Blue Goose History
When the Blue Goose Inn burned to the ground on March 6, 1993, television and radio news
directors across Minnesota sent camera crews and ace reporters to somehow capture a story -
not merely of a spectacular midnight fire, but of a "landmark", a lake country mecca with a
unique colorful history. From features on Minnesota Public Radio to the lively prose of popular
Twin Cities newspaper columnists, writers attempted to get at the real "flavor" of the Blue
Goose, or whatever it was that made this small-town place a favorite stop for 70 years,
endeared to a clientel ranging from formal diners to unabashed fun lovers out to "get loose at
the Goose".
Was the Blue Goose a hangout for gangsters and mobsters? Well, like thousands of other
establishments, the Goose existed during the era of Capone. Gangster types surely ate, drank,
slept, and fished at the Goose. We know Kid Cann made some Blue Goose fishing trips. The
infamous Twin Cities bar owner Tommy Banks owned the Blue Goose for many years. And, until
1947 one could hear the clanging of slot machines at the Goose, and for many years following,
smoke filled back rooms hosted sounds of poker games.
directors across Minnesota sent camera crews and ace reporters to somehow capture a story -
not merely of a spectacular midnight fire, but of a "landmark", a lake country mecca with a
unique colorful history. From features on Minnesota Public Radio to the lively prose of popular
Twin Cities newspaper columnists, writers attempted to get at the real "flavor" of the Blue
Goose, or whatever it was that made this small-town place a favorite stop for 70 years,
endeared to a clientel ranging from formal diners to unabashed fun lovers out to "get loose at
the Goose".
Was the Blue Goose a hangout for gangsters and mobsters? Well, like thousands of other
establishments, the Goose existed during the era of Capone. Gangster types surely ate, drank,
slept, and fished at the Goose. We know Kid Cann made some Blue Goose fishing trips. The
infamous Twin Cities bar owner Tommy Banks owned the Blue Goose for many years. And, until
1947 one could hear the clanging of slot machines at the Goose, and for many years following,
smoke filled back rooms hosted sounds of poker games.
Blue Goose Inn
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Perhaps the Blue Goose enjoys so many friends because over a long and changing history it has played host to diners, fishermen,
cabin folks, and dancers; to banqueters and to rock 'n rollers. It's been longtime "family" and "neighbor" to Garrison and Mille Lacs
locals.
The original Blue Goose Inn was built in 1922-23 by Mr. Ferguson of Duluth, back when early tourists traveled Minnesota's new Scenic
Highway which wound along the shores of Mille Lacs. Ferguson's daughter, Margie Cooper ran the place until the spring of 1926 when
she died unexpectedly at age 35 after a sudden bout with Bright's disease.
In its early years, the Blue Goose featured chicken, steak, and pike (walleye) dinners, served in a porch-like atmosphere just off a parlor
with fireplace. A larger wood-fired cook stove was used to "pan broil" steaks and to bake chicken, homemade pies, and other
scrumptious fare. During the management years of the E.H. Perry family, from the mid 1920's to mid 1930's, chickens were raised on
the Goose grounds.
After George Howard Crosby took over as new owner in 1937, the Blue Goose Inn acquired a liquor license. Crosby and his drive for
liquor were prime movers behind the incorporation of the village of Garrison.
The Blue Goose Inn features one of the longest-running continuous fishing operations on Mille Lacs, dating back to the mid 1920's.
Long dock, fishing boats, and guided trips are part of the Blue Goose tradition. Blue Goose boat man Henry Gabourie had fishing boats
in tow when a historic June, 1927, late afternoon storm claimed six lives on Garrison Bay. Today, Blue Goose anglers take advantage
of competent guides and modern fishing launch.
The Blue Goose Inn's best-known launch pilot was the dapper, cigar toting Mert Moore, who graduated from bartender to fishing guide
after World War II. Mert ran several generations of Goose launches, including the present 44-footer, through the late 1970's. Earlier,
Larry Goodell and son Dean operated their homemade launches out of the Goose beginning in 1935.
Until fairly recently, the Blue Goose offered a row of rental cabins to its fishing parties and tourists patrons. Beginning in 1938 the
cabins were connected to the main lodge by a private telephone system. Various remodelings and additions visited the main Blue
Goose buildings over the years. In the late 1970's for example, the bar and dance area were enlarged to accommodate live music and
the fun crowds that have made the Goose an exciting "must" stop.
The historic late night fire of Friday, March 6, 1993, may have destroyed a Mille Lacs landmark and halted a Garrison tradition for a few
short months. But now the Blue Goose is back! Your hosts invite you and your friends to enjoy the new facilities and to return often!
Written by Joe Fellegy
cabin folks, and dancers; to banqueters and to rock 'n rollers. It's been longtime "family" and "neighbor" to Garrison and Mille Lacs
locals.
The original Blue Goose Inn was built in 1922-23 by Mr. Ferguson of Duluth, back when early tourists traveled Minnesota's new Scenic
Highway which wound along the shores of Mille Lacs. Ferguson's daughter, Margie Cooper ran the place until the spring of 1926 when
she died unexpectedly at age 35 after a sudden bout with Bright's disease.
In its early years, the Blue Goose featured chicken, steak, and pike (walleye) dinners, served in a porch-like atmosphere just off a parlor
with fireplace. A larger wood-fired cook stove was used to "pan broil" steaks and to bake chicken, homemade pies, and other
scrumptious fare. During the management years of the E.H. Perry family, from the mid 1920's to mid 1930's, chickens were raised on
the Goose grounds.
After George Howard Crosby took over as new owner in 1937, the Blue Goose Inn acquired a liquor license. Crosby and his drive for
liquor were prime movers behind the incorporation of the village of Garrison.
The Blue Goose Inn features one of the longest-running continuous fishing operations on Mille Lacs, dating back to the mid 1920's.
Long dock, fishing boats, and guided trips are part of the Blue Goose tradition. Blue Goose boat man Henry Gabourie had fishing boats
in tow when a historic June, 1927, late afternoon storm claimed six lives on Garrison Bay. Today, Blue Goose anglers take advantage
of competent guides and modern fishing launch.
The Blue Goose Inn's best-known launch pilot was the dapper, cigar toting Mert Moore, who graduated from bartender to fishing guide
after World War II. Mert ran several generations of Goose launches, including the present 44-footer, through the late 1970's. Earlier,
Larry Goodell and son Dean operated their homemade launches out of the Goose beginning in 1935.
Until fairly recently, the Blue Goose offered a row of rental cabins to its fishing parties and tourists patrons. Beginning in 1938 the
cabins were connected to the main lodge by a private telephone system. Various remodelings and additions visited the main Blue
Goose buildings over the years. In the late 1970's for example, the bar and dance area were enlarged to accommodate live music and
the fun crowds that have made the Goose an exciting "must" stop.
The historic late night fire of Friday, March 6, 1993, may have destroyed a Mille Lacs landmark and halted a Garrison tradition for a few
short months. But now the Blue Goose is back! Your hosts invite you and your friends to enjoy the new facilities and to return often!
Written by Joe Fellegy