Herbster, Wisconsin

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Herbster is an unincorporated community in the Town of Clover in Bayfield County, Wisconsin, United States, located on the south shore of Lake Superior.^[1] Herbster is 7 miles east of Port Wing and 8 miles west of Cornucopia on Wisconsin Highway 13, the main route through the community. The primary north/south route is by Lenawee Road, leading from Lake Superior to the Chequamegon National Forest.

The Cranberry River joins the lake in the middle of the village. The unique ecosystems of Bark Point and Bark Bay sit just to the east of Herbster.

Herbster's ZIP code is 54844.

[edit] History

The mouth of the Cranberry River was settled during the logging era at the end of the nineteenth century. According to legend, Herbster was originally to be called Orchard City, but a logger with the surname "Herbster" confused the postal service, and his name was given to the village.^{[citation needed]} The name Orchard City still appears on many deeds to properties in the Herbster area.

Herbster School closed its doors in 1990, but its historic log gymnasium remains open as a community center and town hall. School children from Herbster now attend school in Port Wing at South Shore School District.

In 2006, Herbster celebrated its centennial.

[edit] Economy

Logging remained the force in Herbster's economy throughout the 20th century, driven by the Isaksson family, who still operate the sawmill and remain the largest landowners in the area. Today, service trades and a growing tourist industry have emerged as major players in the Herbster economy.

Two taverns and a gas station/convenience store operate at the crossroads of Lenawee Road and Highway 13. Master cabinetmaker Howard Bowers runs a woodworking shop nearby with other gift shops. Celinsky's greenhouse was an important business that ceased operation only within the past few years.^[when?]