White Sand Lake: A Study of Land Use along its Southern and Eastern Shores, 1903-1974

Abstract

At the beginning of the twentieth century, White Sand Lake's shores were cutover from the logging of Goodyear Lumber Company, Mississippi River Logging Company, Chippewa Lumber and Boom Company, and Yawkey - Bissel Lumber Company. The State of Wisconsin forested the land through the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). CCC Camp Crystal enhanced much of Vilas County making it a sought after vacation location for the Midwest, as well as the rest of the country. The desire for a pastoral retreat, along with the advertising campaigns of the Wisconsin Conservation Department, Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce, and local resorts helped contribute to the diversity of visitors in the Boulder Junction area and on White Sand Lake. Camp Milo Lodge, En-Dah-Win and Wilsie's Rustic Cottages attracted and hosted guests from many different parts of the country. This paper will chronicle the impact that logging, Camp Crystal and tourism had on the land bordering White Sand Lake.