Timeline

1643 - 1906 | 1907 - 1939 | 1940 - 1976 | 1977 - 1998 | 1999 - 2001 | 2002 - 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007
1643 The Ruettger family started making wine in Germany.
1736 The Ojibwe and Sioux battled over northern Minnesota lands.
1820 Fort Snelling was built.
1858 Minnesota became a state.
1860 Joseph Ruttger was born in Germany and Josephine Wasserzieher in Nauvoo, Illinois.
1862 The United States versus the Dakota Sioux conflict.
1865 The Civil War ended.
1870 Northern Pacific Railroad laid tracks as far as Deerwood, making travel easier to the Bay Lake area.
1871 A station stop established at Withington (later Deerwood).
1881 Joseph came to the United States.
1882 Cuyler Adams, David Archibald, and Robert Archibald cleared a path from Deerwood to Bay Lake -- the first ever.
  The first permanent white settlers at Bay Lake -- the very first was David Archibald.
  James D. Torrey and Asa Bennett set up sawmills on Bay Lake.
1883 S.H. Reif completed maps of Bay Lake.
  Henry Knieff and family moved to Bay Lake (wife Louisa, sister to Josephine).
1884 Iron ore was first mined in northeast Minnesota.
  The Bay Lake precinct was established, the Bay Lake School built, and a post office was established.
1886-1887 The Pioneer Co-op took over Bennett's sawmill, and workers began homesteading.
  Joseph Ruttger homesteaded the island on April 26, 1886.
1888 Edison invented the motion picture camera.
1889 Josephine Wasserzieher came to Bay Lake to stay with her sister, Louisa Knieff.
1890 Joseph and Josephine married on October 31st.
1892 Alexander John Ruttger was born on September 12th.
1894 Joseph and Josephine moved their family to the mainland, having bought property from J. S. Rankin.
  Maximillian (Max) Wilhelm Ruttger was born on September 15th.
1895 Josephine Ruttger was appointed postmistress of the Bay Lake post office.
  The first Fourth of July celebration took place at Bay Lake.
1896 Edward Adolph Ruttger was born on July 5th.
1898 The Spanish-American War began.
  The U.S. battleship Maine was attacked.
  The Bay Lake Summer Resort was established, with mostly fishermen as guests.
1899 William Joseph Ruttger was born on November 1st.
1900 A.F. Landstrom homesteaded what later became known as Church Island on Bay Lake.
1901 Myrle Fuller Ruttger was born on September 11th.
  Joe and Josie built their "Ruttger Cottage."
  Frank H. and Helen Bryant Below and three children came to Ruttger's starting family tourism.
1903 Orville and Wilbur Wright had their first successful flight.
1906 The Bay Lake Store was built by A.N. Gray
1908 Gus Klein from Duluth first came to Ruttger's with a fishing party (Dr. Harry Klein's father).
1909 The post office at Bay Lake closed due to the start of mail delivery.
1912 Alec graduated from high school in Duluth.
  Dr. Harry Klein of Duluth first came to Bay Lake with his parents. Daughter Gretchen is a close friend of the Ruttger family.
1914 Max Ruttger took over operation of the Bay Lake Store.
  Hass Ziegler first came to Bay Lake. 
1917 The United States broke ties with Germany and declared war.
1918 Alec enlisted in the Army on February 2nd.
1919 A U.S. Navy seaplane made the first multi-stop transatlantic flight.
  Alec was out of the Army as of June 9th and went to Montana to homestead.
1920 Alec became operator of The Bay Lake Summer Resort.
  Alec married Minnie Marsh on May 23rd (Minnie died September 1923).
  Max (Buzz) Ruttger is born to Max and Rose Ruttger on September 22.
1921 The year of the building of Ruttger's private nine-hole golf course, built using a plan by H. H. Ziegler.
1922 The grand opening of Ruttger's log dining hall and lounge on June 22nd.
1924 Congressional action made all American Indians citizens.
  Alec married Myrle Margaret Fuller on September 14th.
