Mountain Lake House facts for kids
Mountain Lake House was a popular resort in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. It was located in Smithfield Township, near Marshalls Creek. This resort was once known as "The Pocono's Most Active Resort." It closed down because new roads were being built in the area.
The Huffman family first owned the resort. Later, it was sold to the Farda family. The Mountain Lake House property was quite large. It had many buildings, including a guest house and a recreation hall.
The Story of Mountain Lake House
The story of Mountain Lake House began in 1902. That year, Harvey Huffman bought a large piece of land. It was just outside Marshalls Creek village. The land had a few farmhouses on it. One main house was a 12-room boarding house by 1915.
Harvey Huffman was a lawyer. He later became an important state senator in Pennsylvania. His brothers, Jay and Norman, also helped with the resort. In the early 1900s, harvesting ice was a big business in the Poconos. So, the Huffman brothers planned to build a dam. They wanted to collect ice from the water.
Between 1904 and 1906, a dam was built. This dam created what became Marshall Lake. The family continued to harvest ice until the 1920s.
Early Days as a Boarding House
In 1906, Jay Huffman took over part of the land. This land became the main area of Mountain Lake House. Jay and his wife, Edith, started the Lake Marshall Hotel. It was a boarding house for summer tourists. In winter, it helped support the ice harvesting. Farmers often stayed there during the cold months.
The boarding house changed managers a few times. Between 1910 and 1911, its name changed. It became the Mountain Lake House. Early visitors enjoyed bicycle riding and driving cars. They also liked swimming, boating, fishing, and hunting.
Growth and New Additions
In 1918, Jay Huffman started managing the resort himself. He added a large new section to the main building. With his wife, Edith, and their eight children, Mountain Lake House grew. It became one of the best resorts in the Poconos.
Many new buildings were added between 1918 and 1924. These included stables, a dance hall, and tennis courts. More guest rooms were also built. The famous "Mountain Lake House" letters were added to the front lawn in the early 1930s. Later, "Marshalls Creek, Pa" was added below them.
A swimming pool was built in 1937. Before that, guests swam in Marshall Lake. There was even a swim platform in the lake. Boating was very popular from the start. A wooden footbridge crossed the lake until the 1950s.
The Cottage Colony
Construction of the Cottage Colony began in 1925. This area was across the road from Mountain Lake House. It had eight small bungalows. Families often stayed there for the whole summer. Each cottage was named after one of Jay Huffman's children.
The cottages did not have all the resort's features. But guests could use all the facilities at Mountain Lake House. In 1981, the Cottage Colony was sold. It went to a nearby resort called Mountain Manor. Today, neither the Cottage Colony nor Mountain Manor are open.
Changes in Management
Jay Huffman passed away in 1940. His wife, Edith, then owned Mountain Lake House. Their son, Elwood, took over managing the resort. Elwood was a big man often seen with his dog, Cappy. He managed the resort until 1961.
Around 1943, Edith added another property. It was called "The Marshalls Falls House." They renamed it "The Village Inn." It became a fancy place for guests. The Village Inn had a gift shop and a billiards room. It could hold 140 guests. Norman Huffman, Jay's son, managed it. A shopping center replaced it in 1980.
In 1961, Norman Huffman also began managing Mountain Lake House. During the 1960s, the Lake Side Motel was added. Norman managed the property until 1971. Then, his brother Carlyle bought the resort. Carlyle put his son, Bob, in charge.
In 1982, Carlyle Huffman sold Mountain Lake House. The Farda family bought it. They changed the name to "Mountain Lake Resort." However, the famous letters stayed the same. In the 1980s, the Fardas added an indoor pool. They also built a small mini-golf course and a playground.
The Resort Closes
Mountain Lake House closed its doors for good in September 2000. The resort remained empty for a few years. In 2004, Richard Blewitt bought it. He hoped to reopen it as "Rich's Promise." He wanted it to be a place for families of military members. But his dream never came true.
In 2004, vandals burned down the Rec Hall. In 2006, the local fire department burned down the remaining wooden buildings. This was a controlled burn for training.
As of 2017, only a few things remained. These included the pool, a barn, the tennis courts, and the Lakeside Motel. Plants are quickly growing over the site. The old roads and parking lots are the only clear areas left.
Fun Activities at the Resort
The Mountain Lake House was a busy place. It was even a stop on the Mountain View Trolley Line. Many famous people visited, including Big Band leader Harry James.
Guests at Mountain Lake House could enjoy many activities:
- Tennis courts
- Volleyball
- Shuffleboard
- Arcade games
- Bocce ball
- Basketball
- Softball
- Golfing
- Putt-putt golf
- Boating
- Swimming in the pool
- Dancing in the dance hall
- Watching movies in the movie room
In the late 1980s, an indoor pool, sauna, and hot tub were added.
Historic Importance
The Mountain Lake House Resort was important for history. It was considered eligible for protection by the Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission.
