Ferncroft on Ballard Lake
Ferncroft was one of the first resorts on Ballard Lake. It was operated by Gene Shepard of Rhinelander. The resort has since closed and been demolished. Shepard is the source of the stories of the Hodag, and perhaps of Paul Bunyon. (See the two sub-topics and their bibliographic references.) Talk of Shepard's Hodag being exhibited in Star Lake, meant exhibited at Ferncroft.
March 11, 2020
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Major References
Kortenhof, Kurt. Long Live the Hodag! The Life and Legacy of Eugene Simeon Shepard: 1854-1923. [First Edition and Second Edition] Rhinelander, 1996.
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Rismon, Ole. Ferncroft Inn Ballard Lake. [Chicago Tribune, June 2, 1911, p. 11.] Chicago, 1911.
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(Full text available)
Shepard, Gene. Round River Drive. [In: Kearney, Hodag, The, And Other Tales of the Logging Camps] Madison, 1928.
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Vilas County Historical Museum. Eugene S. Shepard (A Local Legend). [Notes and Nostalgia, The Vilas Historical Museum Newsletter, VIII, 3rd Issue, Fall, 2006.] Sayner, 2006.
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Minor References
Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad. Northern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. [Brochure] Chicago, 1934.
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Ellerman, Cel. White Birch Lodge built in 1921 Has Interesting History. [Star Lake column, Vilas County News-Review, unk. date, 1963] Eagle River, 1963.
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