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.
Boats of Indian Lake. . 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 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 world war two, 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 world war two, 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 activities at Indian Lake.
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 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
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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 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. Marker 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.
marker can be seen at a distance. at the far right of the bridge are two pedestals, this is the one on the left
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 645 times since then and 58 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.
