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The task of summing up the Birchwood Lodge is a difficult one, especially when asked to be brief. When the dam was built in 1909, the Moen Lake Chain was primarily used for moving timber to sawmills, but as the land was harvested of timber, the Chain transitioned to residential and recreational purposes. The Birchwood Lodge was established in 1926 between Moen and Third Lakes by Charles Zizow.
There have been several owners since Zizow, and all have left a lasting mark. If you listen to the voices around the bar, you will hear the mention of Dick Stevens often. He ran the resort in the 60’s and 70’s and was known for his giant toboggan slide that launched young thrill seekers out on to Third Lake.
However, no individuals left a bigger mark than Larry and Barbara Worth. They tandem-owned the Birchwood from 1971 to 2005 and their fingerprints are all over the resort. Not only does their legacy include the property on the Chain, but across the community. Larry was involved in organizations in Rhinelander including the Oneida
County Board and Chamber of Commerce. His skill as a builder and talent in construction and woodwork can be seen in the bar today.
During some of his final years at the Birchwood, he leased the bar to Judy Koczka who operated the bar for many years. Her warmth and humor are also often spoke of among the clientele, as well as her daughter Cheryl, who now owns the Twin Pines bar.
If you sit down at the Birchwood on the right afternoon, you
might hear even more history of the establishment. It has overcome the test of time and development of our shores and remained a resort. It is often described as “my bar” by so many patrons that feel a connection and history to its four walls. Hopefully there will be a resort, bar, and grill between Moen and Third Lakes for many years to come.
Tell us your story! We'd love to publish more historical memories of life on the Moen Chain. Send your brief write-up and photos to us here.
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