Little Lake Jackson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Little Lake Jackson |
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 Little Lake Jackson
Location in Florida
Little Lake Jackson
Location in the United States
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| Location | Sebring, Florida |
| Coordinates | 27°28′04″N 81°27′49″W / 27.4678°N 81.4636°W |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 137 acres (55 ha) |
| Max. depth | 30 ft (9.1 m) |
Little Lake Jackson is a beautiful lake located in Sebring, Florida. It covers about 137 acres and reaches a maximum depth of 30 feet. On its north side, you'll find U.S. Highway 27. Right across the highway is its larger neighbor, Lake Jackson.
While Little Lake Jackson doesn't have direct public access, it is connected by a short canal to Lake Jackson, which has a public boat ramp. People enjoy activities like boating and fishing on the lake. A golf course overlooks its southwest side. Along US 27 on the north, there are various businesses and a hotel called Inn on the Lakes. On the northwest shore stands the historic Harder Hall, a building that has been abandoned for some time.
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History of Harder Hall
Harder Hall was a famous hotel and golf resort built in 1928 on the shore of Little Lake Jackson. It was designed in a classic Spanish style. Sebring was chosen as its location because it was a stop on the railroad, making it easy for guests to arrive.
A New Era for Harder Hall
In 1953, Victor and David Jacobson, along with partners Larry Tennenbaum and Sam Levy, bought Harder Hall. The next year, Victor hired a well-known golf course architect named Dick Wilson. Wilson transformed the golf course into a championship-level course.
Famous Guests and Tournaments
Harder Hall became a popular spot for major golf tournaments. The Haig & Haig, a PGA event, was played there by famous golfers like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. Many other celebrities also visited the hotel, including actors Paul Newman, Steve McQueen, and Ali MacGraw, as well as race car driver Mario Andretti.
The First Golf School
Victor Jacobson, along with head golf professional Ben Roman, started the world's very first golf school at Harder Hall. From 1967 to 1980, Victor and Eva Jacobson also ran the Harder Hall Golf and Tennis Camp. This camp was unique because it was the first and only co-ed (for both boys and girls) teenage golf and tennis camp held at a resort hotel. It attracted young campers from all over the world.
Victor operated the hotel until 1981 when he sold it. Since then, the building has been abandoned. Several attempts were made to renovate it, but they were never finished. Harder Hall has narrowly avoided being torn down many times. In July 2007, the City of Sebring purchased the building at an auction.
