History of Devil's Lake

Hey Everyone,

I was wondering if anyone could give me a write-up or would be willing to talk via phone about Devil's Lake history. I am working on a project about Devil's Lake, and I'll be interviewing some people regarding Devil's Lake. Without a good understanding of the history of the Lake and where everyone fits in, I won't be able to conduct the best interviews. If someone could help me out, I would appreciate it greatly, and you definitely will be able to see the fruits of your labor with the finished product.

Thanks.

-Mark

I trust you are a climber and have access to the various guidebooks out there, as they all have some kind of history section. The old early70's Wisconsin Hoofers' book with Errol Morris commentary is great. Also the book written by the retired DL naturalist is good(? Lake where spirits live?). Both of the CMC guides have good stuff, and even the annual park newspaper has over all(non climbing) history too. Hopefully you know Pete Cleveland , as he is living history and should be able to give you a lively report on what the history is all about. He lives in the blue house up the hill above the lake, just outside of the park to northwest. Best of luck.

Mark, I am part of the Devil's Lake prehistory, having climbed there from 1961 to 1966. I don't know how much help I can be, but I am willing to try to answer questions.

You should try to contact other old-timers who are still around, including John Gill, Jim Erickson, Roger Wiegand, Peter Gardiner, Mike Fain, all of who predate Pete Cleveland's arrival, for example.

Sadly, I believe Dave Slinger is no longer with us.

There's a fairly long thread on Devil's Lake on Supertopo; you've probably already seen that.

Hey Woodchuck,

I have the guidebooks, but I'll have to look into the other books you listed. Thanks for pointing me in a direction. I'm actually the Vice President of Hoofers Mountaineering, and you're right, I'm a climber and have been around for a little while. I'm planning on calling Pete Cleveland tomorrow to ask him if he'd be available for an interview, but I'm nervous. I know he's a big deal in Devil's Lake history.

Rgold,
I've sent you an email. Thanks for your reply!

supertopo.com/climbers-foru…

Here is the Supertopo thread.

I grew up in Sun Prairie and did my BS at UW but didn't join hoofers or learn to climb until I left Wisconsin. Spent a ton of time around Baraboo for hiking and Geology field trips.

Went back this summer and did some bouldering, soloing, and top roping with my little brother at DL. That place is stout! I spent a few days up there doing a cool little circuit of soloing cleopatras needle, some cool 5.4 corner thing above it, the turks head ridge, running around the lake, swimming, then slacklining for a few hours. Pretty sweet place for being in the middle of southern wisconsin!

Mark, don't be nervous. Pete's a great guy and very friendly (and still pulling down Devil's Lake 12's in his 70's!!!

Thanks Ed. I'm calling tomorrow. I was also wonder what ever became of Dave Slinger. I read through the entire Supertopo thread, and actually took extensive notes (you'd be surprised how hard it is to take notes from peoples lose memories, but it was a great read.

I believe Dave died sometime in or before the late 90's from what I heard. He was not living in the old cottage on the lake for some time as far as I knew back then. Was one of my first belayers/'instructors' when I started to climb there back in 70's. Something else to see him tied in to a goldline with rope wrapped around his waist and a bowline knot to hold it all together. He was like in his 70's back then.

Mark, sounds cool. I sent ya an e-mail and I have thought up a lisst of influentual DL climbers and characters. Definetly go see Pete C. he will probably keep you entertained fer hours. I know of a few other people who have the DL climbimng history down.look forward to hearing from ya. peace etc Steve S.

Thanks Steve, I got your email.

Thanks to everyone whos helped thus far. I do have some things written down, and now that I got myself a new phone, I'll probably give Pete a call tomorrow. Hopefully it will pan out. I've got my new camera in hand now, and I'm planning on shooting a LOT of video in the next few weeks before I even get started with the project itself. I want to make sure I churn out something quality. If you have any questions about the project itself, or are a film-maker or climber and want to get involved, let me know. Thanks!

At least should get some clear shots of the rocks now with the leaves gone during winter. But be sure to use several seasons worth of footage if you can, into the spring and summer. An ice filled lake would be a cool addition I guess.