White Lodge History
According to Norbert Rickelman, long time WLO member and chief historian, White Lodge Country Club was incorporated on November 23rd, 1936. "The earliest recorded settlers of Section 29 (White Lodge area), Hamburg Township consisted of: James Cordley in 1853...and James Gallagher in 1837." Norbert states "We believe the old stone basement of the present Lodge (which is below the lodge entrance, lower bathrooms and office area) was the original James and Ann Cordley home built in that same 1835 era." By 1898 ownership had changed to the Terry (T.W.) Brown family. Brown combined the Charles Cordley (Cordley Lake namesake) and Jas. Gallagher (Gallagher namesake) properties into what is now known as White Lodge Owners, Inc. T.W. Brown sold the property to H. L. Schram in 1926, who sold it to Schram Realty and the subdivision was proposed and properties began to be sold. At that time 8 cottages were in existence. The Pinckney Dispatch advertised the property in its July 4, 1934 news edition, "A beach...a lake...a river...A golf course with a queue at the first tee...." And our neighborhood was begun. On September 2nd, 1937 White Lodge incorporated as a non-profit "Summer Resort and Park Association under Act 230 of 1897". Our original Articles of Incorporation state, "To own, operate, and maintain its properties on and around Cordley Lake, Hamburg Township, Livingston County, Michigan, as a resort for the benefit of the members of the Corporation...." |
"Residential growth was slow during the 40's due to the war. The lodge building, bathhouse and the original garage (now torn down in favor of the pole barn) were in existence in the 40's...." The 50's and 60's brought new members and home construction to 37 building in the lodge, but the largest growth was during the 80's and 90's with "over 4 homes built per year".
Since 2000 White Lodge has been "an active, vibrant community with 139 members (shareholders), 126(+) Residential (mostly year-round/full-time residents), 13 additional members own properties but have yet to build in the Lodge area". "The community continues to preserve the "Summer Resort" status, Greenbelt and country atmosphere. Our 240-acre parcel includes waterfront on Cordley Lake, Beach, and Bathhouse, Playground, Sports area (Baseball, Tennis, Volleyball), Gallagher Lake frontage with Picnic Area, Thousands of feet of Huron River frontange, private boat launch, miles of Nature Trails on a 26 acre wooded site, private island and our private canal. White Lodge is the perfect area to raise a family." Special thanks to Norbert Rickelman. |
Fun Facts:
History of the Huron River Chain of Lakes
History of the Huron River Chain of Lakes