Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1928-08-16
Tourists Help
In Promoting
Summer Sport

Minnesota summer sports are being
popped up because tourists are max
ing them worth while in many places
according to H. c. Hotaling, secretary
of the Ten Thousand Lakes Assocla-
ton and state tourist commissioner.
1T is natural that Lakes Mime
tonka and White Bear, at the gates OF
the Twin Cities should have speed
boats and boast other water sports,
but l believe the great interest that
has been shown in water sports at
other lakes throughout the state in
recent years can be largely credited
to the tourist" said Mr.. Hotaling
speaking of the progress made in out
door sports.
One of the places where water
sports have been developed in recent
years, according to Mr.. Hotaling, is
Walker, where speed boats, step
planes and sea sleds are quite the
rage now. At Whitefish lake, where
a few years ago the only craft to be
found would be some fisherman's boat,
cupboard motor races are now held,
and there are some speedy boats on
Whitefish lake too. Lake Vermilion
has boasted fast boats for several
years, many of which have been
placed on the lake by people from
other states. Big Pelican lake is
known for it's water sports, all OF
which have been brought about by the
tourist business. Lakes in the vicin-
ity of Detroit Lakes, Alexandria, Be-
midi, Cass Lake, Brainerd, Osakis,
Glenwood and other northern Minneso-
ia cities have made great progress in
recent years in the pleasures which
they offer to the lovers of water
sports.
Held Many Years.
In the southern part of the state,
according to Mr.. Hotaling there are
places where water sports have been
conducted for many years. These
places he says, are at resorts and
beaches that have taken care of sum-
mer trade for nearly half a century.
And, the tourists not only take an
interest in water sports, but they also
attend the ball games, picnics, socials
and in many instances take a keen
interest in the social life of the COM
munity where they may spend the
summer. At one Minnesota town the
band is directed in the summer by a
musician who spends his vacation
there. His services are gratuitous.
At another place colony of high
class musicians provide music for the
county fair. At another place sum-
mer visitor has built a golf course
and not only lets the public use it,
but also offers the services of his pro-
fessional instructor.
Tourists have helped greatly in the
establishment of golf courses at many
Minnesota towns. In fact, there are
many courses that are largely sup
ported by the fees charged tourists,
says Mr.. Hotaling. They have also
taken keen interest in casting tourn-
aments which are held at Minnesota
towns each year and compete in other
outdoor events.
Gravel Hauled.
At many beaches, and especially at
resorts there has been an Introduction
of water toboggans, wheels and other
equipment for the enjoyment of kid
dies and other folks also. In some
places where there have not been good
beaches, gravel has been hauled in to
give the lake good bottom. And with
the development of Minnesota as a
summer tourist state the canoe has
become popular conveyance. There
are thousands of lakes in Minnesota
that are connected with other lakes
by streams navigable by canoe and
the exploring of these creeks and
rivers has become an enjoyable pas
time.
Tourists come here to play, says Mr.
HOtaling, and the equipment which it
has been necessary to install in re-
cent years to take care of them is also
available to Minnesotans. AS a re-
suit, Minnesotans are probably play
ing more than they would, had it not
been for the tourist business.