1925 The Green Lantern night club and beach sports center was built.
1926 Mae Ruttger Heglund was born on September 14th.
1927 Charles Lindbergh flew nonstop to Paris-the first person to solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
1929 The stock market crashed and began America's worst depression.
  Alexander John (Jack) Ruttger Jr. was born on December 19th.
1930 Bill Ruttger took over operation of the Bay Lake Store.
  Max and Rosie built and started operating Ruttger's Pine Beach Lodge on Gull Lake.
1932 Bay Lake children were transported to Deerwood for schooling, ending the use of the Bay Lake schoolhouse for that purpose.
  Ann Hanlon Ruttger was born August 2nd.
1933 President Roosevelt ordered all banks closed.
1934 Jane Ruttger Bobich was born on August 29th.
  Bertha Pleidrup was hired as head cook of Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge.
1935 The Social Security Act was passed by Congress.
  Ed and Eva Ruttger started operating Ruttger's Sherwood Forest Lodge near Gull and Margaret Lakes.
1936 Bill and Maudie built and started operating Ruttger's Shady Point Lodge on Whitefish Lake.
1939 Don Ruttger, son of Max and Rosie, started operating Ruttger's Birchmont Lodge near Bemidji.
  The roadway that had run in front of Ruttger's property along the lake was moved to the back of the property.
1941 The United States entered World War II.
  Ruby started working at Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge.
1943 The Minnesota Resort Association was formed, with Alec the first president.
1945 Amy Pleidrup Downing was hired as baker.
1946 The U.N. General Assembly held it's first session in London.
1951 Electric energy was produced from atomic power.
1953 Jack married Ann Hanlon on May 23rd.
1954 School segregation was ruled unconstitutional.
  Alexander John (Sandy) Ruttger III was born on November 2.
1955 Jack and Ann took over operation of Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge.
  Lucia's first year as social hostess.
1956 The first transatlantic telephone call took place.
1957 The USSR launched Sputnik the first earth satellite.
  Alec and Jack purchased the motel on Marathon Key in Florida in January.
  Julia Ann Ruttger was born on September 30.
1959 Castro became the Premier of Cuba.
1960 John Kennedy was elected President.
1962 Christopher Joseph Ruttger was born on January 28.
1963 John Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas.
1966 The government started Medicare for the elderly.
1967 It was Bertha's last year as cook at Ruttger's due to health problems.
  Mary Catherine Ruttger was born on November 27.
1969 Neil Armstrong was the first man on the moon.
  Sharon Simons became manager of the gift shops.
1971 109 acres were purchased for golf course expansion.
  Late in September building started on the convention center complex.
1972 The multi-purpose complex opened on May 12th, including a convention center, swimming pool, recreation room, etc.
  Housing was readied for 50 persons for winter business.
1973 Alexander John III (Sandy) was killed in an accident in Miami, Florida.
1976 The United States celebrated it's bicentennial year.
  The last year for Amy as baker.
1977 A complete irrigation system for the golf course was put in.
1978 Myrle Ruttger died in February, and Alec died in May.
1979 Julie Ruttger married Perry Platisha on June 9.
  Al Cunningham was hired as grounds' supervisor.
1980 Sunset cottages were purchased and redone.
  Molly Ann Platisha was born. 
  Golf course condominiums were built and sold.
1981 12 new lodge rooms, a new kitchen, and the Colonial Dining Room were constructed and ready for use.
  The convention complex and lodge buildings were connected, and there was a new front entrance.
  Blake Platisha was born.
1982 There was a deep recession both in the U.S. and abroad.
1983 The golf course condominiums were offered for sale.
1984 First year for Terry Dox as chef.
  Jordan Platisha was born.
1985 Expanded conference facilities to 10,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space.
1986 Battle Point condominiums were purchased.
  Ruttger's began importing Rüettger wines from Germany.
