Back In The Day
The Beginning
Our area started as a wooded wilderness. Pine, spruce and cedar grew and died many times before loggers or settlers ever ventured to the area.
In some cedar swamps there are layers of trees and stumps that are still not fully decayed. Many fires must have destroyed parts of our lake area.
All this is past history; but it is not the last, as we are changing today, even if we don't notice it during the short time we're here on this earth.
In some cedar swamps there are layers of trees and stumps that are still not fully decayed. Many fires must have destroyed parts of our lake area.
All this is past history; but it is not the last, as we are changing today, even if we don't notice it during the short time we're here on this earth.
The Lumbermen
In the late 1880s the lumberjacks followed with cruisers and surveyors. The first extensive survey was made in 1881 by George F. Hamilton who surveyed Township 69N, Range 21W of the 4th Meridian. This area of almost 12,000 acres takes in most of Lake Kabetogama from Tom Cod and Bohman Bay, past the Grassy Islands, to where many homes are located today.
Cutover Island was first bought in 1899, its timber rights were sold for $230,000 – you can see just how valuable timber was at the time! After the timber was cut, most land was used to pay off delinquent taxes, and the loggers moved on. All land throughout the area is covered in “second-growth” trees, trees that have grown since that early logging.
Homesteads were given in the early part of the century. The first homesteaders included such names as Ranta, Star, Fors, Stone, Wouri, Lehto, the Gappa brothers, Abel Ranta, Buntism, Manninen, and Sipi. Homesteaders had to prove they were going to live on the land, and had to build a house within a certain timeframe (estimated to be about 3 years).
Both Cutover and Wolf islands were almost bare of trees by the early 1940s. In the 1950s, wolves crossed to an island – now named for the occasion as Wolf Island. They could see a wide area of the lake, which must have helped with them finding food.
Cutover Island was first bought in 1899, its timber rights were sold for $230,000 – you can see just how valuable timber was at the time! After the timber was cut, most land was used to pay off delinquent taxes, and the loggers moved on. All land throughout the area is covered in “second-growth” trees, trees that have grown since that early logging.
Homesteads were given in the early part of the century. The first homesteaders included such names as Ranta, Star, Fors, Stone, Wouri, Lehto, the Gappa brothers, Abel Ranta, Buntism, Manninen, and Sipi. Homesteaders had to prove they were going to live on the land, and had to build a house within a certain timeframe (estimated to be about 3 years).
Both Cutover and Wolf islands were almost bare of trees by the early 1940s. In the 1950s, wolves crossed to an island – now named for the occasion as Wolf Island. They could see a wide area of the lake, which must have helped with them finding food.
First Settlers
Most of the first settlers came by train and by water; some came from Lake Vermilion, others by way of Rainy Lake. There was enough traffic at Gold Portage that a good trail was there in 1928. Settlers slowly moved into the area and, as hardships were many, some soon left or only stayed a short while. Some died in the hopes of making a home.
Logging remained “King” – providing logs for homes, barns, sheds, fences and cellars. Lumber also became skis, firewood, shingles, fish poles, culverts, bridges and roads. Logs were used based on their size – for sills or rafters, stringers, floorboards and more. Some homes were made of logs hand-hewed with and adze.
Tarpaper was used for covering roofs, while cellars and sheds were covered with birch or cedar bark taken in the spring when the sap was running.
At first lumber was sawed by hand, some coming through the town of Ray. Art Donahue built the first sawmill in the area. Settlers would haul their logs to the mill in winter to be sawed in the spring. Almost every building from the time had some lumber sawed by Art. Many homes were built of logs hewed on both sides. Some of these homes still stand today – but the original logs are covered by newer siding. While some While a few newer private log homes are occasionally built, and some resorts still have log structures built years ago, log construction – for the most part - is a trade whose time has passed.
Every settler had also had a root cellar, which was one of the few ways people had of keeping things cool. Root vegetables like potatoes and carrots weren’t the only items people stored. Preserved meat, milk and cream, fruits and vegetables - literally anything they needed to keep cool - were put in the cellar. Root cellars generally were and are 30 to 40 degrees F cooler than daytime summer temperatures; and while cool in the winter, they generally didn’t get a cold as outdoors. They were also a way to protect preserved foods from animals. Today you can see the caved in places on old farms in the area.
