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I remember that race well. My oldest son's middle name is Bowman in honor of Hank. Ken Kalibat and I ran a factory Glastron 17' hull in FJJ class with my motors. I can't remember if we were first and John DiPietra second in class or vice versa. IN any event we finished and would have run a awy with the class except for an extended pit stop to replace all of the cowl mounts and clean out aluminum shavings, many of which wound up in the carburetors, reeds and cylinders.
Mr. Sirois,
You all may already know this, but I had the pleasure of meeting the man responsible for the day-to-day operations at "Lake X": Mr. Rich Adair. My Mother and sisters were going to St. Cloud to visit with friends and I asked to join them. Knowing that there is no guard on duty, I expected to just drive up see what I could see from the road and return to St. Cloud. We pulled up to the entrance, and I got out to take a few pictures with my phone. Saw a sign for Osceola County Sherriff Department. This keep me from bypassing the gate and walking in. The sign on the guard house said to push the phone button on the key pad and wait for someone to answer. Upon someone answering, I was to give my name, company I work for and reason for visit. I pushed the button and nothing. I was getting ready to get back in the car, when a A/C and Refrigeration repair van pulled up. The driver got out and pushed the same button I had just pushed. The gate started to open and suddenly a pickup truck came out of nowhere and proceeded to escort the van into the property. I watched the vehicle drive down the entrance and turn right well before the bubble window building. I then went back to the key pad and pushed the button again. This time a voice replied, I stated my name and that I had grown up on the lake during the sixties. The voice said he was at the barn (which was located at the second location of our life on the lake when Mr. Kiekhaefer moved us from off the lake to a corner section of the property next to Mr. Collins' property) and once he was finished putting a horse up he would be right there. Fifteen minutes later, we started the best visit to Lake X I have ever had since 1971 when we moved away to Italy. Mr. Adair spent the next three hours listening to us (1 - His story and 3 - Her stories), him telling us what he knew about the area and driving us around in a Polaris 4-wheeler looking a deer, turkeys and Sand Cranes. He is now a full time employee and a part time deputy sheriff. He would love to hear all of your stories about the Lake because he incorporates everything he learns into his presentation that he gives. He told me he even found this website and has read this blog.
If I can figure out how to load my pictures, I tell you what I saw.
Attachment 331101Mr. Sirois,
You all may already know this, but I had the pleasure of meeting the man responsible for the day-to-day operations at "Lake X": Mr. Rich Adair. My Mother and sisters were going to St. Cloud to visit with friends and I asked to join them. Knowing that there is no guard on duty, I expected to just drive up see what I could see from the road and return to St. Cloud. We pulled up to the entrance, and I got out to take a few pictures with my phone. Saw a sign for Osceola County Sherriff Department. This keep me from bypassing the gate and walking in. The sign on the guard house said to push the phone button on the key pad and wait for someone to answer. Upon someone answering, I was to give my name, company I work for and reason for visit. I pushed the button and nothing. I was getting ready to get back in the car, when a A/C and Refrigeration repair van pulled up. The driver got out and pushed the same button I had just pushed. The gate started to open and suddenly a pickup truck came out of nowhere and proceeded to escort the van into the property. I watched the vehicle drive down the entrance and turn right well before the bubble window building. I then went back to the key pad and pushed the button again. This time a voice replied, I stated my name and that I had grown up on the lake during the sixties. The voice said he was at the barn (which was located at the second location of our life on the lake when Mr. Kiekhaefer moved us from off the lake to a corner section of the property next to Mr. Collins' property) and once he was finished putting a horse up he would be right there. Fifteen minutes later, we started the best visit to Lake X I have ever had since 1971 when we moved away to Italy. Mr. Adair spent the next three hours listening to us (1 - His story and 3 - Her stories), him telling us what he knew about the area and driving us around in a Polaris 4-wheeler looking a deer, turkeys and Sand Cranes. He is now a full time employee and a part time deputy sheriff. He would love to hear all of your stories about the Lake because he incorporates everything he learns into his presentation that he gives. He told me he even found this website and has read this blog.
Attachment 331103Attachment 331102
Kenneth Kirchman Foundation, Inc.
