By Bill Pumford, Image from ROWHS Collection
TITLE: SAN MORITZ LODGE: Over the past nearly 100 years changes in names and location have brought the popular San Moritz Lodge to its present location on the eastern shore of Lake Gregory. In the early 1920’s the Arrowhead Valley Club was formed. The term “Club” usually refers to a membership-based corporation or company that entitles members to enjoy the use of a lodge and recreational facilities. After the creation of Valley of the Moon Lake in Crestline, a lodge was built for the Arrowhead Valley Club and by 1933 it had become the Valley of the Moon Lodge, after the new corporation. In 1939 new articles of incorporation were submitted to create Club San Moritz, with some notable figures as directors: Harry Walker, Arthur T. Gregory, Walter and Beulah Overall, John Franklin, DeForest Neice and John Nordsen. The photo above is of the Club Moritz Lodge at Valley of the Moon Lake as it appeared in the early 1940’s. In August 1950 a fire destroyed the Club Moritz Lodge at Valley of the Moon. In 1951 the new Club San Moritz Lodge was constructed for about $250,000, now located on the shore of Lake Gregory. Club San Moritz at this time had 5,000 members. During the early 1950’s Club San Moritz was managed by Glenn Holland who was also instrumental in the development of Santa’s Village. During the 1950’s and 1960’s several features were added to the area near the Club San Moritz Lodge including a 1/6th scale train, an ice-skating rink, a putting green and a driving range. In 1976 the name of the lodge was shortened to San Moritz Lodge although it was still membership-based. Limited memberships were $49 per year and full memberships ran $75 per year. There was discussion of providing recreational vehicle (RV) sites for members, but nothing ever came of that idea. The Lodge is still going strong as it nears its centennial and remains a popular venue for weddings, meetings and other events.
My parents and two other couples had memberships to Club San Moritz in the 1960’s. We always had a great time with all the kids that came along. Wonderful memories were made. All of the parents are gone now and I’m 75 but, cherish the time we had together.
My parents owned a cabin on Valle Drive. I’m now 67 years old. I spent many hours in that ice rink and learned to skate from Mr. Charles Haine. I also had a lot of girlfriends with whom unfortunately I’ve lost contact. One of these girls lived year round in Crestline. I also remember going to Godwin’s Market when it was in the present-day Post Office location. My heart goes out to the family for storm destruction. I also attended a lot of Saturday night teen dances. The community was so safe at that time, I used to walk with some of these girlfriends in the dark (not many street lights) at 1:00 am. In 2021, with much reluctance, I had to sell the 2 vacant lots (lake rights) in Lake Arrowhead, and the home with adjacent lot next door in San Moritz ( the original name on the deed) about a 1/2 mile walk to the club. When I walked to the club, I always went to the gate where you called the desk on a phone and showed your membership card and they buzzed you in the gate. Then, you proceeded down some stairs that ended at at the backside of the lodge. I also remember a man named Leo, that worked at the east side drive-through gatehouse. I also have fond memories of the boathouse hamburgers made by Ken and Ethel Leroy. And the big catfish that Roland, I believe, caught and was mounted in the clubhouse lodge. The cabin ownership may be gone, but not the bygone memories. My cabin was the last bastion of once upon-a-time Swiss-style A-frame Chalets on my street. Although my cousin still resides year-round on the east side of Lake Gregory, I haven’t been by the cabin since. I’d prefer to remember that house the way it looked in the early 60’s. I guess that’s why the cliche “you can never go home” rings true. But all that remains is what lies in our hearts, minds, and soul.
My parents had a membership at the Club during the mid-50’s. We had great times there fishing, ice skating, swimming and playing in the lodge. Dinner in the Lodge was a treat. We always ate by the fish pond. My cousins and I would race around the ice rink. There were special events in the lodge for us kids too!