Ashland tidings. [volume] (Ashland, Or.) 1876-1919, 1916-09-28
Summer Colony at
Lake Of the Woods

Ihe opening OF tne Lake Vi lHo
Woods road making the lake accessi-
BILE for automobiles has stimulated
travel until it has become quite
heavy over the route.
Last Sunday a party consisting OF
Mr. and Mrs. e. V. Carter, Mr.. and
Mrs F. d. Wagner, Mr.. and Mrs. H.
l.. Whited and daughter, Marjorie,
and Marsh Wagner went over to the
lake by automobile and returned
Monday. There were also eight or
ten machines there from Medford.
Mr.. Carter says the forest service
has plated ten lots facing 100 feet
on the lake by 260 feet deep for
rental to those desiring them for
camping purposes. These have all
been reserved. An additional survey
of seven lots has been made of the
same size as the others. These have
all been taken by Ashland parties
who plan to use the central lot for
an assembly building and a common
meeting place. The other lots, three
on each side, will he used by indi-
yiduals or families for their private
camp and grounds. If any other
Ashland people desire to obtain ad-
joining lots they can do so by taking
up the matter with Superintendent
Erickson of Medford. The govern
ment rents the lots for S. per year,
and it is understood that each renter
can have the first chance on his own
lot from year to year. Anyone so
desiring can lease lot absolutely
for fifteen years at $l5 per year. In
this way no change in the policy Of
the government could deprive the
tenant of his lot and he would feel
secure in making more permanent
improvements. From present indi
cations Mr. Carter is OF the opinion
that 200 to 800 people will make
their summer homes at Lake of the
Woods the coming season.
So far the lots have been taken
along the eastern side of the lake
The through wagon road is on this
side and makes it more easily reach
ed. However, there are some points
in favor of the western side. Here
the water is deeper clear up to the
shore, making II better for boat
landings. The topography Of the
country is such that there is but lit
tie of the long, gently sloping beach
found on the eastern side of the lake.
The mountain comes down abruptly
to the edge of the water along much
of the distance, then there is beach
of perhaps $50 to 200 feet, and north
of this long open prairie stretches
out farther to the north. This is
crossed in going from the eastern to
the western side. On the west one
is five miles closer to Four-Mile'
Lake, noted for good fishing, and is
also nearer the big huckleberry
patch. On the east the conditions
are ideal for bathing, especially for
children, as the bottom of the lake
is clean and gravelly and the slope
is so gentle that even a child can
so out long distance without get
ting in the water over his depth
The bathing facilities alone will
make this very popular resort. A
good many fish have been caught in
the lake, including rainbow trout
and bullheads, all good to eat. The
policy of the government is to sell
logs for cabin building at regular
stumpage rates, which makes a log
cabin inexpensive. For those who
can travel by auto Lake of the
Woods certainly furnishes almost an
ideal place for summer camp.
1t is understood that concessions
have been granted at the lake which
will make it possible for campers to
secure boats for use next season, and
very likely other accommodations
such as the opportunity to buy sta
pie goods on the grounds, will be
available.