Lake Dreamland, Louisville facts for kids
Lake Dreamland is a neighborhood in Louisville, Kentucky. It's located right next to the Ohio River and Campground Road. It started as a fun resort area many years ago.
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Where is Lake Dreamland?
Lake Dreamland is found at 38°12′18″N 85°51′6″W / 38.20500°N 85.85167°W. This helps us pinpoint its exact location on a map!
The Story of Lake Dreamland
Lake Dreamland was created in the 1930s by a man named Ed Hartlage. He wanted to build a special resort. In 1931, he built a dam across a creek called Beaver's Run. This created a new lake, which he named Dreamland Lake.
Early Plans and Challenges
Ed Hartlage leased land along the lake to people. They built small cottages there. At first, he hoped it would be a summer getaway for rich people from Louisville. Some say he called it "Dreamland" because others thought his big plans were just a dream.
However, a huge event changed everything. The Ohio River flood of 1937 caused a lot of damage. This flood stopped the area from growing as planned. A large floodwall was built, cutting through the development. Many cottages were left in poor condition.
The neighborhood also lacked basic services. There was no public water, electricity, or paved roads. Because of this, Ed Hartlage had to rent the properties for much less money. He still owned the land in the 1940s. Workers from a nearby industrial area called Rubbertown began building homes in Lake Dreamland.
Club El Rancho: A Music Hotspot
Ed Hartlage also built a dance hall to attract more people. It was first called Hartlage's Barn. Later, it became famous as Club El Rancho. This club was a very popular place for rock and roll music.
In 1957, a newspaper called the Courier-Journal said Club El Rancho was the first place in Louisville to have live rock and roll. The club was a lively spot for many years. Sadly, it burned down in 1967. People in Lake Dreamland had their own stories about why it burned.
Residents Take Ownership
For a long time, most residents rented their homes. They did not own the land. This meant the county could not help pay for new roads or utilities. In 1982, officials said Lake Dreamland had some of the worst housing in the county. Some homes had sewage problems or no indoor plumbing.
Ed Hartlage passed away in 1980. After his death, residents were finally able to buy the land from his family. This was a big step for the community.
In 1983, residents formed a neighborhood association. They worked together to improve their area. They even stopped a government plan in 1988 to buy out their flood-prone homes.
