Cedar Lake Town Grounds 7408 Constitution Avenue Cedar Lake, IN 46303 P.219.374.6157 |
History
The Lassen family used the unique building as a hotel until shortly after World War II. The historic building was later sold to the Lake Regions Christian Assembly for their family activities. In 1977 the 26 acre property, including the hotel, was purchased the Town of Cedar Lake from the Assembly for use as the Town Complex. When it became evident town officials were considering tearing down the decaying hotel, the Cedar Lake Historical Association, Inc. was formed and rallied to save the structure. The town then granted a 50 year lease of the building to the Association and in 1981 it was placed on the National register of Historic Places. The Association now operated the old Lassen Hotels as a Museum. Come sit on our wrap-around porch and enjoy the scenic view. Visit our past at the Lake of the Red Cedars Museum on the Shores of Cedar Lake, Indiana.
Museum Hours:
www.cedarlakehistory.org |
The Lake of the Red Cedars Museum houses many interesting exhibits of Cedar Lake and the surrounding area. Included among these are exhibits of - Prehistoric times, the iced industry which flourished in the early 1900's and several 1920's flavor in keeping with Cedar Lake's tradition as a resort destination for Chicago's high society during the Prohibition era. Take our guided tour and learn how Dr. Scholl started his famous business as a apprentice in Cedar Lake. Walk into our 1940's doctor's office to test your eyesight and find out why the operating room walls are green. View our expanding fashion collection fro an 1870's mourning gown to a 1920's flapper dress.
The Lake of the Red Cedars Museum is a 65 room, 'T' shaped building. The base of the "T" originally located on the west shore of Cedar Lake, was built in 1895 as a boarding house for Armour Bros. 'ice farmer' employees who cut and harvested ice on the lake. The top section of the "T" was build with wood barns. In 1919, Jonathon and Philip Shedd who later helped finance construction of the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. At this time, Christopher Lassen, who owned a thriving resort, purchased the boarding house and wood from the ice barn. During the winter of 1919 he moved the entire building over the frozen lake its present site on the east shore. He then remodeled it into a hotel. The Lassen resort was well known in the region for its hotel, restaurant build out over the lake, and for it dance hall with live band performances.
