| “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. |