  The first annual Oktoberfest was celebrated.
  The first nine holes of the championship golf course were ready to play.
1987 The new log dining room was added, as well as a new reception area and parking lot.
  Kids' Kamp began.
1988 Casey Platisha was born.
1990 Fred Bobich became the general manager.
  The villas were ready for occupancy.
1992 Chris Ruttger became general manager of Ruttger Bay Lake Lodge on January 1st.
  The new 18-hole championship golf course, The Lakes, was ready for use in the spring.
  A tree was dedicated to Ruby Treloar during Oktoberfest  in honor of her 52 years of caring service.
1993 Fred Bobich became manager of Ruttger's Sugar Lake Lodge.
  A tree was planted in honor of Bertha and Amy at Oktoberfest.
1994 A new snack bar and grill was opened at the Pro Shop, overlooking Bass Lake and the 18th hole.
  Jack Ruttger received Outstanding Individual award from the Minnesota Office of Tourism.
  A tree was dedicated to Sally Ross, long-time housekeeper at Bay Lake and Florida Keys, at Oktoberfest.
1995 Mary Ruttger married Tom Witchger, Jr. on April 29.
  Ruby Treloar was named the 1995 Outstanding Lodging Employee of the Year by the American Hotel & Motel Association.
1996 The tree at Oktoberfest was planted by Gretchen Klein in honor of all of our guests.
1997 A new computer system was installed.
  The Sportswear Shop was converted to Auntie M's Kaffeehaus.
  Bertha Pleidrup, our old-time cook and friend, died in March.
  A tree was dedicated to A. J. (Sandy) Ruttger III during Oktoberfest.
1998 The new clubhouse, featuring Zig's for casual dining and drinks and a new pro shop, opened in May.
  The Lodge Nine is renamed Alec's Nine, in memory of Alec Ruttger's lifelong commitment to the game that begun when he built the course in 1921.
  Ruby was honored for her many years of service during one of five special centennial celebrations (held the first week of August with a Norwegian theme), as she had not worked since October of 1997 due to her disability.
  Megan Catherine Witchger was born on November 20.
  The Centennial Celebration, Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge celebrated its first 100 years.
1999 Jane's Cottage was completely renovated and ready for guests in June. The Lodge Rooms were redecorated.
  The Miller property was purchased.
  The stock market reached a record high.
  We celebrated the end of the 1900s with an elegant dinner and dance.
2000 The millennium. We survived the Y2K bugs.
  Long-time personal friend and guest, Gretchen Klein, died on January 17 after a six-month battle with cancer. Her grandfather's clock was placed in her memory in our front desk lobby area.
  The Minnesota Historical Society created the Joseph and Josephine Ruttger descendant's fund to preserve and share the history of Minnesota's tourism / resort industry.
  Chad Gross was promoted to Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
  The Kids' Kamp building took on a new look.
  Mae Ruttger Heglund sold her adjoining property to the resort.
2001 Cottages 409, 517, and  736 were completely remodeled.
  Ruby Treloar passed away on May 2, 2001, at the Aicota Care Center in Aitkin. 
  Thomas Witchger III, son of Tom and Mary (Ruttger) Witchger was born on May 2, 2001.
  July 8 - 15 was the third year for Family Value Days -- the first for celebrating "Everyday's a Holiday." A fun time and a big success!
  Renovation of #10 on The Lakes was completed. 
  The Colonial Dining Room was renamed The Cabin Dining Room. The combination of the Old Log, New Log, and The Cabin Dining Rooms is now called Ruby's Dining Room.
  September 11, 2001.
  The Concord Singers brought tears to the eyes of observers as they sang Friendship at Oktoberfest in honor of Jack Laimer, long-time friend and golf-course employee, who passed away on November 14, 2000.  A tree at the golf course was dedicated in his honor. 
