The Mail-Journal, Volume 11, Number 20, Milford, Kosciusko County, 12 June 1974 — Page 8

THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., June 12,1874

Waubee lake —a nice place for a vacation

If your're looking for a lake vacation spot where fishing is enhanced with a lot of nature, even in a populated area, try Waubee Lake, in Van Buren township. Kosciusko county. The lake is just a little too small to attract speed boats and skiers and big enough to enjoy an escape cm a pontoon boat for a day. The fishing is great and the water is very nice for swimming moat of, the time The lake has a good natural beach which has drawn crowds from all over the

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area for years An old timer at the lake. Russell Homan, was kind enough to share some information with us about the lake Russ has lived near the lake all his life and has viewed many changes over the years. He stated during the interview that fishing on the lake is as good or better than it has ever been where bluegill, crappie, and bass are concerned. The perch and cisco are not so prevalent as in former years In 1973 the only netting permits for cisco (herring' issued in the state were to Homan and Elsie Bontrager, who has made her home at Homan s along with her sister Edith for three years. The conservation authorities told Homan the cisco are abundant in cnly one natural lake in the state anymore Homan only netted three in 1973 at Waubee Summer Fishing In the summer months people from all over central Indiana and as far south as Indianapolis come to fish Waubee waters Many

have come into the area for 20 years or more regularly They even forget at times, according to Homan, there is a limit on some of the types of fish and “overcatch.” Local fishermen, such as Dan Musser and John Troup, have been known to catch over 100 bluegill in a four-hour period When asked when and where to fish for several varieties of fish we were told that the season of the year, the weather, the moon and other things enter into fishing Avid fishermen know whether to fish in the shallow or deep water by learning fish habits. Homan told us ‘ln the summer months fishing is good in the cove told marl pit) near the scout cabin for all kinds of fish. Some places are better for some kinds, crappie are found to habit the east end near the old dredge, more bass are found in the north end. This year pike have been landed all over the lake and m the channels and they seem to be Larger than ever." For years the “only - ' place to fish on the lake for bluegills in the winter was the “kettle" at the south end. This is no longer true, bluegill, perch, crappie and bass were caught all over the lake last year. In the winter bass are found in the south end and bluegills are still in abundance there. When asked about the ice houses on the lake Homan replied, "a lot of fishermen have quit using houses Several years ago the number on the lake was around 40, last year a mere half dozen The new insulated clothing has played a big part in the change It is warmer and not bulky to wear and houses are not necessary.” Lake Patrolled Conservation officer Ned Gerard keeps a close eye on the lake He is around as often as three times a week during the busy season to check boaters for speeding, license, life jackets, etc. Many people put private boats in at the beach area and still others rent for their outings. The lake is full of snapping turtles and when caught on a fish line they can put up a “whale of a fight.” This delicacy is enjoyed by many who visit the area. Only three sides of the lake are inhabited The entire east end is part of Camp Mack which is owned by the Church of the Brethren and used also for 4-H groups and rented to other churches at times. The camp was founded tn 1925 on land formerly owned by Jacob Neff, father of Mrs. Pearle Wehrly Next year will be the golden anniversary year at the camp. Things of nature are plentiful around the lake. The Bontrager sisters have found such animals as racoons, flying squirrels, opossums, and others and made pets out of them. Elsie is a good fisherwoman and trapper and can use a gun when it is necessary The girls have a pen of wild ducks and wild geese. The Homan home has been a refuge for many wild foundlings Island Gone The island which was located out a distance from the north shore is now gone, but buoys mark the spot where it was. Besides lots of green vegetation, huckleberries were found on the island and also cranberries. Homan knows where a few cranberries can be found around the lake but prefers to keep the spot a secret In 1913 Homan and Eugene Felkner built the first “cottage" on the lake. It was later pulled across the lake on the ice and is now on the Homan property with additions and is rented out in the

