By Susan Thompson | Lake Panorama Times

For more than 13 years, from the spring of 1970 through December 1983, Lake Panorama Association members enjoyed the use of the West Lodge. The focus of this story is how this building and nearby swimming pool came to be, how it was used, and what led to its sale. 

 

But first, some Lake Panorama history 

Frequent flooding of Guthrie County land along the Middle Raccoon River was a problem for decades. In December 1931, the Lions clubs of Guthrie Center and Panora started discussions about the possibility of a lake near Panora. 

In 1938, flooding north of Panora restarted those discussions. An article in the Guthrie County Vedette included a photo and banner headline. “A lake for Guthrie County that would cover a thousand acres and would be approximately 5 miles long and two and one-half miles wide is entirely a possibility,” the story stated. 

Less than two months later, World War II brought an end to discussions of a lake in Guthrie County. It was the early 1960s before the topic officially surfaced again. 

In July 1961, the Panora Commercial Club invited members to a meeting on Aug. 3, 1961. It was the first of several public meetings held across the county to provide information about a potential lake project. 

The main speaker was Louie O. Hansen, Guthrie County Extension director. Concerned about the county’s loss of farmers and jobs, plus a declining tax base, Hansen has long been recognized as the visionary behind the project. 

In the fall of 1961, Hansen and two others formed the Guthrie County Lake Development Corporation. Hansen was joined by Frank Miller and Wayne Andrews, both of Atlantic. Andrews was a roofing contractor; Miller was a radio station operator.

On June 25, 1965, articles of incorporation were filed with the Iowa Secretary of State for the Mid-Iowa Lakes Corporation. The four incorporators were Andrews, Miller, Hansen and John Donahey, a Panora attorney who had been providing legal assistance to the first development group.

At the first Mid-Iowa Lakes board meeting, these four men transferred the assets of their company to Mid-Iowa Lakes. These consisted of options acquired over the past four years to buy about 6,500 acres of land, feasibility reports, maps and charts. 

In early 1967, Mid-Iowa Lakes started purchasing some of the land it held options on along the Raccoon River. In August 1967, the Iowa Natural Resources Council approved plans for the construction, operation and maintenance of a dam on the Middle Raccoon River north of Panora. On Jan. 10, 1969, the Council granted Mid-Iowa Lakes a permit to store water for recreational purposes. Securing this permit was one of the conditions that had to be met after approval of the dam two years earlier.

Expenses were mounting, and the sale of Mid-Iowa Lakes stock was lagging well behind expectations. Stock sales had been touted as the funding source for the dam. Engineering and design work needed to be completed. Lots needed to be surveyed, cleared and sold. 

Some board members visited private lakes in Indiana and Illinois, which led to discussions about partnering with a company that had experience in private lake developments. 

A special meeting of the Mid-Iowa Lakes board was called for Oct. 17, 1967. At that meeting, the board finalized a management contract with American Lakes and Land Co. (ALLCO) of Memphis, Tennessee. ALLCO’s main task was to get lot sales started, while assisting in the overall development of the project. 

The first lot was sold Oct. 28, 1967, to Louie Hansen, described in a Mid-Iowa Lakes newsletter as “the man who dreamed up the whole lake idea in the first place.” In the first 11 days, 98 lots were sold. By late December, in the first 61 days since ALLCO was retained, lot sales brought in $706,643.

 

A clubhouse of Swiss Chalet design

In early 1968, a letter to shareholders said the corporation had “determined additional facilities such as a clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis courts, beaches, boat docks, playgrounds, etc. be furnished and lot owners be permitted to participate in these additional facilities through membership in a property owner’s association.”

This was the first formal mention of what later in the year became the Lake Panorama Association. Mid-Iowa Lakes had already set an annual membership fee of $50 and was including this in sales contracts.  

Mid-Iowa produced four-page newsletters from 1968 through 1970. The front page of the July 1968 newsletter featured a drawing of the Lodge and a lengthy story about its design and planned amenities. 

“Work is underway on the recreation complex area located on the west side of Lake Panorama. Property owners and their guests were considered carefully as plans for this area were being drawn up. The clubhouse is the first to be built on the property. A second clubhouse or lodge will be built on the east side of the lake adjacent to the main beach and 18-hole golf course. While our ‘first’ clubhouse will not be in the country club style, it will offer ample room to entertain guests, hold private parties and serve the swimmers at the adjacent swim pool with dressing rooms, showers, and restroom facilities. 

“The two story clubhouse accurately pictured above is of Swiss Chalet design. Of frame construction throughout, it will contain approximately 6,500 square feet of space in two floors. 

