Kahdeksan (No. 8)
My grandfather, Ilmari, built an eighth cabin on the south side of Manninen Road along with a bunkhouse that was a boys’ camp, of sorts, for scouts and other groups. Built around 1940, the cabin was aptly named Camp Royale Otter.
The camp ran roughly 1942-55 before the property was sold. Since then it has had at least three owners, and the cabin was moved closer to the lake and a lower level was added in the 1980s.
The original woodwork and log construction are stunning, especially the ornate spray of branches around the porch, resembling the rays of the sun.
I think of the young boys who stayed here and the experience they must have had on Otter Lake. I’m sure there was plenty of fishing, exploring, foraging, and wildlife watching. Also, given the time, in the midst of WWII, it must have felt like a peaceful, safe retreat.
I love the history of this beautiful cabin and am continuing to dig up more through old photographs and letters.
The No. 8 cabin in 1965.
Photo courtesy Karen Corso.