Floating Cottage01

Waupaca Republican

August 31, 1894

Rev. Hugh R. Burleson assisted by his brother John constructed a “Catamaran” or a “floating cottage” at the Chain o’ Lakes and it makes a daisy little summer house on the placid bosom of the chain. It has two long narrow boas and a center-board for a foundation. A tight floor is laid across them with a boat for the purpose of filling or bailing out the water. Then a suitable house is constructed on the platform of the craft, of light ceiling lumber. Oiled canvass being nailed over the roof boards so as to shed water (when it rains). The little floating palace is carpeted and has bunks in sections, “a la Pullman”, and other little etceteras, making it as cozy and comfortable as a state room on a Cunarder. Rev. Burleson’s party at present is his wife’s mother and sister, Mrs. And Miss Ely of New York and Mr. Burleson’s sister or Oneida.

They have headquarters on Mr. McCrossen’s shore just below Grand View where their cooking tent is located. A flag labeled “Last Hope” was suggested from the fact that at the time of Rev. Burleson’s arrival in Waupaca not a house was to be rented, so the “last hope” seemed to be, to build a “house” on water for temporary habitation at least.