Logging remained “King” – providing logs for homes, barns, sheds, fences and cellars. Lumber also became skis, firewood, shingles, fish poles, culverts, bridges and roads. Logs were used based on their size – for sills or rafters, stringers, floorboards and more. Some homes were made of logs hand-hewed with and adze.
Tarpaper was used for covering roofs, while cellars and sheds were covered with birch or cedar bark taken in the spring when the sap was running.
At first lumber was sawed by hand, some coming through the town of Ray. Art Donahue built the first sawmill in the area. Settlers would haul their logs to the mill in winter to be sawed in the spring. Almost every building from the time had some lumber sawed by Art. Many homes were built of logs hewed on both sides. Some of these homes still stand today – but the original logs are covered by newer siding. While some While a few newer private log homes are occasionally built, and some resorts still have log structures built years ago, log construction – for the most part - is a trade whose time has passed.
Every settler had also had a root cellar, which was one of the few ways people had of keeping things cool. Root vegetables like potatoes and carrots weren’t the only items people stored. Preserved meat, milk and cream, fruits and vegetables - literally anything they needed to keep cool - were put in the cellar. Root cellars generally were and are 30 to 40 degrees F cooler than daytime summer temperatures; and while cool in the winter, they generally didn’t get a cold as outdoors. They were also a way to protect preserved foods from animals. Today you can see the caved in places on old farms in the area.
Roads and Buildings
The railroad came to Ray in 1907, and the Virginia Rainy Lake Railroad had a spur that went to the hoist at Hoist Bay on Namakan Lake, and to the Ash River where the lumber companies stored supplies. Just think of all the tools and materials that came by train, and then were hauled to homesteads!
The first road in the area went from Gappa’s Landing to Ray, and in some places it can still be seen. Starting near Cline’s Resort, the road crossed the Stone or Salmi property, went west across Ed Gappa’s land, past the old school and Al Lavallas’ place, to the Rat Root River at the Vi Boyum home, and on to Ray.
From 1918 to 1924 using horses and gravel wagons, roads began to take shape. Generally, they were cut along fence lines and required much pick and shovel work. State Highway 11 (now Hwy. 53) was constructed from Orr to International Falls.
A little country school built of logs was located in a meadow near the creek that runs past the Oveson Minnow Stations. It was later replaced with a newer building, which still stands today as the Catholic church. A community building was constructed across the road, first used by settlers and later by WWII veterans, and has since fallen into disrepair.
Land was king to the settlers, even thought clearing it was slow and time-consuming. Rocks and the stumps of great pines and aspen groves needed to be removed as they made plowing difficult. Ensuring enough food to make it through the long winters was always a concern. Farming was not for those weak of spirit, as the season was short and not always as productive as needed. The growing season is only about three months long, which explains why farming has mostly disappeared. Temperatures can reach fifty below zero in the winter, 100 degrees above zero in the summer. We have had snow in June, and August; cold in July.
Families would gather for sawing contests, and dances held in the farm homes. The preacher visited the area once a month, staying in different homes and often leaving with more foodstuffs than coin in his purse as payment for his services. Women knitted socks or other items, or did needlework together. The coffee pot was always warm, and homemade bread and butter was served at every visit. Homes were filled of the aromas of kerosene lamps and fresh-baked bread biscuits. Some old lumberjacks visited each other just to get a good meal; no one was ever left hungry. Those days mother always made a big breakfast of pancakes, pork, eggs, and fried spuds.
The first road in the area went from Gappa’s Landing to Ray, and in some places it can still be seen. Starting near Cline’s Resort, the road crossed the Stone or Salmi property, went west across Ed Gappa’s land, past the old school and Al Lavallas’ place, to the Rat Root River at the Vi Boyum home, and on to Ray.
From 1918 to 1924 using horses and gravel wagons, roads began to take shape. Generally, they were cut along fence lines and required much pick and shovel work. State Highway 11 (now Hwy. 53) was constructed from Orr to International Falls.
