The Historic Old Schoolhouse in Loon Lake, WA opened to the public on May 7 and will be open on Saturdays from 10-2 through the end of summer.

Did you know the Great Northern Railroad bought ice that was harvested from Loon Lake, circa 1905-1917 or that one of the resorts on Loon Lake celebrated their 100th year and is still owned by the same family?

This summer, the theme for the museum is “Life at the Lake.” There will be displays, photos and historical items of the known resorts on Loon Lake throughout time, fishing and boating stories, and an exhibit featuring ice harvesting on Loon Lake. A 100-year-old family canoe, donated by Susan Richardson, is the centerpiece for the Resorts Exhibit created by Kate Robbins and Patty Hytien. Kate and Patty grew up on Loon Lake with their parents who owned Robbins Cottages. They are researching the resorts and seek help with information, photos and stories — mainly for Shore Acres, Elvigan’s Landing and Cedar Beau Bay (owners, dates, buildings, etc). Contact the Historical Society at LLhistorical@gmail.com or leave a message at 509-233-2222.

The museum is a work in progress as volunteers add new information and rotate exhibits from time to time. If you would like to help with any aspect of this, such as genealogy, researching, making a simple photo history board or a comprehensive display, contact the Loon Lake Historical Society.

The historical society’s popular gift shop is also back with souvenirs available for young and old. Many unique and interesting items have been ordered and will be for sale throughout the summer. Drop in and see what’s new.

Visitors can also browse the history and research room; the “old school room” is complete with the original desks. You can research local history of the railroad’s arrival in 1889, the families that settled here, started businesses or developed the land, taught in the school, or worked for the railroad. The featured display in this room is the brickyard and terra cotta manufacturing plant in nearby Clayton, in operation from the late 1800s to the mid 1900s.

Come spend some time this summer at the Old Schoolhouse — you will be surprised at the information we have. The reason we have what we have is because people have shared their history, stories, memories and photos with us. We thank them and their families. We would like your stories too. It doesn’t matter if you are the fourth generation to have ties here or recently moved here, history is now, not just a hundred years ago.
There is no admission charge. Donations are welcome to help maintain our historic building.

Loon Lake Historical Society is located at 4000 Colville Rd, PO Box 26, Loon Lake, WA 99148. You can leave a message at 509-233-2222, email LLhistorical@gmail.com or visit their website at LoonLakeHistoricalSociety.com.