, he nearly hit me as he pulled up to that pump. Clearly inebriated at 11 a.m., he and his buddies gave me the middle finger salute and laughed uproariously.
Okay, being obnoxious while intoxicated is nothing new. Best to ignore it. It’s offensive, but not dangerous. Ah, sweet karma, the laugh was on them. As I was filling my tank at another pump, I heard the driver yell: “Can you f’n believe this; it’s (f’n) out of order!”
As he angrily drove off, I couldn’t help but notice he had to express his political views to the world. They were proudly displayed on his clothing and a flag attached to the back of his ride.
I hesitate to write this, but I sincerely want to know. With the country so polarized, why would you choose to wear political swag when you’re on vacation? Are you looking for endorsement or for trouble?
Yes, there’s a wide diversity of viewpoints in Townsend. No, it isn’t 50/50. So far, we’ve learned to live in peace, perhaps because, as Charles Dickens wrote long ago, “We are all fellow travelers to the grave.” Amen.
Coming for a visit? Great. Love to have you. Please be on your best behavior and pretty please, keep the politics at home.
Kathleen Marsh is a lifelong educator, writer and community advocate. She has published eight books, four on the history of Townsend, where she and husband Jon are happily retired on the beautiful Townsend Flowage.
