“Tip Toe” is the name of a cute launch owned by the City Boat House people. A large row boat has been fitted up to be propelled by a tiny gasoline engine one and one-half horsepower. (July 11, 1901)
Some invited guests were generously entertained by the host and hostess of Hotel Markham on Sunday last. Music was furnished by the Andrew Kimmons-Prince Co., guitar and mandolin players. In the afternoon the Mayflower was chartered and a pleasant trip around the lake was indulged in. (Sept 26, 1901)
About two years ago Captain Benner of the Mayflower was caught in a severe storm on the lake here, of which the sudden squall Sunday evening reminded him forcibly. This time W. F. Street, son and daughter, Mrs. Wood, Miss McMahon and William Kaiser were with him, and they are willing to testify that it is not always necessary for a boat to capsize to prove that the water is wet. (Sept 26, 1901)
Up the Schoolcraft.
A merry yachting party aboard the “Tip Toe,” E. H. Jerrard’s famous naptha launch, on Sunday afternoon sailed up the placid waters of the “Father of Waters,” switching off into the Schoolcraft bound for Plantaganet. The scenery along this narrow but deep stream of water is indescribable, and especially at this time of the year when nature seems to outdo itself in its many hues of gorgeous colors a foreground standing from pale yellow into pink, from that to dark red and even purple, the background of which is the dark green of the stately pines. It is said that nature loves curves, and the Schoolcraft river has more than the usual allowance in fact, it is one continual curve.
The faithful “Tip Toe” seemed to take fiendish pleasure in pushing her nose in and out of the curves at a good rate of speed. The creek in some places is almost canopied by the lavish growth of huge elms making a nook that I leave for a m6re poetical mind to describe. For miles we heard no sound save the engine of the boat, the grandeur of the scenery having impressed its occupants, and as with one accord the frivolities of the day were forgotten, and in its place was a silent communion with nature and its mysteries. After having gone four or five miles up the river the party was amazed to find an enormous elm had thrown itself completely across the stream, making further progress impossible. We were, therefore obliged to return, not, however, until refreshments had been served and a picture of the party taken by a kodak fiend. The trip was one of pleasure throughout, the magnificent scenery, the beautiful day, the fascinating boat ride, and last but not least, the company with whom we went blended so admirably that event will always be a pleasant memory to look back upon. Our homeward trip was enjoyably spent by the rendition of songs and after dinner speeches. The party arrived at the clock at p.m., well satisfied with the day’s outing and a vote of thanks was tendered the gallant captain, whose hospitality will never be forgotten.
ONE OF THE PARTY (October 3, 1901)
Lake Bemidji is about three miles wide and seven and one-half long. The Mississippi river runs through it, and its width at this point is surprisingly narrow compared to what it is at Sauk Rapids. One can jump across, and with the aid of a few stepping stones and some logs it was an easy matter to span it. The lake abounds in pike, pickerel, perch and white fish, the latter denoting the great depth of the water, as that specie is only found in deep water, such as the great lakes. Several launches owned by private parties ply the waters. “The Moose” is the largest and considered the most reliable craft on the lake. It is in place to say that Lake Bemidji is a rough body of water when a gale strikes it, and I speak from experience. “The Moose” carries passengers to and from the Turtle River stage route, and braves all kinds of storms. Then there is the “Bertha,” the “Shadow,” the “Mayflower,” the “Lady of the Lake,” and the dauntless “Tip Toe” all pleasure going crafts. The shore line is a thing of beauty that no one can fail to appreciate, and it is a source of wonder why the place had not been resurrected, so to speak, long ere this. As a summer resort it has no equal. The surrounding country is being settled up very rapidly. (Oct 17, 1901)
It was my good fortune to be a part of many a trip via the water route aboard E. H. Jerrard’s launch, the “Tip Toe.” Mr. Jerrard is truly a perfect host, and never have I participated in such jolly times as we had steaming down the lake or river as the case was. His launch ranks second to none on the lake, and in a rough sea rides the waves like a duck. (Oct 17, 1901)