Replant The White Pine Project
Explore the History of the Tree in the Middle of the Road!
Discover the local stories and history of this unique landmark on Cisco Lake Road south, Watersmeet, MI.
Cisco Chain of Lakes
Memories - What's Driving This Project
Just like many of you... I have been coming up here my whole life. As a child I have fond memories of the car ride to our cottage on Kitty Island via Cisco Lake Road South. I vividly recall the tree in the middle of the road and my father driving his Oldsmobile towards it, and my mother hanging on. As we approached the tree I would fly up in the air in the back seat unbound by any seatbelt regulation. My father would magically make the tree move out of the way with a wave of his hand and some words and the tree would move to the side and let us pass.
Sadly, both my parents are gone now and so is the tree. It was hit by lightning for the last time _____ year date in 80's__need info here___ and started on fire. ---- need info and photos here... The county removed it and now only the stump remains, This iconic landmark has been missed ever since.
Tree fire and removal
If you have pictures, or any information regarding the reason the tree was removed - please contact me. - Pam
Pen Pals
Postcard from early 1970's shows one description of the image pictured on the front. It was purchased at "Bud's" Cisco Lake Resort Bar and General store. I believe there is a second version printed of this post card which conveys a story that the tree was left in memorial for the road crew leaders daughter.
Land Abstract from Kitty Island
1889
James M. Turner and Sophie S., his wife and in her own right, of Lansing Michigan. To Peninsula Lumber and Mining Company a Warrantee Deed. Consideration $127,827.53 Dated August 15, 1889 Recorded Liber "N" , folio 96.
1895
Josiah E. Just, of Ionia Mich. to Joseph W. Fordney, of Saginaw, Mich. Timber Contract. Consideration $11,500.00. Dated Sept. 15, 1895 Recorded Liber "A", Miscellaneous Record, folio 40
Also named in subsequent deeds to have the pine removed by April 1, 1901.
E.J. Anderson for $12,600
Charles J. Winton of Wausau Wisc.
Information provided by Glen Vynalek (Thanks Glen)
Replant The White Pine Project
I am researching the history of the tree in the middle of the road on Cisco Lake South and the reason why the road was routed around it. I am investigating a story that suggests it was left as a memorial to the road Forman's daughter who died in an accident. I am seeking information on the original road construction, possibly related to the Cisco Landing Train stop on the corner of Cisco and Sylvan Isle Drive.
I hope to obtain a permit to replant the historic tree and mark it with a small sign to inspire future generations of Cisco Chain residents and visitors. #CiscoLakeTree #RoadHistory
Thanks Cathy for the photo.
What Brought Them Here
Watersmeet was a village located at a junction point on the Chicago & Northwestern railroad. The line from Wisconsin (via Land-O-Lakes) connected here and continued west to Ironwood. A line was later added from Iron River to complete the junction.
In around 1901 this trainline ended at the cross roads off Cisco Lake Road by what is now Cisco Lake Resort. I am still getting details. The stop was there. The road was only a path and it was so muddy and dangerous anytime it rained or snowed.
C&NW Station, Watersmeet
Pictured here is the C&NW station at Watersmeet. At the time, 1909 the depot was heated with an oil stove, and included water, coal, a turntable, a wye, and a seven stall roundhouse. They also had a yard here. This was at MP 102.9 (from Powers, MI). . [Susan Murphy Collection, Via Michigan Railroads}.
Around this time ( Still researching ) a line was added when Cisco Lake Road opened up the forest area for logging. On the corner of South Cisco Lake Road and Sylvan Isle Drive ( Behind the mail boxes) was a huge field where the train stop stood. It was a logging train but passengers used it too.
Historically, Watersmeet was the railroad hub for the upper peninsula. Now the abandoned railroad beds are now snowmobile and ATV trails.
The McNitt Act
1951 Map. In the early 1940's, under the McNitt Act, the townships in Michigan transferred their local roads to their respective County. However - the actual records of the transfer for Watersmeet have been lost.
The township gave the rights of Cisco Lake Road road to Gogebic county and they changed the direction of the road to straighten it out and make it more drivable. The plan was to cut the tree down and straighten the road there, but they went around the tree on the east side. It was laid Gravel and paved tar in the 70s.
Thank you to the Gogebic County Road Commission of Bessemer, MI Phil Strong for map
Lester Newman
So the story goes... when the Cisco chain neighbors heard about the plan to change the route of Cisco Lake road and cut the giant white pine down, they started to talk to each other. Lester Newman, who lived on the chain, placed a call to the county road commission to save the tree. I am still getting more details - but most obviously it worked. The tree was saved and the road was laid around on the east side of the tree creating the middle of the road vantage point.
Information provided by son, David.
Here is a beautiful painting of the tree before the county changed the route of Cisco Lake Road by artist C. Kreteck provided to me by Phil Strong
Drive by the Location
Tree coordinates are appx: 46.257810, -89.428971 copy and past that into google maps and it will take you right there. Please note - this is a highway - you can not stop! However you can park at the end of the road and walk up to the location about 1/4 mile.
Right before the tree location, traveling south on Cisco Lake Road, there is a warning double curve sign. The first curve goes by the tree location on the passenger side. I hope to get a permit to plant a sapling here and reclaim this historic location.
Cisco Chain Riparian Owners Association
has a Facebook where you can message the team for more information regarding visiting the Cisco Lake area.
Collaborate with Tree In The Middle Of The Road
Please help me capture the history of this tree.
If you have any information regarding the tree or photos you would like to share on this website, or a story about an old timer.. please text me. I am looking for photos of the train line and the road before it was paved Tree in the Middle of the Road - South Cisco Lake Road, Watersmeet Michigan History - help me get the story right!
Do You Have Any Info Regarding:
- The name of the child the memorial tree was left for?
- The company that was responsible for the original road that went around the tree
- Photos of fire and or removal or tree
HISTORY COLLABORATORS "Thank you for your help"
Phil Strong County Road Commission
Bob Z of the Sylvania Outfitters
Jay S of Jay's Resort Cisco Chain
David Newman Chain Neighbor
Michigan Railroad Website HQ
Cathy Shaw - Tree Photo
Glen Vynalek - Land Abstract Details
Greetings From Kitty Island
If you have any questions, please feel free to text or call Pam, the host. +1 (773) 307-2128 Only one person each year can rent this amazing paradise... Book Ian's Place as "YOUR PLACE" today!