The Local History Gallery
For the White Lake Area
Website & Imaging: Jerry Grady     Research: Barb Brow

Catalpa Resort

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Several names are mentioned in connection with the history of the “Catalpas” and Catalpa Resort. Some of the dates that go with the names seem to overlap, creating a bit of confusion in the timeline.

The first names mentioned with regard to the “Catalpas” were Silas and Jane Gritzner. He was in the real estate business in Chicago and they came to Montague in 1902. They had 2 children: Olivia, born in Chicago in 1900; and a son Charles, born in Montague in 1908. The “Catalpas” was often mentioned in the local newspaper, but it seemed more as a place of personal social gatherings rather than “resort” functions. Information indicates that Silas died in Chicago in 1946 and his wife Jane died in San Diego in 1956. They are both buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in Montague. According to information in her obituary, Montague was her home from 1900 to 1928. She owned the “Catalpas” and built “Sunshine Bungalow” where they lived until going to San Diego from 1938-1956.

Around 1909, Edward Brodbeck and his wife Bertha came to Montague and opened the “Catalpas” as a resort.

In 1914, it is reported that Mrs. E. E. Blake has many guests at her resort the “Catalpas” – a popular resort in the area. In May 1919, it was reported that she had packed up her belongings to return to Chicago due to ill health.