Russells Point in Logan County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Boats of Indian Lake

Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, June 5, 2017

1. Boats of Indian Lake Marker

Inscription. The first motorized boat appeared on Indian Lake in the early 1900’s. By 1930, reports indicated there were a total of 13 pleasure boats and 17 speed boats operating out of Russells Point Harbor, and many more from other points around the lake. For a nickle or dime visitors could take a spin around the lake, a unique opportunity in the day. Many people have fond memories of those first boat rides at Indian Lake. Hundreds of rowboats were also available for rent to enjoy the area’s great fishing and scenery. Perhaps the largest boat at the time was the “Evelyn”, named for French Wilgus’ daughter. It was owned and operated by Henry Blum and Cliff Binkley from 1925 until 1956. There were many other boats including the :Curio,” “Orchard Island Queen,” “Queen of Sandee Gables,” “The Chief,” “Bumblebee,” “Top Hat,” and the “Ghost.” Some of the early Speed Boat ride concessionaires included C. S. Lawson, H.R. McGraw, Ray Gooding, O.C. Hall, Ira Bickham and Scotty Wallace.

Although not an actual boat, The Plaza Showboat was a popular scene

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at Indian Lake. This structure, located on the west side of Russells Point Harbor was, in fact, simply a nautical themed night club featuring Caberet style shows and fine dining. The Show Boat is included in most of the popular old time images of the Amusement Park, Bridge, and harbor area.

After WWII, more people began to acquire their own boats. The popularity of commercial boat rides declined and by the late 1960’s.they were nearly extinct. It was in these later years that the “Mark Twain,” became the most popular tour boat on Indian Lake. Built in the style of a steam “paddle wheeler” by local resident Floyd Dever, this steel hauled, double-decked boat measured 18 feet wide by 60 feet long and could seat 175 passengers. Named for it’s resemblance to the PT boats of WWII, the “Squaw” also known as “Brad’s PT Boat” was another Indian Lake icon operated by the Bradford family well into the 1960’s. Even though the commercial ride boats are all gone today, wooden boats are still celebrated on Indian Lake for their classic lines and beauty. Boating remains one of the favorite recreational

Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, June 5, 2017

2. Boats of Indian Lake Marker

full view of marker

activities at Indian Lake.

Erected 2017.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 40° 28.365′ N, 83° 53.66′ W. Marker is in Russells Point, Ohio, in Logan County. It is on East Main Street (Ohio Route 366), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 121 E Main St, Russells Point OH 43348, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Ohio’s Till Plains.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Sandy Beach Bridge (a few steps from this marker); Sandy Beach and the Big Band Era (a few steps from this marker); Interurban Transportation (within

Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, June 5, 2017

3. Boats of Indian Lake Marker

marker can be seen at a distance. at the far right of the bridge are two pedestals, this is the one on the left

shouting distance of this marker); Miami- Erie Canal / Lewistown Reservoir (within shouting distance of this marker); Native Americans (within shouting distance of this marker); Our Lady of Fatima (within shouting distance of this marker); 1913 Flood (within shouting distance of this marker); Islands and Beaches (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Russells Point.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Sandy Beach Park (was a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, June 5, 2017

4. Boats of Indian Lake Marker

detail of the picture on the marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 6, 2017. It was originally submitted on June 5, 2017, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,263 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 5, 2017, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.