“Legends of Paw Paw Lake” July 19

July 11, 2011 – Coloma, MI – The public is invited to a free slide show presentation called “Legends of Paw Paw Lake,” on Tuesday, July 19 at 7:00pm at the North Berrien Historical Museum. The slide show is an overview of Paw Paw Lake history, focusing on its “legends” passed down by generations of residents and local historians. Hear stories of Native Americans, 200-seat steamships, packed dance halls, and beloved resorts at the lake. Refreshments will follow the program.

In the early 20th century tens of thousands of tourists, especially Chicagoans, made their way to Paw Paw Lake each summer, aided by train service after 1896 and numerous passenger steamers. Farmhouses expanded to accommodate boarders, and large resort hotels, cottages, and other amenities were built. Early dance pavilions extended out over the water, and starting in 1925, the famed dance hall Crystal Palace hosted the most popular big band and swing musicians of the day. Local historians such as Mabel Branch Stark, Bill Beverly, and Rick Rasmussen have helped preserve the lore of Paw Paw Lake’s resort era, as have countless residents who have donated items to the collection of the North Berrien Historical Museum.

“Legends of Paw Paw Lake” will be presented by the museum’s Director of Education Tracy Gierada, and is a repeat of the July 7 program at the North Berrien Senior Center. For more information, contact the North Berrien Historical Museum at (269) 468-3330.