Miller Realty of Big Lake

As we wind down another DIFFERENT year we need to think about how blessed we are. We didn't flood this year, we unfortunately lost loved one, friends, and others to this COVID. We are blessed with friends, family and a place to live. I changed location of the office, had a great year in Real Estate for what was going on around us. We feel very blessed and thankful. Have a great Merry Christmas, hug when you can, enjoy each other while you can, be safe, be kind, have patience, and love as never before. Thanks so much to all that has used Miller Realty Inc this year and with the grace of God we will continue next year and be thankful we are able to do what we love and enjoy the people we work with each and every day. So from Miller Realty Inc. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR AND A BETTER ONE.

BIG LAKE AND ICE HARVESTING Early 1900’s Before the arrival of refrigeration, harvesting ice on Holt County lakes and ponds was an annual ritual -- and a big... business. In the winter of 1908, Coke Jackson put up 160 tons of ten-inch Big Lake ice. John Iden filled his ice house with 60 tons in anticipation of hot weather ice-wagon runs to Bigelow next season." Sawdust for insulating the ice came from local sawmills. Lee Barker invested in a horse-drawn ice plow that he used to cut blocks that he sold for 35 cents a wagon load. And he sold as many as 135 loads per day. Ice plows resembled plows, but they were more like saws. Horses would draw them across the ice in a checkerboard pattern, cutting grooves in the ice. Each pass only dug about deep, and the grooves would be cut to 2/3 the depth of the ice any deeper and the horse (not to mention its handlers and the plow) might fall through. Workers would then break off the square blocks of ice with long metal tools, then lift them out of the water and onto wagons with huge tongs. Coke Jackson was a Mormon who came to Holt County from Kansas at age 15, and spent his entire life on Big Lake, except for two years he spent operating a store in Rulo with his brother. He also operated a hotel and resort at Big Lake. The oxbow lake always has attracted sportsmen (waterfowlers and fishermen), boaters, swimmers, and picnickers. And one time, a steam launch named the Carrie Cole would take sightseers on a seven-mile excursion around the lake. Jackson’s first wife was the former Ida Iden. The Iden family also operated variety of Big Lake recreation facilities that included dance halls and rental cottages built over the water, bath houses, and rowboat rentals -- plus facilities for croquet, lawn tennis, and baseball.

Thanks so much to all of our Veterans We would not be the America we are if not without you and your sacrifices. Pray you are all safe.

Great new listing and a great price at only $49,950 Great starter home or get it for a rental. Call Miller Realty Inc for more information or appointment. 1-888-442-5787

Huge lot for family and friends to enjoy the lake. This is just across from the lake and has a great view of the lake. Priced really well too. Priced at $30,000 Call Miller Realty Inc for more details. 1-888-442-5787

Great new lot to start your camping at Big Lake. Seawall and a great price too. Priced at only $29,000.00 Call Miller Realty Inc for details 1-888-442-5787.