I grew up by the resort in a house that we rented from Arnold and Virginia. My Mom worked for Mrs. Semsar during the summer in the late 60s and early 70s cleaning cottages. I got meet allot of good and interesting people there. It's to bad that this resort and a few others are gone now. For me it's a part of the history of the area. All of the Semsars have always been very good to me and my family. I wish them all the best.

Jim and Anne --I went over in the morning to Mr and Mrs Crisman, and worked with Mr Crisman helping with the horses and the donkey. I shovelled you-know-what, etc... WE always stayed in cottage 10. For many years we had only a spigot for cold water outside the cottage. For bathroom, shower, and hot water,we went to the main gathering place. Shuffleboard was so much fun, especially when the pucks rolled down the hill. However, horseshoes was my speciality. We played red light greenlight, mother may I, and hide and seek, which was the best, except one time one of us hid and got stickers in the hair. We watched the drilling for a water supply... Mrs Semsar was the "heart" of the resort--a gentle, classy woman, so welcoming... Before the bathrooms were installed, taking showers was so much fun, as you could shoot the soap under the wall separating the men's and the women's showers. My mom would pick berries on the way home from the lake. We used to dance under the chateau to the band that played every night. And the storms--"rivers" formed on the highway next to the resort. However, this year was a first. As we were about to go to the resort and introduce my grandkids to Devils Lake, the state park was closed--even the lower trail was closed--my favorite place to walk. Climbing up the rock--the stronger fellas helping when the going got rough, especially when it was slippery. I have cried many a time this summer knowing that the resort will soon be a thing of the past, but at 67 I know that change is a part of life. To Jim and Anne I wish you both the best for the remaining years of your lives. Thanks for the special care given to all the people, especially for me. I hope to visit someday, and we will have a glass of wine, and laugh and cry together

Dear Jim, I spent every summer at the resort from the age of one till I turned twenty one. I remember the Waterstreets,and when your Mom and Dad took over the resort. Do you remember picking up the garbage in the old model A pick-up truck? Anyway the best to you and your wife on your new adventure. Ron

Dear Jim, I want to thank you for inviting us to Devils Lake again. When I think back to my first visit in 1959, it was Deja Vu but with a few more amenities. I was glad to finally meet Anne and hope we will see you both when you begin your travels and make a stop to visit us in Hebron. We will have to come up again as we so enjoyed Baraboo and would like to visit during warm weather and see the progress on your Thomas Kincade cottage. Sue & John Ritzert

We are so lucky to be spending our wedding weekend at your resort....on your very last weekend in business. It's creeping up in 3 short days and we couldn't be more excited to share these special memories in such a wonderful place. While the cottage may be gone in the future, it gives us such happiness to know it is a place that will be preserved for many years to come (and we'll always be able to visit the park!) Thank you so much for the memories we have yet to create - love, Tara and Pon.e

Dear Jim and Ann, I am saddened by your decision to sell the resort, but know too, that you gave your heart and soul to it, and now is the time to give the same heart and soul to each other and family in your retirement. Blessings to you both, and thank you so much for the wonderful memories your resort instilled in our family the past 11 years. We look forward to continue our trek to Baraboo and Devil's Lake in the years to come, and will definitely stop by to say hello to you both. God bless, Catie and Louis Williams

Jim and Anne: From the time I came here as a small child with my family in the early 1970's through my last visit a few weeks ago (July 2008) with my own family, the resort remains timeless, safe and a place where families remember each other by spending real time together. I don't normally sing around a fire or sleep until 9:30 in the morning, but when I am at Devil's Lake Resort, I become carefree again. I cannot thank you enough for providing the location of numerous childhood memories not only for myself, but now for my own children as well. I hope one day I will be lucky enough to find another spot like this to spend my vacations at. With deepest thanks and warm wishes that the both of you can now go out and have your own adventures!

Dear Anne and Jim (and your entire family), Sincerely, I can't thank you enough for giving me such a special gift that no one can ever take away â?? wonderful, precious memories of Devilâ??s Lake and especially your resort and the gift of your hospitality and kindness. I just loved the cozy cabins and was so glad you never changed them too much because they were a part of my youth and happy, fun memories. I know myself and my entire family looked forward to our vacation there every year. My parents, Sam and Donna Montana, who are now gone, always loved your place and your family. Itâ??s funny, but being up there seemed to bring out the best in all of us and brought us back to the important things in life â?? quality time with family and appreciation of the beautiful simplicity of nature. So Jim and Anne, enjoy your retirement and be comforted to know that you brought joy to many! Thank you again! See you in August :)

To Anne & Jim, and your parents before you: I just want to thank you all for your hospitality to our family over the years. My fondest memories growing up all involve Devil's Lake...where we went every year for vacation. I brought my friends there as a young woman (and we broke your swing one time--sorry about that!!), and now my husband and children. I'm so glad that they got to experience the sight and the smells (that I wish I could bottle!!) at least twice in their life. My parents are both gone, but I know they'd also send their sincere "thank you" for all of the years of comfort, friendship and fun. I still remember your collie from about 30 years ago...she was a doll. I will see you guys in August--my brother, Sam is setting it all up. Jim--maybe we'll run up against each other on Ebay one of these days :) God Bless You All, Theresa

Dear Jim, Our entire family is very, very sorry that you decided to sell the resort. In my more than 75 years at Devils Lake, no one has ever made me feel more welcome and at home than you have in our few years at the devils lake resort. We look forward to one last visit in June. There are no "mixed emotions" at our house, just self pity. We are very happy that you and Anne can retire knowing that your retirement is a secure one. Please take time to enjoy it. Thank you so very much. Chuck n Lee, (#17) Kurt, Emily, and Ryan Paxton (#4) Lori, Brian, Kyle, Cory, Brie, and Lindy Hart (#12) Brent, Kathy, Sam, Zach, and Zoe Paxton (#7) Todd, Amy, Chloe, Kaylee, and Adam Paxton (#6) No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. Aesop