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Long-time visitors relax near Ottertail
Published 11:09am Tuesday, August 25, 2009For retired surgeon R.W. Conkling of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, there’s nothing better on an August day than to spend time down the road from Ottertail on the north side of Otter Tail Lake. These opportunities come about in light of proximity to a nearby cottage owned by his wife, Claris, and her brother, Jon Backer of Fargo.
His brother-in-law is a retired employee of Burlington Northern Railroad.
“This a wonderful time of year here at Otter Tail Lake,” said Conkling. “Being close to the city of Ottertail is an advantage for those of us who spend time here.”
Like many retired people, Conkling remembers the days when staying at lakes such as Otter Tail were primitive, at best. He recalls that many places didn’t have boats until the late 1920s.
With watercraft being made of wood, boats were moored out with a fence post. Later, anchors were improvised with heavy chunks of concrete or a metal implement wheel. Other boats were pulled up on land and turned over.
Conkling appreciates local authors such as Fergus Falls native Lance Johnson who has preserved the historical accounts of Otter Tail Lake. Johnson is the author of a book, “Memories of Otter Tail Lake.”
With an interest in history, Conkling knows that Otter Tail Lake’s north side — where his wife and brother-in-law share the cabin — became famous for its mountainous ice pile-ups each spring. As the south winds and mild weather prevail, ice on the lake thaws and freezes and the wind pushes it up on north side beaches, with the ice carrying tons of sand along with it.
As noted in Johnson’s book, the 1920s also saw contractors cutting down dozens of trees in order for roads to be built for people to reach their lake lots. The trees were so thick, in spots, that many had to drive zigzag in order to reach their destinations.
By the 1960s and 1970s, more lakeshore roads had black top surfacing.
“We’ve come a long ways over the years,” said Conkling while relaxing on the dock. “One thing hasn’t changed since the 1920s, however — the beauty of Otter Tail Lake.”