  The weather at Oktoberfest was the best ever. The newly purchased Miller's garage was used for serving cheese curds, corndogs, and sloppy joes -- the perfect solution to the long food lines.
2002 On February 16, Chris Ruttger proposed to Joanne Peine.
  The Millers moved from their home next to the Country Store in time for us to use it for our Haunted House on July 12 during Family Value Days.
  On August 31, Chris and Joanne were married at St. Richard's Church in Richfield, MN, and a reception followed at the DoubleTree Grand Hotel in Bloomington.
  More improvements on the golf course: A new #11 hole leaving us with 19 holes, which will give us a chance to close down a hole that needs improving without disrupting an 18-hole round of golf; A completely rebuilt #1 hole on The Lakes course, including four new tee boxes, a new green and reshaped fairway; A totally redone practice driving range tee box.
  The temperature at Oktoberfest was a bit on the chilly side with a high of 37. The sun came out, the people came, and we all enjoyed another successful day. We added more vendors in the yard of the Miller's house and added a bonfire by cottage 621. Guests enjoyed warming up by the fire. Dancing to the music of the Wendingers at the polka dance was a big hit!
2003 March 19 was the first day of the War in Iraq.
  Jack and Ann Ruttger celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 23. Their children, Julie, Chris, and Mary, hosted an open house in Ruby's Dining Room on May 25. 
  The Garage opened for Memorial Day Weekend. The Grand Opening celebration was August 2nd. The Brainerd Chamber ambassadors joined us for photos on August 5th.
  The 11th hole on The Lakes opened July 7.
  The theme for Family Value Days was "Around the World in 7 Days."
  18th annual Oktoberfest held October 17-19. Record-breaking crowds enjoyed unseasonably warm temperatures on this beautiful fall day. Chef Dox introduced the new Apple Blossom Strudel at Saturday's picnic to replace our traditional Apple Strudel. It turned out to be popular dessert for our guests. 
  A tree was dedicated at Oktoberfest to the memory of Lucia Simons, hostess from 1955-1966.  Inscription on the 2003 beer stein:  "Full of life, enthusiasm, laughter, and fun. Ruttger's is better for her life."  
2004 Don Bargen, facilitator and mentor, passed away on January 12 after being diagnosed with cancer four-and-a-half months earlier. The celebration of his life will be February 7 at St. Casimir's Catholic Church in St. Paul.
  Battle Point Condominiums are redecorated.
  Golf Minnesota magazine named Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge  the 2004 Resort of the Year.
  Samuel John Ruttger was born to Chris and Joanne on July 24.
  The 19th annual Oktoberfest was held October 22-24 during rain and thunderstorms. A new entertainment stage set-up behind The Garage was a popular place for the crowd to enjoy the Bavarian Enzian dancers. The large entertainment tent held two stages featuring The Concord Singers and Die Wolpertinger. 160 crafters braved the elements. Despite the wet weather, a good time was had by all!
2005 Jack Ruttger is named Chairman of the Board and Chris Ruttger is named President.  Chad Gross is named General Manager in addition to his duties as CFO. 
  Plans and remodeling are underway for the new  partnership with Kathy Bjork for The Fine Line Salon & Spa at Ruttger's in the Miller house next to the Country Store.  Opening is scheduled for June.
  Family Value Days first "Ruttger's at the Movies" is held July 10-17, 2005. The lodge is magically transformed into a theater featuring a new movie theme each day. 
  Sam Ruttger celebrated his first birthday on July 24, 2005.
  An Open House at The Fine Line Salon & Spa at Ruttger's was held October 13, 2005.
  Garrison Keillor, Phillip Brunelle, and Janis Hardy performed an outdoor concert on the 18th Fairway of The Lakes course  with pre-show entertainment by local blue grass band Cuyuna Creek on August 5, 2005.  The show’s net proceeds benefited Bay Lake Environmental Fund and Brainerd's Crossing Arts Alliance. An estimated crowd of 1,000 filled the 18th fairway to hear the famous speaker and associates, while beautiful weather and ambiance complete with loon calls contributed to a perfect evening.