7555 Old Melbourne Highway
Saint Cloud, FL 34771
Office: 407-892-2446
Fax: 407-891-6446
[email protected]
Mr. Rich Adair
[email protected]
Regarding a West Palm Beach to Freeport Race:
My name is Jim Abraham and I remember this as I was co-piloting with Roy Ridgell for this event. My main job at Lake X was in the tower above the motel. As you know, we were multi-tasked persons and we did many different things at Lake X. An example was helping to install the round windows in the new building. Also the ones in St. Cloud at Plant 9. Mr.K and Ted Collins would authorize us for some overtime, to earn more money as we were "family men". They were custom made at the St. Cloud plant, just for the building additions that were going on at the time. I just found your thread and am enjoying your stories, memories, of some great times. I worked at Lake X from 1965 through 1971. Moving back to Wisconsin to work for my Dad at Vulcan Mfg. Company, a structural steel company. Anyhow Mr. K, John Backus wanted an engine sawed in half and came to us and used our equipment to do so. My Dad's steel is in a lot of Mr. K's buildings. Anyhow, you're telling of these stories is very accurate. I have many, many fond memories of you, Ralph, Chet, Odell, John Steinbach, Jim Harkins, Mike Ramsey, Charley Rush, Jim Leak, Ed Luthey, Charlie Bevins, your brother, Joe Anderson, Gene Wagner, Wayne Meyer, Dave Adams, and many others. I used to break in engines for your brothers and other boats. Never got to race them as I was to young and married with 2 kids. Your stories are very accurate as I mentioned before. Very great reading and bringing back memories of times past. When I moved back to Wisconsin, I heard the Ralph and I believe you, maybe Rich Powers, were in Oshkosh staying in a motel, there for some Mercury doings. I knocked on the door and you guys were partying. Maybe it wasn't you as memories are fading. Ralph would not invite us in as he was not alone, if know what I mean. Have many more stories about Ralph and I believe Chet, coming back from the beach on Nova road, and playing demolition derby. Great times had by all. Roy Ridgell and I coached a Little League team in St. Cloud. John Steinbach and I played on softball teams in St. Cloud and Kissimmee. Attended a lot of parties that you guys were at, your stories were always entertaining and good for a laugh and still are. I remember a lot of things that are being posted by others. Again great times, great memories. Thanks for sharing. Will try to post some of my memories in the future as I was one of the guys that drove you guys, sometimes, back to the base in my 1964 Tan Chevy 409 Supersport. Wish I still had that car. Sometimes Jim Emerson would let me put in some Pure racing fuel...
Wow Jim! Great memories & stories & knowledge! Can't wait to read anything else that comes to mind regarding the "X". Welcome to Scream and Fly! :thumbsup:Quote:
Originally Posted by jeabraham45
Regarding the landing of a plane on the houseboat:
I was there the day this picture was taken.. There were a lot of military people there also. Trying to prove that something like this could be possibly used in Vietnam. I used to work in the timing tower...
Jim - Thank you for your post. Excellent comments. It is very obvious to me that you were there during a wonderful time in all of our lives, times that will always be fondly remembered. I couldn't draw picture of you, but I do remember you. Welcome aboard - Steve Sirois
I remember John very well. His wife Kitty and my wife Judy hung out. Also Phil Sheink and his wife, at that time was Lorie.. John and I played softball in Kissimmee and St. Cloud. Those were great times. Great parties with great friends.
Hello Steve, I worked from 1965 to 1971, transferring in from Fond du Lac. Drove endurance for awhile, then worked mainly in the tower above the motel. My Uncle Augie Abraham helped build and start Lake X in the late 50's, Have many great memories of working with all and am enjoying the posts. Brings back a lot things I almost forgot about.. I lived in St. Cloud across the street from Jim Harkins and his wife Linda. We were great friends, pooling our money to buy a 6 pack every once in a while. So many names of people I associated with. Thanks for the putting this thread together. I don't know why I haven't found it sooner.
