Property Record
2139 POPKO CIRCLE
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Popko's Resort |
|---|---|
| Other Name: | Jake's Pine Trees Hideaway |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 79688 |
| Location (Address): | 2139 POPKO CIRCLE |
|---|---|
| County: | Iron |
| City: | |
| Township/Village: | Mercer |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
| Town: | 42 |
| Range: | 3 |
| Direction: | E |
| Section: | 7 |
| Quarter Section: | SW |
| Quarter/Quarter Section: | SW |
| Year Built: | 1938 |
|---|---|
| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1996 |
| Historic Use: | hunting house |
| Architectural Style: | Rustic Style |
| Structural System: | Balloon Frame |
| Wall Material: | Wood |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| National Register Listing Date: | |
| State Register Listing Date: |
| Additional Information: | "Of all the Flowage resort owners, Jake Popko had one of the most colorful reputations. As early as 1928, Popko had established himself as proprietor of a Mercer "soft drink parlor," a term which almost always indicated a Prohibition-era tavern. Popko's competition in these years were several, including Ed Evenson, the Mercer town chairman. Like many covert tavern owners, Popko probably made at least some of his own supply, a side business that could prove quite lucrative. Popko and his wife, Ruth Hellstrom Popko, bought this property in 1931, shortly after the Flowage settled; within two years they had a new resort. By 1940, they had 13 cabins; by 1943, his reputation as a guide was such that his ads proudly announced, "Popko guides new guests one day free." Iron County Heritage Area, Historic Touring Guide & Map to Iron County: Wisconsin's Vacation Paradise, not dated. |
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| Bibliographic References: | Iron County Heritage Area, Historic Touring Guide & Map to Iron County: Wisconsin's Vacation Paradise, not dated. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |