Marine Building

Dressed for the times
Know when to hold and when to fold	One large collection

History

The Calista was built for Frank Stout, of Knapp and Stout Lumber Company, prominent mid-western lumber "barons" at the turn of the century. It was built as a lake boat for Mr. Stout's "Island of Happy Days," an elaborate multi-structured rustic country lodge sited on it's own island in the middle of Red Cedar Lake, near Birchwood, Wisconsin. Named for the Greek
Goddess, the Calista was actually the larger of two boats constructed fo Mr. Stout, the other having been sold in the 1950's and moved to the South West. Both boats were stored in the lodge's massive boat house at the island's edge. The Calista was restored ca. 1984 and operated as a launch for the Island of Happy Days (which presently serves as a resort/
convention center.)

The Stout family (in particular, Mrs. Stout) were Christian Scientists, and ostensibly abstained from alcohol, tobacco and gambling. However, fishing was allowed. Therefore, in the summer months, it is said that Mr. Stout made nightly fishing trips in the Calista, where he would stop at his mainland boat houses, pick up several of his buddies, and proceed to "fish" throughout the night, whilst drinking fine brandy, smoking cigars and playing poker as the boat cruised around the lake.

After it's restoration, the boat was re-christened the Calista Too, serving the island as a guest launch, ferrying visitors to and from the island and for cruises around the lake. Around 1990, the corporation running the island fell into hard times and came under receivership. The Calista was stored on a trailer for a number of years before Mr. Elbert spotted and subsequently purchased her in 1995, with the intent to renovate and re-christen her under the original Calista name. The boat was immediately stored under roof to stem further damage due to exposure.

 

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