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BEGINNINGS In 1945, desiring to create a “year-round” lake
resort, John E. DuBois, Jr., began offering “lakeside” lots at the price of
$3,500 per half acre (the lake was actually a farm pond). In 1946, after receiving permission from The lake spot was chosen because of the pastoral
atmosphere as well as the 17 to 21 streams in the area. A divide in A waterfront lot cost $3,000, with prices decreasing
to $500 for property further from the lake.
The one-acre lots were structured to provide privacy and freedom and
also to preserve the forest atmosphere.
Mr. DuBois set strict injunctions on building in the area: Trailers or mobile homes were forbidden, and
all houses were to be constructed to size specifications. He determined that all houses must be brown
in order to blend with their surroundings.
He also levied a $100 assessment which included garbage removal. Excavation of the lake was started in April 1956 by
Knox Construction Company. Although it
took two years for the lake to be built and filled, construction was actually
completed a year ahead of schedule.
Initially the area was known as “ DuBois had
The atmosphere and look of
Recreational facilities at the lake included
playgrounds, cafes, bath houses, a marina, beach, and picnic tables. The facilities were open every day except
Mondays, during which company picnics were held. In 1910, the parents of John E.
DuBois, Jr., built a
60’ x 60’cabin in the area which was constructed of rough-hewn logs and massive
stones. Empty since 1938, the original
cabin was restored in 1968 as a recreation center for teenagers. In its heyday “The DuBois
Cabin” welcomed visitors such as movie cowboy Tom Mix, novelist Melville
Davidson Post, and American political leader and orator William Jennings Bryan. In 1968, Mr. DuBois sold the lake property to the
Great Northern Development Corporation, which was headed by James Dunbar. In addition to changing the name to “ In 1969, the Treasure Lake
Property Owners Association was formed.
The group, still extant today, was created to “promote and foster the
interests of the property owners of Treasure Lake; to encourage and develop
civic improvements and community activities in the area; to hold, maintain and
improve service, and beautify such real property and easements which it may
acquire; and to engage in such activities and services as may benefit and/or
assist owners of lots in the orderly development of the area.” Today (2006) the 8,000-acre private residential
community of LAKES
AND BEACHES The owner of the first boat on the lake was the man
who headed the Salvation Army.
Apparently without forethought, he built the boat on the second story of
his house, requiring him to knock out a wall and remove the garage roof in
order to get the boat out of the house. ENTRANCES When the lake was being built, the entrance was at
Coke Hill. After the lake was finished
the main gate was relocated to the Clear Run area. The original entrance was accessible by key;
when the gate was moved, gate guards were employed. Entrance fees were 50 cents. A charge for swimming was 25 cents and $1.00
for boat privileges. AVAILABLE ACTIVITIES During the summer, residents
of and visitors to the area can have fun boating, water-skiing and horseback riding. Tennis and
volleyball courts are also available. Wintertime brings many activities as
well; including ice skating, ice fishing, sledding, cross country skiing, and
downhill skiing for the beginner or more advanced skier. A Ski Lodge is open all year long and offers
residents and guests fine dining and live entertainment. In addition to building a new
400-acre lake and a championship 18-hole golf course, GOLF COURSES |