History Club

Gerdink's Resort is a family orientated resort with a wonderful beach, and you can be yourself at her resort. Ella and her husband started the resort in 1937, and now some of her customers go back 5 generations. They have had a state health license for 64 years. She has sold all but 5 cabins now and hopes to continue with the resort for another 3 or 4 years. Ella called her guests her family, and it is a mutual feeling. One lady came for 63 years.

The resort had the American plan with a set menu, there was no choice, and on Sundays they served a fried chicken dinner with all the trimmings.

In the early days people came by Leiderbach bus or train and stayed for awhile. Maid service and meals were provided. They had only out houses and no electricity when they started. They always had a thunder jug that she had to empty as the maids wouldn't do it. They ironed everything for the resort: sheets, towels, dishtowels, etc. At one time there were 11 resorts on Cedar Lake.

Many guests fished. Cane poles were popular and cigar boxes were used in place of tackle boxes. A dare devil and a bassereno were the only artificial lures. Frogs, worms and minnows were the main bait. They had an ice house for their use which also used to bury fish in so that the guests could take fish home if they wished. They put up their own ice and they did fall in the icy water a few times while doing it. There was no extra entertainment until a golf course was started on Clearwater lake. In the early days the ladies always wore skirts and dresses at the resort -- no slacks or shorts for the women back then.

Rates in 1937 were $2.50 per person per day.

Many pictures and postcards were brought for all to enjoy. Ella brought with her a sign stating 50 resorts and 30 lakes in the Annandale area, and also a hand made potato masher that they used at the resort.

Barbara Ostlund