A little country school built of logs was located in a meadow near the creek that runs past the Oveson Minnow Stations. It was later replaced with a newer building, which still stands today as the Catholic church. A community building was constructed across the road, first used by settlers and later by WWII veterans, and has since fallen into disrepair.
Land was king to the settlers, even thought clearing it was slow and time-consuming. Rocks and the stumps of great pines and aspen groves needed to be removed as they made plowing difficult. Ensuring enough food to make it through the long winters was always a concern. Farming was not for those weak of spirit, as the season was short and not always as productive as needed. The growing season is only about three months long, which explains why farming has mostly disappeared. Temperatures can reach fifty below zero in the winter, 100 degrees above zero in the summer. We have had snow in June, and August; cold in July.
Families would gather for sawing contests, and dances held in the farm homes. The preacher visited the area once a month, staying in different homes and often leaving with more foodstuffs than coin in his purse as payment for his services. Women knitted socks or other items, or did needlework together. The coffee pot was always warm, and homemade bread and butter was served at every visit. Homes were filled of the aromas of kerosene lamps and fresh-baked bread biscuits. Some old lumberjacks visited each other just to get a good meal; no one was ever left hungry. Those days mother always made a big breakfast of pancakes, pork, eggs, and fried spuds.
Fishing and Hunting
If you went out during the winter, you put on your layers starting with long johns, heavy woolen socks, pants and shirts and finishing with a heavy coat, ball-band rubbers, leather chopper mitts with liners for warmth, and a cap with ear muffs. In summer, you’d wear just about anything so long as it was comfortable.
Fishing was the most enjoyed sport along with boating and camping. Many natives didn't fish except fall, when nets were allowed. Fish were salted in crocks.
Hunting was for putting meat on the table. Rabbits were mostly caught in snares. Grouse and ducks were plentiful, and were enjoyed by some - though shotshells cost quite a bit. The old saying was, “Take one shell, and bring back something to eat.” Now hunting is more for sport.
Fishing was the most enjoyed sport along with boating and camping. Many natives didn't fish except fall, when nets were allowed. Fish were salted in crocks.
Hunting was for putting meat on the table. Rabbits were mostly caught in snares. Grouse and ducks were plentiful, and were enjoyed by some - though shotshells cost quite a bit. The old saying was, “Take one shell, and bring back something to eat.” Now hunting is more for sport.
School Days
School days meant either walking or no school, until Matt Manninen began driving the first school bus. The schoolkids had shortcut paths to school through the woods and fields. The school was heated by tamarack and birch firewood that was bought on a bidding basis. Arvid Lehto was paid two dollars a month to get to school a little earlier and warm the building. Many mornings the ink wells were frozen. Getting the Christmas tree was the big chore, usually taking several days to get a good one. Students made trimmings from colored paper. The school teacher mostly stayed at Ed Ranta’s place in the early days.
Timber Work
Children learned early to work with trees. Fathers went to lumber camps in the winter, staying as close to home as possible so that most Sundays could be spent with their families. Virginia Rainy Lake and Backus (from International Falls) lumber camps were among the first businesses to close. Many smaller sawmills that make box bolts – used to create for boxes – and pulp mills processing aspen, balsam and spruce are still in operation today.
Trees, lumber and wood processing still dominate the local industry, even above resort tourism. Firewood in a large scale is a thing of the past; although a few fireplaces and woodstoves are in homes today, only a few are primarily heated using wood.
Some of the land and lumber companies that operated in this area were Rainy Lake Co., Dairy Land Co., Levy Land Co., Backus and Brooks, Virginia Rainy Lake, Weyerhauser, Rat Portage Lumber Co., and many others.
Trees, lumber and wood processing still dominate the local industry, even above resort tourism. Firewood in a large scale is a thing of the past; although a few fireplaces and woodstoves are in homes today, only a few are primarily heated using wood.
Some of the land and lumber companies that operated in this area were Rainy Lake Co., Dairy Land Co., Levy Land Co., Backus and Brooks, Virginia Rainy Lake, Weyerhauser, Rat Portage Lumber Co., and many others.