History of Lincoln, Oneida and Vilas Counties

"History of Lincoln, Oneida, and Vilas Counties Wisconsin"

Compiled by George O.Jones, Norman S. McVean and Others. Printed in 1924 by H.C.Cooper. Jr. & Co., Minneapoli-Winona MN. ill. 787 pages. The first two hundred pages are history of the three counties, the remainder of the book is biographies.

Biography

Marsh, Irving R. manager of the White Birch Resort on White Birch Lake in the western part of Vilas County, was born in Clark County, Wisconsin, April 16, 1895, son of Merritt and Viola (WICKER) MARSH. Both parents are now deceased; the father, a native of New York, died at Wausau, July 21, 1923, the other having passed away Dec. 23, 1921. Irving R. as a boy attended grade school in Wausau and high school at Stevens Point, in the latter place also being a student for some time in the State Normal School. After relinquishing his studies he took a logging contract at Solon Springs, Wis., which occupied him for one winter, at the end of which time he came to Vilas County. Here for two years he followed the occupation of lake guide and was for a year subsequently employed in the bridge and building department of the "Soo" Railway on the line between Owen, Superior, Ashland and Minneapolis. He then bought and logged timber between Mud and Star lakes, Vilas County, and afterwards spent seven years more as a guide. He then bought 200 acres on the east shore of White Birch Lake and in 1921 established White Birch Lodge, which is owned by the White Birch Resort Company, Mr. MARSH being one of the owners and the manager. The main lodge measures 34x68 feet and contains the dining-room, sitting-room and kitchen; it has a 12-foot porch on the side facing the lake. In addition there are seven cottages scattered among the fine birch trees, and convenient walks and lawns have been laid out in park style wherever such improvements could be of service or add to the beauty of nature. The lodge can accommodate from 30 to 40 people. Among the equipment of the resort is a fleet of 14 row boats, and there are several canoes on the lake owned by guests stopping at the resort. The resort has its own electric light plant and waterworks, and all the necessities or conveniences in usual demand, such as guides, cigars and tobacco, live bait and other fishing supplies can be obtained when wanted. There is also an adquate garage for autos. Comfort is the keynote of the establishment and special attending is given to the table, the meat, fish, fowl, eggs, vegetables, bread and pastry being of the best and admirably cooked and served. The milk and cream come from the resort's own Guernsey cows. The scenery on the lake and surrounding waters, and, indeed, through all this region is of the sort to attract the lover of nature, sportsman or rest seeker. The lakes teem with fish of various kinds which test the skill of the angler and furnish him with many a thrill, and one has not to go far to find wild game in season. All mail for the lodge comes through the Star Lake post office. Mr. MARSH has identified himself more or less closely with public affairs; he was for awhile treasurer of the town of Plum Lake, but lately resigned that office. He was married April 29, 1915, to Gertrude ELLERMAN of Star Lake, Vilas County, and he ans his wife are the parents of four children, Helen Ione, Kenneth, Russell Allen and Betty Jane. The family affiliate religiously with the Baptist Church.

Transcribed by Susan Swanson, from pages 658-659; History of Lincoln, Oneida and Vilas Counties Wisconsin; Compiled by George O. Jones, Norman S. McVean and Others 1924, H. C. Cooper, Jr. & Co

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