“Located in the very center of the ground floor is a massive octagon shaped stone column providing two fireplaces. One fireplace fronts the lounging area which in turn faces the swimming pool and, beyond that, Lake Panorama. The other fireplace will add warmth and atmosphere to the snack bar-restaurant immediately opposite the lounge area. 

“To the rear of the lounge and snack bar are the dressing rooms and rest room facilities to serve swimmers in the pool. An outside access to the pool area is also provided. 

“In the entrance wing can be found card rooms and a meeting room, separated by a stone wall which supports the stairs leading to the second floor. The second floor is divided into two large private party rooms with double two-way service bars for convenience, plus an equally large game-recreation room for the teenage crowds. This room will have a juke box, table tennis and other games the younger set will enjoy. 

“Probably the most important details found on the second floor are the ample sized balconies at each end of the floor, which offer ground views of the lake and pool.” 

A year later, the August 1969 newsletter carried the very same headline, drawing and description of the Lodge. 

The first annual meeting of the Lake Panorama Association (LPA) was Nov. 1, 1969. Harold Castle, Mid-Iowa Lakes president, outlined progress of the lake development. Dam construction was underway. The West Lodge also was under construction, and would be the clubhouse for LPA members on the west side of the lake. 

Many of the promises made by early Lake Panorama planners finally were coming true. The dam was completed after 13 months of construction. The gate was closed June 8, 1970, and Lake Panorama filled in 30 days. 

Construction on the West Lodge wrapped up in late spring 1970. Built at a cost of $110,000, this first clubhouse was patterned after an Alpine ski lodge. The nearby heated swimming pool opened later that summer. 

The LPA office was located in the West Lodge, and monthly LPA board meetings were held there. The association was responsible for the operation of the West Lodge, even though Mid-Iowa Lakes still held the title to the building. 

There was a desire by the LPA board, based on feedback from members, to make improvements. One big project proposed was the construction of a bathhouse near the pool. But without the property deed, the board was reluctant to move forward.

 

The taxes controversy

Not only did Mid-Iowa expect the LPA to cover expenses for the building and surrounding grounds, it also wanted reimbursed for property tax payments made by the corporation. In multiple board meetings over a two-year period, the LPA board stood its ground, refusing to pay property taxes until the deed was in hand. 

At its June 16, 1974, meeting, the LPA board finally received the deed and paid Mid-Iowa $4,200 to cover taxes for the past two years. Also in 1974, the LPA moved its offices to Panora’s Main Street, to be in a larger and more centralized location for its growing membership. 

 

The West Lodge was a busy place 

Prior to the LPA’s second annual meeting in November 1970, an eight-page newsprint report to property owners was distributed. It was filled with news items, financial statements, annual operating budget and photos. Several of those were of the West Lodge, next to a written report on activity at the lodge. 

“The two party rooms at the Lodge have come through the summer’s activities with flying colors. Nearly 2,000 people have used the rooms during the period from June 20 through Oct. 31, with 55 separate reservations. Most of the groups have been sizeable, but quite a few smaller groups have been accommodated without reservations whenever possible during slack times or inclement weather. Reservations have been booked as far ahead as the second Sunday in August 1971, and our first wedding reception has been scheduled for this December.” 

The report went on to say the pool had a short season, but “demonstrated how popular it will be next summer.” 

During the months of December 1970, and January and February in 1971, the Lodge was open only on Sundays or by reservation. A reservation had to be at least four adults and no less than 10 people. There was a charge of $5 per hour after 9 p.m. 

The final paragraph about the Lodge in that 1970 report was about the snack bar. 

“The snack bar has been a busy place. It was open only on weekends this past summer, but quite possibly it will be open some during the week during the summer of 1971 to accommodate the heavy daily traffic that is anticipated with the pool and the par-3 golf course open.”  

As predicted, in 1971 the West Lodge was a busy place. The snack bar was popular, with 3,000 hamburgers served the first nine months of the year. New features added that first full year were an outdoor pop machine, electric stove, cash register, refrigerator, resuscitator, pool furniture, four card tables with chairs, 18 folding chairs, two large folding tables and parking lot lights. Soon to come were a drive-up telephone booth, floor covering upstairs and an office photocopier. 

 

Alcoholic beverages debated

One issue discussed since the West Lodge opened was whether to offer alcoholic beverages for sale. In the beginning, those using the clubhouse were allowed to bring their own. After a time, enough legal and liability concerns were raised that the LPA board put an end to the practice. 

In 1973, the topic was mentioned on the floor of the LPA annual meeting. At its first meeting of 1974, the LPA board asked staff to investigate what it would cost to provide sales of “liquor by the drink” at the Lodge. The minutes of the next meeting state there was “lengthy discussion and consideration.” Eventually there was agreement alcoholic beverages could be offered, as long as the start-up costs didn’t exceed $2,500. By the board’s March meeting, the Lodge bar was open. Gross bar sales the first weekend were $54. 