They use to call me running Jim because I would run all over the place. To the boat shop, to the parts dept, etc.. I co-piloted with Roy Ridgell one time in a race from West Palm Beach to Freeport. I helped put engines up in the museum/meeting room. Among many other things we all did. We were multi taskers... In later life I helped set up conventions all over the country. Two which you might be familiar with. Lakeland, Fl. Airplane Fly-In Sun and Fun at Lakeland Linder Airport. EAA Fly in Oshkosh at Wittman Field. One time I had to drive a car that was purchased from Poffenbauh Ford in St. Cloud to Jacksonville, to give to the head of the National Guard, Took me about 3 hours to drive there. Mr. K sent at that time the company jet to pick me up and flew me back to Lake X along with Mrs. K I swear in only took 20 Minutes to get back on the Jet. Many other fine memories which I will try and post in the future...
Don't know where I found this--
http://features.boats.com/boat-conte...3fA.like%22%7D
Paging Jim Abraham! Jim...You still out there?? Would love to hear any more Lake X stories you may remember? Very interested. Thanks Jim!:thumbsup:
Still here. I'm sure you remember Dave Adams, a boss at one time, at Lake X. He passed away last year. I believe he took over from Gene Wagner or Wayne Meyers. Enjoying your and others posts. Great memories....
John Bakos (Mercury years: 1958 – 1998)
https://mercurymarine-gsdesign1.netd...eek22/john.jpgThe first Mercury factory race boat driver hired by founder Carl Kiekhaefer was a Southern California club racer named John Bakos.
“Johnny” became a go-to guy for Kiekhaefer, supervising construction at Lake X, driving test boats and racing. “I think he liked my determination,” Bakos said.
It was Bakos who took the first MerCruiser sterndrive to individual boat builders to convince them of the value of the new technology; but it was his own record-setting win in the 1962 Miami-Nassau (Bahamas) race that put MerCruiser sales on plane.
Bakos would win races and set records until 1970, when, wanting more stability, he transferred to Fond du Lac, Wis., becoming the first OEM field technical representative, working with boat builders on proper rigging of Mercury product.
“That was my favorite time,” said Bakos, “working with the builders, getting a boat set ‘just so.’ I enjoyed racing when I did it, but I enjoyed getting out.”
courtesy of The Mercury Legacy.
..... and it is, a living document! :thumbsup:Quote:
Originally Posted by seeroy
This thread, started by Steve Sirois , quietly passed "One Half Million Hits!" a few days ago. I don't think that milestone should go unnoticed. It has been one of the most enjoyable and entertaining threads of all time on S & F.
I remember Tom Stickle calling to tell me pictures of his flip of the single Jones in Miami around 1969 were being shown on the internet. Possessing only slightly more savvy than Jackie Wilson on a computer, it took a while before I found what I was looking for. Life at Lake X was one of the first threads I read on S & F and is probably the reason I hung around to share some of my own experiences in outboard racing.
I just want to say "Thank You" to Seeroy for taking all that time to tell his stories. Like any good storyteller, he never let facts get in the way of a good story - that's what makes them so damn much fun. :D
Additionally, thanks Steve for the special OFF treatment you extended my way. You know it was greatly appreciated.
Congratulations on the success of your tread, a whole bunch of us folks have really enjoyed traveling down memory lane with you. :cheers:
Wow! Thanks Bill.
I was told of this thread a few days ago and joined s@f for it. This has been some of the most enjoyable reading Ive had in a while. Much respect for all of the guys who worked at lake x and for kaekhafer/mercury and especially those that raced those insanely powered small boats offshore, Thank you gentleman for all the stories and telling me how our crazy world of offshore racing evolved.
I’m the guy between Leslie and Ridgell. I don’t remember where or when pic was taken.
Russ Gloudeman from Parts and Service Division, Plant #3 which at the time was located in Beaver Dam, WI.
Thanks for the informationQuote:
Originally Posted by R1522
I would think this pic was taken in 66 or 67? Lake X?
The engine is probably one of the new 482/375 production engines--(Mystery Motor?)
http://i64.tinypic.com/qqqpa8.jpg
You did it again Stavros——— sneaked past the five hundred mark without me knowing.Quote:
Originally Posted by willabee
Both you and Willa have helped me approach the middle years with just that bit extra to look forward to.
Enjoyed the banter that goes with boat racing, be it OMC or Mercury.
