“Spreeman’s
Landing”, a commercial fishing
and boat rental business, was established around
the turn of the century on a beach that is the
present site of the gas dock. Crystal Spreeman sold
the property to Bill and Bert
Skluzacek in 1956. They renamed the
business after the functioning windmill landmark,
which is still prominently displayed in front
of the marina office. In 1957, the Skluzacek’s
built their home on the foundation where the
marina office and ships store is housed today.
After
three years, dredging was completed on the
north harbor, and the marina business started with
13 slips and a few rental-fishing boats. Each
winter more slips were added, launching and
parking facilities were improved, and rental houseboats
replaced the fishing boats. The first gas dock
was put into use in 1961.
In
1963, an adjoining parcel of property was purchased,
and it took six years of dredging to complete
the south harbor. The 1965 flood brought record
high water levels and ice flows. Miles of cable
and rope lashed boats and docks together. This
experience helped “Windmill
Bill” and his crew prepare for high
floodwaters again in 1969. In 1971, Skluzacek’s
moved their home off the original foundation to
a nearby location in Afton.
The family business continued to
grow, and in 1983 it was sold to the newly established
Windmill Marina Association, Inc. Joe Riley,
a long-time employee, was hired as the marina manager.
The
owner’s association quickly
undertook improvements to the appearance and operation
of the marina. Initial projects upgraded electrical
service to the entire marina, blacktopped traffic
areas, and repaired and replaced docks where necessary.
Since
that time, the marina has seen such major capital
improvements as: a new service building, remodeling
of the marina office exterior, expansion of the
ship’s store,
a new shower facility and replacement of the fuel
tanks. In 1996, Windmill Marina purchased an additional
3.3 acres of property permitting a convenient Store ‘N
Launch service, and completely renovated the launch
ramp. Landscaping improvement and dock replacement
programs continue to be implemented.
St.
Croix River flooding in 2001 brought river levels
17 feet above normal – the
worst since 1969. Despite a completely submerged
marina for several weeks, the experience, readiness
and dedication of the Windmill Marina staff ensured
the minimal damage was sustained.
With the passing of its founders, William and Bertha
Skluzacek in 2002, the marina lost a
precious connection to its history. They created
a legacy on the banks of the St. Croix River
that, in its 48th year, brings pleasure to hundreds
of recreational boating families.
In
2003/2004 the Association moved forward with
several major Capital Improvements; including:
completion of the C-Dock replacement project,
raising the Office & Ships Store out
of the flood plain, elevating all electrical panels
out of the flood plain and addition of the dock
pilings to all docks and boater friendly dock ramps.
In September 2004 the Marina Membership dedicated
a new nautical flag pole to Bill & Bert Skluzacek. |