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A View Os Waubee Lake. Takes On A Windy Day Fran The South End

summer. The original cottage was made from wood from the old dredge and was placed near the old ice house. The young men floated wood down the lake to build their shack which housed two bunks and a wood stove. The Homan dog. “Fritz," was found on the expeditions also. Earlier there were boat houses belonging to John Sharp and to Alonzo Doty at the lake as well as a boat house with living quarters above where Mel Cooper lived while manning the ice house He served as a guide to the young builders. Permanent Homes Since that time the lake has added many summer cottages and permanent homes. Around 1945 John Chambers built the first year around home on the north side This was followed closely with the Jerry Bushong residence. About 1950 Amos Steffen built a permanent home on the southwest side of the lake and also sold lots. A few years after the entire southwest end was platted for the Ralph Groves addition. In the early 1960's Ezra Beer and Orvil Kilmer opened up the northwest corner for home building on a channel and the Kilmers built the first home in this location. Alvin Hartter of South Bend is the owner of the only cottage on the southeast corner just before the grounds belonging to Camp Mack begin and continue the entire length of the east side of the lake. An interesting remark passed on while we were talking to Homan and the Bontragers was the interest of local persons in vacationing at Waubee this year. This could be a side effect of the present gasoline shortage across the country in their opinion Boating school at youth center Boating classes will be held June 18. 20. 21 at the Lakeland Youth Center. Syracuse, from 7:30-9:30 in the evening All youth under the age of 14. planning to operate a boat with over 10 h p motor must attend these classes according to conservation officer Earl Money who will be in charge HURRY-IP FRIED FISH Dip fresh fish in egg yolk. Roll in instant dried mashed potatoes Fry in oil or grease until done. Fish will be pleasingly crisp!

■I Ross Homan And Dog At First Cottage Several Homes In The Groves Addition

Enchanted Hills theatre guild is being formed

A new interest group forming in the Lakeland area is the Enchanted Hills Playhouse Theatre guild In the past, many volunteers have helped the Thunderbay Players to establish new living quarters and for assistance throughout the season behind the scenes. Last year an advisory board was formed to lend professional services and advice as a steering committee. Interested persons wishing to join the guild are urged to attend the first meeting set for Thursday night at 7:30 at the playhouse or

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contact Mrs. Douglas Schmahl for additional information. Purpose of the guild will be generally to promote the playhouse, assist behind the scenes with productions, and assist where needed on other areas such as fund drives, ticket sales, etc. Summer residents are welcome as well as teenagers 16years of age and older. CHIEF JUSTICE Charles Evans Hughes was appointed U.S. chief justice on Feb. 3, 1930.

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DIXIE CAMP SUNDAYS ANO HOLIDAYS - Hawrly oa IM MN Mar ~l| [ MID. Maa. nrw SM—4M. 7: M. L«Aa Cnabaa an tfe Onia lor Cfturcfea. Sefeah. Chafe, r—*/--Krncat (Tag) Huffman P. O. Boa in Pbom 534-3011 North Webotcr. la<, 4NSS XKXKUUvevvePtvvKVVWHNNNteeiLovaovaooaao.,. BOAT RENTALS Pontoon - Runabout - Fishing BY THE HOUR. HALF DAY. DAY OR WEEK “Your Pleasure Is Our Business” MARINE GAS AT OUR PIER MOCKS MARINE SERVICE Waco Drive Phone: 457-3355 Lake Wawaaee, Indiana We Abo Have Refreshments Ice Cream — Sandwiches — Pop — Candy and etc. imwoi/t FROG ANNEX (Formerly The Guide) East Side Lake Wawasee Eofey Fine ... x Steaks »z Sea Food If you have not been out to try our Polynesian food, we have a treat in store fpr you. — Ray and Lou Ann MAIIDC. * A M.-3 A.M. — Monday Thru Saturda> nUUNJ. S A..M.-12:30 P.M. — Sundays KITCHEN OPEN TILL 3 A.M. __ ' GOLF is l&M FUN j ;‘j For the whole family. »x 50 Golf Carts »x Watered Fairways »x Open Play Daily Well Stocked Pro Shop MAXWELTON GOLF CLUB k Bob Auer — Pro