Tuesday, February 15, 2011

A Look Back in History...with Pictures!

Our resort, Cedar Rapids Lodge, began in 1933.  I think back to that time...way before my time... and can only imagine what northern Minnesota was like back then.  Harry Archer came here from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to settle and built one cabin a year for 7 years to begin the fishing camp.

Here's a few photos of those days...
One of the original cabins...


Another cabin from the 30s & 40s

Harry left in the 40s and Ray & Norma Williams bought the place.  They improved the resort and built more cabins, a lodge, their home, a pool and built the business up for lots of families....some of those families are still vacationing here today!

More early photos...

An early postcard of the resort.


Another postcard advertising the resort.


The original lodge area from the 50s & 60s.


Another lodge photo...smoking was allowed inside!!


Shuffleboard continues to be a fun sport at the resort...this original game is still being played!


Ray Williams in one of the early fishing boats.


A great day fishing...a long time ago!


Postcard advertising the new playground in the 50s & 60s...


A family group coming in from fishing!


A new pool in the 60s...this changed the whole vision of the resort from a fishing camp to a "family" resort.  It was a great addition to the resort! 


This cabin sat "over" the water's edge...it was torn down in the late 70s to make room for a new cabin...but we've heard lots of wonderful stories from the families who stayed in this cabin.

I could go on and post pictures right through 2010...but just wanted to share a piece of the history of our resort.  You can visit our resort website here to see updated photos of the resort...and even make a reservation for your family for 2011!  Making vacation memories is priceless...and we promise you won't be disappointed!

Keep reading our blog for updates on our newest cabin being built....and give us a call if you'd like to start your own family traditions at Cedar Rapids Lodge!




2 comments:

  1. Jennifer (Cartersville, GA)March 6, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    I love all the pictures! I was fortunate enough to spend a couple of summers at the lodge when I was younger, when Don and Vivian were there. My mom spent many summers there as a kid. In fact, in the picture of the family coming in from fishing, the man and woman still in the boat are my grandparents :) And my mom is one of the volley ball players in the postcard of the new playground. I've been hoping to bring my three children there for vacation some day. Lots of great memories. I enjoy your blog very much! Thank you!!

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  2. Jennifer,
    Please write again and give me your mailing address and family's name...I would love to add you to our mailing list...I send out a spring newsletter and would love to include your family. We love our resort and feel blessed to share it with so many wonderful families...and past families who have such memories of their vacations here!
    you can email me at: vacation@crlodge.com with the information. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete