In 1963, Stanley and Estelline Krocak opened the Lin Club near Fish Trap Lake in Lincoln, Minnesota. The Krocak’s owned and operated a bar in Staples, Minnesota, for a few years prior to moving to Lincoln. In 1972, ownership of the business was transferred to Joseph and Marie Stoeberl, whose names are listed on the matchbook. After having been closed for a few years, the Lin Club has recently been re-opened under new ownership.
Fish Trap Lake has long been a popular tourist and recreational destination. According to an article in the June 7, 1909 issue of the Little Falls Daily Transcript (“MORRISON CO. SUMMER HOME – Lakes Fish Trap and Alexander at Lincoln Call Anglers and Nature Lovers“):
Fish Trap, which is 3½ miles long and 2 miles wide, is well sheltered by the densely wooded hills which surround it. This fact and the fact that the islands are scattered over its surface, makes the lake rather safe and does away with the treacherous nature for which many lakes in the state are noted. At nearly all points about the lake, an excellent sandy beach extends out into the water making bathing, too, a pleasant pastime. Beside fishing and bathing, boating, both in row boats and launches is indulged in to quite an extent on Fish Trap.
In the past years, these lakes have been taken advantage of, more by people from Staples than from this city….People from Minneapolis and St. Paul are fast learning of Lincoln, Fish Trap lake and Alexander in connection with summer outings and number among the visitors there. To them these lakes offer a summer’s outing as close to their homes as can be found. They recognize the value of the lake and are not slow to appreciate it.
