The Rich History of the Property
HISTORIC BARKER LAKE LODGE
Barker Lake Lodge was built in 1929 by the famous Joe Saltis. Saltis, pictured below, was a a Joliet saloon keeper and bootlegger, referred to as "Polack Joe." Saltis spent an estimated $100,000 into building this rustic two-story cedar log lodge, cabins and nine-hole golf course. Located Near Al Capone's Hideout.
Joe was credited with establishing the first Peace Agreement between all the Rival Gangs that included Al Capone.
What may have been a contributing factor is Joe Saltis's partner Frank McErlane considered Chicago's toughest thug at the time was responsible for using the first Thompson SubMachine gun to settle a dispute in 1925. Numerous brass cartridge shells have been discovered on the property while planting over 60 trees, photos are on display in the New York Times Article Below.
In the Spring of 2011, while expanding an entry to one log cabin 15 bullets were divinely discovered lodged inside the interior wall. Pulitzer Prize Winning Photographer Gary Porter published rare prohibition relics in the Wisconsin State Journal article linked below.
History of Barker Lake Lodge Joe Saltis, Chicago Beer Baron and Gangster with Al Capone
In 1930 "Polack Joe" retired to this retreat on the Barker Lake shoreline and the colorful stories about him and his guests still circulate around the Winter, Wisconsin area.
A film in 1960 by Jack Webb former star of Dragnet TV Series highlights Gangster Frank McErlane run in with Wisconsin's DNR in Movie: Open Season
References: Wikipedia
Read about bullet holes and anchors at Barker Lake Lodge
Where Public Enemies Went for a Little Peace and Quiet