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.
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
Blue Goose History
Blue Goose Inn
| Featured Blue Goose Employee Profile |
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".
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".
| 9347 US Highway 169 S, Garrison, MN, 56450 320.692.4330 Fax 320.692.4099 info@bluegooseonmillelacs.com |
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| (320) 692-4330 info@bluegooseonmillelacs.com |
Kathy is a long time employee of the Blue Goose working here about sixteen years with a little time off
during the winter months. She was employed by the Goose when it burned down in 1993. She currently
works as a prep cook and dishwasher, but has also cleaned and done laundry for the Goose.
Kathy lives in Garrison with her husband, Dave, 2 dogs, Cinnamon and Presley, and has four grown
children, 2 boys and 2 girls. Kathy is native to the Brainerd Lakes area and attended high school in
Brainerd. She loves the Mille Lacs Lake area because her family is here and when she's not working
you'll most likely find her at home watching "The Young and the Restless", tending her flowers or enjoying
her grandchildren and great granddaughter.
Kathy's an Elvis fan and loves his music with her favorite song being "Love me Tender", and her favorite
book is Elvis and Me. If she could travel anywhere, she would go to Graceland again. Her favorite food is
spaghetti.
Kathy is very proud of her kids, grand kids and great grand child. She says they are her proudest
accomplishment.
Thank you Kathy for your many years of dedicated service!
during the winter months. She was employed by the Goose when it burned down in 1993. She currently
works as a prep cook and dishwasher, but has also cleaned and done laundry for the Goose.
Kathy lives in Garrison with her husband, Dave, 2 dogs, Cinnamon and Presley, and has four grown
children, 2 boys and 2 girls. Kathy is native to the Brainerd Lakes area and attended high school in
Brainerd. She loves the Mille Lacs Lake area because her family is here and when she's not working
you'll most likely find her at home watching "The Young and the Restless", tending her flowers or enjoying
her grandchildren and great granddaughter.
Kathy's an Elvis fan and loves his music with her favorite song being "Love me Tender", and her favorite
book is Elvis and Me. If she could travel anywhere, she would go to Graceland again. Her favorite food is
spaghetti.
Kathy is very proud of her kids, grand kids and great grand child. She says they are her proudest
accomplishment.
Thank you Kathy for your many years of dedicated service!
Kathy Tibbetts