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

Cherokee Lodge

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Cherokee Lodge was built in the Fall of 1919 by Mac R. Fife, and opened on July 1, 1920, with his son R. A. Fife as proprietor. Constructed mainly of logs and wood, to harmonize with the surroundings, this beautiful summer haven would become known all over.

The three story structure was constructed in a “U” shape with frontage of 100 feet overlooking White Lake on the north side. The north wing of the lodge was 60 feet in length and the south side about 80 feet. Surrounding the entire front and north sides of the building was a screened in porch, 12 feet in width.

The first floor, or main floor, contained a spacious dining room at the south, 40x60 feet, which could accommodate 300 people. At the rear of the dining room was the 22x24 foot kitchen. At the north was a 40x60 living room/lounging room, which included two card rooms and a huge fireplace. Between the dining room and living room was the 20x32 foot lobby/reception area, with the entrance and main stairway.

The second and third floors were the sleeping quarters. There were seventy-four rooms, 10x12 feet, equipped with both hot and cold running water. The hotel also contained five separate bathrooms and five separate lavatories for the convenience of the guests.

During the years of ownership, the Fifes kept pace with changing conditions and modernized the lodge to fit the demands of their trade. They had just recently added several new baths, installed additional sleeping conveniences, as well as did some remodeling and redecorating in preparation for opening the Lodge for the summer on June 10, 1940. However, on June 2, 1940, the Cherokee Lodge was completely destroyed by fire. It was never rebuilt.

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