MAIN STREET

Even though this photo is not dated there is not any question where it is! Main Street Lake Odessa is unmistakable......the landscape has remained pretty constant over the years. Some things are noticeably changed today....the absence of the water tower, the brick street, etc. But, for the most part anyone who grew up in Lake Odessa would recognize the scene. The street was laid out as Fourth Avenue in 1887 as the town was first platted. It is hard to imagine but before this time a small creek ran from the west to the southeast directly through this area. The water still runs underground in what is known as the Brisbin Drain. The photo above depicts a quiet small town....one that holds a great deal of memories for many. The stores have changed, the people have changed but the street remains as a landmark of our history.

LOHS 1959

June 27, 2009, will soon be here and the Class of 1959 will be celebrating their 50th Anniversary! The photo above shows this class.....we don't have the names put with the faces so if anyone can give us identification that would be a great help! All classes will gather on June 27 for the Alumni Reunion and the Lake Odessa Museum Complex will host an Open House featuring all classes and the history of Lake Odessa High School. Make plans to be a part of this memorable time.....this is open to everyone in the community even if you didn't graduate from Lake Odessa High! We are working toward the inclusion and transition to Lakewood High School and its history and a display will be included covering that history also.

PLANTING THE FUTURE

It was great to have several of the "younger" generation share in the recent Mother-Daughter Tea. Planting strawberry plants was a treat and each one was able to take some home. One of the goals of the Lake Odessa Area Historical Society is to continue to encourage younger interest and this is just one more example of this. Look for more activities as we plant for the future!

MOTHERS, DAUGHTERS, TOURS AND MORE!

It was a busy time around the Museum this past week-end! That's exciting! There was the Garden's Club Perennial Exchange, the Mother-Daughter Tea and the Tri-Rivers Museum Tour. Lots of activity to kick off the month of May. Robin Michalski and Alma Gray organized the Mother-Daughter Tea which was a great success. Some new faces were in the crowd and that was great to see! A nice afternoon of sharing and good refreshments emphasised the special relationship between mothers, daughters and grandmothers. Thank you to all who helped make this a special time. In the midst of this, the Tri-Rivers Museum Tour brought in several out of town guests who got a taste of the many varied interests that are focused on here in Lake Odessa.

IT'S PLANTING TIME!

The Lake Odessa Garden Club held its annual Perrenial Exchange this past Saturday at the Lake Odessa Museum Complex. It was a great time to trade plants, get garden tips and be motivated to go home and garden! The Lake Odessa Garden Club is part of the Lake Odessa Area Historical Society and maintains the flower gardens on the museum grounds. Their dedication and expertise make a beautiful setting for the historical buildings. The Garden Club meets the first Monday of each month at the Lake Odessa Museum and is open to anyone interested in gardening. For more information please contact the Society. Don't these ladies look like they are having fun???!!!!! Thanks Garden Club for a great job!!!!

THE FAVORITE

It is still April and there have already been quite a few boats out on Jordan Lake this year! The lake has been a local recreational attraction for many years and continues to be a "favorite!" Soon after the establishment of Lake Odessa in 1887-88 a group of interested men organized the Jordan Lake Boat Association. This group consisted of William S. Hart, Stephen Haight, F. A. Sargeant and E. E. Wagar. In 1889 the Association purchased four acres of land on the shores of Jordan Lake which eventually became what today is the beach area. It was quickly ascertained that a "drawing card" was needed to allow people to enjoy the lake. It was decided to have a steam boat constructed for use on the lake. The group hired Charlie Scheidt to build the boat which was reported to have held between 100-150 individuals. The boat was built at Saranac and transported to Lake Odessa. The name "Favorite" was given to the little steamer as it became a favorite attraction to many. It is told that the steam boat would start at the beach pavilion with a full load. It would go west toward the hill at the west end of the lake, turn course down by the outlet, go down past Eagle Point and then on east past Jordan Cove. There were many sand bars in the cove and almost every time the boat would get stuck in the sand. Then row boats had to be taken out to pull the boat free. Many parties and celebrations were held on this boat with local bands playing on the steamer. This small boat boosted the resort business in Lake Odessa greatly. The photo above shows the Lake Odessa Band as it appeared during this era. This band frequently played on the steamer and could be heard for many miles.

MEMORIAL DAY 1946

Memorial Day will soon be upon us and these two photos remind us of that. These photos were taken at Lakeside Cemetery in Lake Odessa on Memorial Day 1946. It appears that many children were involved and perhaps were part of a parade ending at the cemetery. The Historical Society is attempting to identify as many in these photos as possible. If you recognize a face please contact the Society by email (jrwgen@hotmail.com) or click on comment below and leave a message.