By Bill Pumford, Image from Russ Keller Collection
TITLE: ARLINGTON LODGE IN LAKE ARROWHEAD: One of the most elegant resorts built in the San Bernardino Mountains was the Arlington Lodge. The lodge was owned and directed by A.L. Richmond who also owned the Arlington Hotel in Santa Barbara. The architects for this project were Swasey and McAfee with the estimated cost of $500,000. The Arlington Lodge was opened on Saturday, June 23, 1923. The lobby of the lodge was 70 feet in length, 32 feet in width, and 45 feet to the peak of the sloping ceiling. The resort had luxurious drawing rooms, colorful dining room and intimate grill, with smoking lounges and a ballroom. Shortly after completion of the Arlington Lodge the Village Inn was built right next door. The Arlington was based upon the American plan (meals and room) and the Village Inn was the European plan (room only). The Arlington Lodge was sometimes referred to in marketing as “The Inn in the Woods.” In 1925 J.G. Van Nuys, president of the Arrowhead Lake Company, and E.K. Hoak purchased the Arlington Lodge which was renamed the Lake Arrowhead Lodge. During the 1926 holiday season the Arrowhead Lodge advertised a special which included transportation up and down the hill, a two-day, one night stay at the lodge, dancing, and three meals for $15. In late September 1938 a large fire destroyed the east wing of the well-known hotel causing an estimated $500,000 in damages. This closed the hotel for the remainder of the season. Six weeks later the Village Inn, located next door, also experienced a huge fire. Both the Arrowhead Lodge and Village Inn were repaired early in 1939 in time for the opening of the season in late spring. In 1946 the Turf Club purchased the lake and most of the properties surrounding the lake including the Arrowhead Lodge. The lodge was torn down in 1976 to be replaced by the hotel now called the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa.