LONG
LAKE HISTORY
Last updated on Monday, August 13, 2001 by MLSWA\bbonnell
The following article is reprinted from the Iosco News. It describes the formation of the Kokosing Subdivision and is an important part of the history of Long Lake.
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Christian Outing Association
RESORT PIONEER
By Neil Thornton
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The pioneer development of inland lake resort property in Iosco County was recorded November 10, 1906, in the county register of deeds office by an organization known as the Christian Outing Grounds Association. That first plat on the northeasterly side of Long Lake, Plainfield Township, comprised 638 lots and was prepared by Mason L. Brown and Co., civil engineers, Detroit. A first addition to the plat was recorded in 1910.
This unique development first gained attention in the February 23, 1906 issue of The Tawas Herald, when it was announced that the Christian Outing Grounds Association, with headquarters at Toledo, Ohio, had purchased a large tract of land of Long Lake. Of particular importance then was the fact that the grounds were located on the Rose City branch of the Detroit and Mackinac Railway, which provided a transportation link with the outside world. This was essential for there were no roads of any consequence into this region.
The association promoted the building of a summer resort and assembly grounds for the Christian Church, which was headquartered at Toledo. "The promoters are well known members of that denomination and plans are now made for the erection of a large hotel and assembly hall early in the spring. It is expected that at least 1,000 families will spend the coming summer," said the local newspaper. Two weeks later, the Herald reported that it had interviewed N.M. Crary of Toledo, secretary of the association, who was in Tawas City and on his way home from a visit to the lake. (The newspaper office was then located adjacent to the railroad station in Tawas City at the northeast corner of First and Court Streets and the editor kept a close watch of people getting on and off passenger trains.)
"Mr. Crary speaks in the highest terms of the success of these new resort grounds and says that the sale of lots is most satisfactory," commented the editor.
He showed the Herald man the plans for "the handsome new hotel which will be built by the association as soon as the weather will permit."
The building measured 116 by 40 feet with a 14 foot veranda extending around three sides. Of three story design with a basement, the lower portion was of concrete blocks and the two upper floors were shingled, "making a most handsome appearance."
The first floor held the main lobby, measuring 34 by 64 feet; a ladies parlor, the association offices, four sleeping rooms and a large banquet hall.
The upper floors were used for sleeping rooms, each of which opened into a main hall extending the entire length of the building. The structure's 33 by 47-foot dining hall was located in the basement, along with a kitchen and pantry.
"Work will be commenced just as soon as the frost is out of the ground and it is expected that the hotel will be ready for business by July 1. A large number of cottages will be built as soon as the weather will permit. Everything indicates that Long Lake will be a busy place during the coming summer."
The newspaper's prediction came true and Long Lake indeed, was a busy place during the summer of 1906. The Christian Outing Grounds Association's new hotel was completed and in use and cottages were erected by members.
A year later, the newspaper noted that the "Christian Outing Grounds Association had just issued a handsomely illustrated prospectus of its resort, Kokosing - on Long Lake. This year will see great improvements made at this resort which is now starting its second season and the indications are that it is destined to become one of the most popular of Michigan's beautiful resorts."
The development of Kokosing Subdivision preceded by a year the construction of the first summer homes in Tawas City, although the D & M had developed its Tawas Beach Park some year earlier with cottages available for rent.
The resort development on Tawas Bay, along with that at Sand Lake a few years later, differed from the Long Lake project in that the Kokosing Subdivision was aimed principally at bringing Ohio families to this region for religious instruction as well as recreational enjoyment.
The original Kokosing plat designated 10 different parks, one of which was set aside for outdoor worship service. Some of the lots contained in the original plat were only 36 feet in width - adequate for the erection of a small cottage, but certainly complicated construction in later years when the association was no longer in existence.
Development of the Christian Outing Grounds Association's Kokosing Subdivision added materially to the economic business at nearby Hale Lake (now shortened to Hale). Stores bustled with activity with the influx of Ohio residents, with considerable horse and wagon traffic between the established crossroads village and the new resort.
Long Lake, which had been called Ellake for a number of years due to conflicting post offices with the same name, then reverting to its original name in 1924, actually had evolved as the result of early lumbering activities in Iosco County and two stores had operated there for years.
Passenger and freight train service had been established there in 1893 by the D & M and a depot was constructed about 1905. A pool hall was a popular place for men-folk of the surrounding territory.
A school had been opened at Long Lake around the turn of the century and four different buildings were used, the last two schools being destroyed by fire. There was a Methodist Church to serve the community until 1932, when it was discontinued.
The Christian Outing Association purchased its tract on the northeasterly side of the lake for a reported 75 cents per acre, the land having been a part of the T.F. Thompson property which reverted back to the state for nonpayment of taxes after the removal of the pine timber.
Many of the "cottages" erected by association members were simple tent top affairs and used only during the vacation season. Substantial cottages were erected there in later years.
The Christian Outing Grounds Association apparently prospered for a little more than 10 years and, in 1924, a corduroy road was built around the lake. When the association collapsed, and no date or reason has been discovered in newspaper files, Ohio people bought lots for $100 each. One of those coming to the Long Lake area around 1906 was John A. Mortenson, who was to operate the Kokosing Resort Hotel and real estate office at Long Lake for 44 years. He was the founder of the Sixty Lakes Club, which utilized the abandoned D & M depot for its headquarters. Mortenson died in 1964.
The old Kokosing Resort Hotel burned to the ground in 1938. By then, the Christian Outing Association was remembered only by an older generation, but its pioneering efforts in the resort field resulted in the eventual development of year around homes around Long Lake.
Highlights of the Twenty years FROM 1965 -1985
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1965 - Long Lake Property Owner's Association formed - 45 members.
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1967 - Lake level set at 904.5 ' above sea level, by Circuit Court order, and a dam constructed with a spillway at 904.5 '.
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1967-1975 - The Association was instrumental in getting the following:
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Lakeside, Kokosing and Long Lake roads rebuilt
and blacktopped. New lights secured for Long
Lake Village, Lakeside and the Village public
boat ramp. -
Established Kokosing park (13 acres), as laid out
in the original Kokosing plat - road, picnic and
games areas. -
Worked to obtain a Zoning Board and implement a
zoning ordinance.
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1973/1974 - To provide a faster run-off at peak water levels, a 36" dam tube and gate was authorized by the County in 1973 and was installed in 1974. A self-help program for cleaning up the lake was started, and the first water samples were taken.
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1975 - Annual dues in the Association were increased to $5.00. (They remained at that level for the next 11 years.)
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1976 - We joined the Michigan Lake and Stream Associations Inc.,and our self-help program was augmented.
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1977/1978 - Dye tests on septic systems around the lake were made.
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1978 - The Association decides to incorporate. Bylaws are adopted.
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1981 - After many discussions over the last few years, the Association decides to seek to have a winter level for the Lake established.
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1990 - The Association solicits money from Long Lake Property Owners for a Gypsy Moth Spraying program.
General: For several years the Association has secured permits from the DNR for 2-4-D weed control and has supplied this chemical to members at reduced prices.
For over ten years the Association has used its own funds, and has worked with the DNR and other agencies to have the Lake stocked with muskie, walleyes, channel-catfish,large-mouth bass and bluegills. Stocking of the lake was done yearly.
Long Lake Directories were prepared and given free to members
of the Association