In 1976, the LPA board approved the purchase of a new Signature microwave oven for the restaurant at a cost of $325.

Shuttle service for boaters

One innovation for the summer of 1979 was the installation of a CB radio at the dock near the lodge. Boaters could use the radio to communicate with lodge personnel who were operating a shuttle service between the dock and the lodge. 

Plans for this new service were controversial with the LPA board. After discussions during three different board meetings, it was decided to try it for 12 days surrounding the Fourth of July holiday. 

A report at the July 18 board meeting showed 100 people were transported in 12 days, including July 4, with two days having 15 passengers each. The service, which was a wagon pulled by a tractor, operated 5-9 p.m. on Fridays and noon to 9 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. The board minutes reported “a record had not been kept of income generated by the extra service.” The board voted to discontinue the service immediately, although it was provided again a few weekends the following year. 

The West Lodge was both a source of community pride and a venue for fun and entertainment. In the early days of Lake Panorama, it gave residents a place to socialize and get to know their neighbors. It also gave potential buyers the opportunity to imagine their family and friends enjoying what the lodge had to offer. 

 

Wet bathing suits

The heated pool at the West Lodge was popular with members and guests. A big drawback was the only restroom facilities available were in the lodge, which wasn’t designed to handle crowds in swimsuits. 

A regular column written by LPA staff titled “News for Panorama Property Owners” published in the Aug. 1, 1974, Guthrie County Vedette, had this to say. 

“The number of people coming through the Lodge with wet bathing suits without even bothering to dry themselves at all, is increasing, with little thought for the consequences of sitting on the furniture in such wet condition. We request that all swimmers with wet bathing suits use the North Door to the Lodge for entry. This is the door back by the rest rooms.” 

 

Food sales

Hours of operation of the snack bar and restaurant varied by the season. An undated menu found in LPA files shows, for at least one year, breakfast was available. The most expensive item on the menu was two eggs made to order, with choice of bacon, ham or sausage, plus toast and coffee for $1.65. A cheese omelet was 85 cents, with pancakes and French toast each 55 cents. 

On Sundays, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., a special entrée was served weekly, along with potatoes, two vegetables, choice of two salads, hot roll, coffee or small soft drink and a dessert for $2.75. Another dinner option was chicken or shrimp basket with fries and Texas toast for $1.95. A variety of sandwiches, salads, pizza and sides rounded out the menu. 

Sales of Lake Panorama lots began on the west side near the dam and continued northwest to the area where the West Lodge was built. As the lake development continued to grow, more lots were being sold and houses built on the east side of the lake. While the West Lodge was the center of Lake Panorama activity for many years, its use began to decline as LPA members found closer places to gather.    

 

The sale of the West Lodge

Concerns about operating losses at the West Lodge and pool were discussed at two board meetings in late 1979. At the December meeting, representatives of the Des Moines Catholic Youth Organization raised the possibility of purchasing the West Lodge. They also were interested in purchasing one lakefront lot and 14 lots near the lodge and wanted to lease 40-60 acres for five years. The package was valued at $366,000, plus annual commercial dues and assessments. 

Yet, at its January 1980 meeting, the board was told no offer was forthcoming, so they voted to list the lodge, swimming pool and tennis courts for sale, plus water access, at a price of $300,000. 

The board also decided to hold a referendum on the possible sale, and ballots were mailed to all members. Less than 500 ballots were returned, with 264 opposed and 228 in favor. 

At the September 1982 board meeting, the Des Moines Catholic Diocese presented an offer to buy the West Lodge. Pros and cons were discussed, along with whether a vote of the membership was required. It was decided the board had the right to proceed without a vote, and a counter offer was made. 

For more than four years, the LPA board had discussed selling the lodge. Despite significant efforts to increase revenues, the operation was losing $25,000 to $45,000 annually. On April 20, 1983, the LPA board voted to sell the West Lodge to St. Thomas More Catholic Youth Camp for $267,900. Three days later, the sale was announced at the association’s annual meeting. The purchase of up to 14 additional lots needed for dormitories and recreational facilities would be negotiated later. 

The facility would be used mostly for youth camping in the summer, but retreats would be held year-round. The new owner would pay $2,500 annually in commercial dues and special assessments and take possession no later than Jan. 1, 1984. 

In its final summer season as an LPA amenity, no meals or liquor were served at the Lodge. Sandwiches, soft drinks and coffee were available at the snack bar with the building open Fridays through Sundays.