Whopee Inn... The End of an Era

by Debra Meyer-Myrum

news@inhnews.com

On Monday, October 6, the Whoopee Inn building on Big Lake, County Highway 16, was tore down.

Even though it has been closed for business since 2012, the Whoopee Inn had a long history in Turtle Creek Township. It was a local hangout that brought many people from Big Lake, Pine Island Lake, Thunder Lake and the surrounding area together.

It was a place close to my heart too, as it played a role in meeting my husband, Jeff Myrum, and getting to know the local residents.

According to local residents Jim and Deb Wieshalla, the original building (middle part in the picture) came from the Browerville Lumber Yard back in the 1930’s. It was moved to Frank and Anne Wieshalla’s land just south of Jim Wieshalla’s on Leisure Drive.

There were many stories about Whoopee Inn, which probably included some boot-legging too.

Around 1948, the building was moved to its present location on Big Lake by Barney Brynarski using a John Deere B and a Model A or T car. The building had to travel over what was known as Thunder Lake Hills Road.

Frank and Anne added the right side of the building for their living quarters in 1948-49.

In the early 1960’s, Kermit and Maude (Babe) Jacobs bought the bar. They added the dance and dining hall, along with adding on toward the lake, which provided a beautiful view of Big Lake. The addition also increased the size of the basement, which was used to store inventory.

My husband, Jeff, tells many stories about moving inventory for the Biermaiers...

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