Heres wishing you and Iris well Steve, keep HEALTHY and happy in the knowledge you created one of the all time great threads on S&F with LIFE AT LAKE X. Sincerely J.
file:///Users/seeroy3/Pictures/iPhoto%20Library/Modified/2014/Aug%209,%202014/image.jpg
Kowabunga my friend
file:///Users/seeroy3/Pictures/iPhoto%20Library/Modified/2014/Aug%209,%202014/image.jpg
Attachment 395286Attachment 395285Attachment 395284Hi Steve I was thinking of you when I passed by the old Mercury winter testing site at Siesta Key so I took a couple of pictures for you to see the bridge is where the boat house used to be.Quote:
Originally Posted by seeroy
Rusty! You still out there? lol ...You MUST have a story or two to share with everyone. Can't wait. ThxQuote:
Originally Posted by R1522
@seeroy Thank you so much for the incredible journey this thread is!
Greg
This almost looks like one of the smaller buildings at Lake X. What a cool photo. imagine seeing that today? Just incredible.Quote:
Originally Posted by digital_jeff
Greg
Attachment 398270
...and Elmers 1963 Chrysler Crown Imperial, parked in front of his room...the end unit.
[QUOTE=FUJIMO;3017316]...and Elmers 1963 Chrysler Crown Imperial, parked in front of his room...the end unit. Mike Ramsay (lives in New Smyrna these days, retired from Mercury) and don't know the red shirt - almost looks like Bill Marshall. The motel is history - spent a few nights there - solved most of the world's problems sitting under that veranda with a suds or two - or three.
"Red" shirt is Odell Lewis
Attachment 398293Quote:
Originally Posted by seeroy
Feb 27, 2018
http://boatingindustry.ca/images/BIC...ury-Lake-X.jpgMercury Marine, the world leader in marine propulsion, is reviving a piece of its history as the company has agreed to lease the property at Lake X in Central Florida. Lake X, a pillar of Mercury’s heritage, was designed and built by Mercury Marine Founder E. Carl Kiekhaefer in 1957 and later sold to the Kirchman Foundation, who still owns the property today. The facility was designed to be the most secluded marine testing facility in the world with 12,000 acres of land and 1,440 acres of water at Lake Conlin.
“Mercury Marine is closing in on its 80th anniversary (in 2019) and we have a rich heritage that is unmatched in the marine industry,” said Michelle Dauchy, Mercury Marine chief marketing officer. “Returning to Lake X is an opportunity to build an immersive brand experience around that heritage and capitalize on the popularity of the Mercury brand. We have been able to host customer and media events as well as take advantage of the lake to test product.”
The location, based in Osceola County, Florida, is roughly three miles long, one-mile wide and nearly six miles in circumference. Lake X was long used for performance tests of Mercury-powered boats, R&D, new product testing and endurance validation. Mercury Marine occupied Lake X until 2004 when it chose to not renew its lease.
The secluded freshwater lake is also known for one of Mercury’s most famous PR events that took place in 1957 where a 50,000-mile endurance run, featuring two boats running continuously on a closed 5.8-mile course, 24 hours a day, seven days a week made marine industry history.
“We hear stories all the time about folks who worked for Mr. Kiekhaefer and their wonderful experiences at Lake X,” said Dauchy. “We want to create new memories and build on our heritage of performance, reliability and to merge together our new Go Boldly brand cache with almost 80 years
Lake X Stories is awesome .... Thank's buddy for this nice reading....JP love
Sad news—-
I just heard that Steve Sirois passed away this morning —-
Rest in Peace—SteveQuote:
Originally Posted by seeroy
Another great one lost.
R.I.P. Steve
RIP MR.Sirois love your lifeQuote:
Originally Posted by transomstand
S&F has lost a great member!
RIP Mr Sirois we will all miss you!
Gary
That is very sad news ..... As Steve has said of others before him, "another has crossed that final finish line" ..... RIPQuote:
Originally Posted by GENE LANHAM
Oh no. I kept meaning to ride the 20 minutes out to the beach and see him... damn. :(Quote:
Originally Posted by GENE LANHAM
Never put that stuff off.
Rest in peace, Steve. You will be missed.
My condolences go out to his friends and family. We are lucky that he took the time to start this thread and that all of the others have jumped in to share in the history lessons. We love racing for the thrill but its really the people that make it special.
Joe