 

Hurricane Katrina made landfall just north of Miami, Florida on August 25, 2005.
 

The 20th Annual Oktoberfest was held October 21-23, 2005 in cold and clear weather. The popular Biergarten and Entertainment Tent held large crowds enjoying the music of the Wendingers, the Concord Singers, Die Wolpertinger, and the Bay Lake Volksmusikkapelle. Bill the Juggler, the Teddy Bear Band, and JoJo the Balloonguy added to the fun. A red maple tree was dedicated to the Bavarian Club Enzian in honor of its many years of participation at  Ruttger's Oktoberfest celebrations. Over 150 artisans participated in this year's Arts & Crafts Fair. Arnie Anderson played the harp for the wind-down  Sunday Brunch Buffet. Another successful event at Ruttger's!
2006

Minnesota Meetings & Events Magazine awarded Ruttger's "Best Lodge or Lakeshore Resort" of 2005.  Nominations for the award come from the readers of the magazine, who include meeting and conference professionals, hotel and resort industry representatives and hospitality suppliers from across the state of Minnesota.  In accepting the award, Chris Ruttger said: "We are honored by this award. The entire Ruttger's family - our staff, our guests, our friends - continue to make Ruttger's into something special. Our secret is simple: We never try to be anything other than what we are - a family-run resort that caters to families, conference groups and golfers."
  Many friends and relatives attended the September 16, 2006 Open House at Ruttger's in honor of Mae Ruttger Hegland's 80th birthday (September 14). 
  The 21st Annual Oktoberfest was held October 20-22 on a cold, brisk , but sunny day.  New entertainment this year included the S. G. Edelweiss Tänzers and the Alpensterne band.  Our guests also enjoyed the Concord Singers, the Wendingers, the Teddy Bear Band, Bay Lake Volksmusikkapelle, Bill the Juggler and JoJo the Balloonguy.  The arts show had over 160 booths.  Saturday's family polka dance was well-attended and the brunch buffet on Sunday was accompanied once again by Arnie Anderson on the harp. A fun weekend for all!
  A groundbreaking ceremony was held October 21 at 10:00am at the new construction site (formerly the staff housing area) on Ruttger's main property. Many family members and local media attended this event. This kicks-off the first phase of the large construction/expansion project that Ruttger's has underway with new condominiums, new staff housing area, and a new golf maintenance building going up this year and a new pool building, grand lobby, conference center, and deluxe cabins following in the years after.
  The United States population reaches 300 million based on a United States Census Bureau projection.
2007 This year's Family Value Days theme was "Travel the USA", July 8-15. Our guests "journeyed" across the United States to experience a different region of the country each day.
  Sam Ruttger, son of Chris and Joanne, turned three years old on July 24.
  Ann Ruttger celebrated her birthday on August 2.
  The 22nd Annual Oktoberfest was held October 19-21. Our guests enjoyed warm temperatures and sunny skies for Saturday's Arts & Crafts Fair, Biergarten, and Weinstube.  This year, Alpensterne performed as roaming entertainment in the dining room and fireplace lobbies on Friday and Saturday nights. Jenny Schultz joined Alpensterne for intermission entertainment at the polka dance on Saturday night. A good time was had by all!
2008 Construction of Phase II of the beautiful Bay Lake Villas is completed in June.
  Dan Fanth is named Resort Manager.
  Sam Ruttger turns four years old July 24.
  The 23rd Annual Oktoberfest was held October 17-19 on a gorgeous fall day. We had another record-breaking crowd on Saturday. New this year were the Narren of New Ulm. Costumed in authentic wooden masks, this group entertained the guests on Saturday with dancing and fun. About 170 crafters and artisans joined this year's Arts & Crafts Fair. Once again, just a great Oktoberfest!