THE WAUPACA COUNTY POST

August 6, 1992

 

WHEN THEN WAS NOW

By Wayne A. Guyant.

 

            Taken from the Wisconsin Semi-centennial souvenir edition of the Waupaca Post, Thursday, October 13, 1898, one year before the street car line was completed from Waupaca to the Chain o’ Lakes.

            “WHIPPLE & FELKER – Waupaca is blessed with good livery accommodations, as should be the case with towns desirous of attracting summer pleasure seekers.  At the head of the procession stands the firm of Whipple and Felker, adjacent to the Hotel Florence (this is Bank One today).  They have a barn 80 by 100 feet.  It is neatly kept, well ventilated, keeps about 20 good horses, a large number of comfortable carriages, buggies and other vehicles, as well as two hearses, buss and dray lines also are operated, and a prompt, efficient service given.

            A specialty is made of the Chain o’ Lakes trade, and tourists and excursionists will find rates reasonable and the equipment of the best. Careful and gentlemanly drivers are always supplied when desired. The members of the firm are F. Whipple and H. Felker.  During the two and one-half years they have been associated in business they have built up a splendid trade and an enviable standing in the community.”

            Word had been spread some years before the days of the streetcar about the unspoiled beauty of the Chain o’ Lakes near Waupaca.

            People would come from St. Louis and Chicago by train to Waupaca where they would have to hire some form of transportation to the Chain o’ Lakes area.  Whipple and Felker filled the bill.

            In a 1902 newspaper, was this announcement.

            “Whipple and Felker are driving a swell buss for the Gordinier Hotel to convey patrons to and from trains.  The former Florence buss has been newly painted and varnished, and the name Gordinier now adorns the top while the wheels have been rubber tired.”