Long Lake’s story is one of resilience, stewardship, and generations of families who have cared deeply about this place. Understanding our history helps guide how we protect and preserve the lake today.
According to the Long Lake map first printed in the early 1930s, “Long Lake was formed by the drip from Paul Bunyan’s water barrel.”
The legend continues to say, “Originally it consisted of five principal parts connected by a narrow neck of water. In 1885, Joseph Delaney built a mill dam 100 rods south of the southern outlet, which gave the lake its present shape. The dam washed out after one day of operation and was rebuilt that winter. The flooded land was appraised at 3 cents per acre.
The timber was logged from the lake shores in 1882-1883. A tornado struck Pine Haven Area in 1885 and carried three feet of water over the ridge into the slue beyond. A fire burned this side clean in the late 1880s.”
Dating back to the early 1920s, the formation of lots on the west side of Long Lake by a Des Moines, IA, developer laid the foundation for a generational community to evolve on Long Lake. A community lodge was built early on and was the site of the Pine Haven Beach summer picnic for summer lake residents and the very few permanent residents for years. The Pine Haven Christian Assembly Church Camp on State Hwy 87 still uses the lodge.
In 1974, a more formal organization was established, with the formation of six neighborhoods spanning the entire lakeshore and its community of properties. As of 2020, there were 137 residential parcels and 457 seasonal recreational parcels for a total of 594 parcels on the lake, plus five resorts (Cedar Shores, Edgewood, New Frontier, Shady Point, and Timberlane) and one campground (Spruce Hill).
If you’re interested in preserving Long Lake’s future and continuing this legacy of stewardship, learn more about the Long Lake Area Association.
This page is dedicated to gathering and sharing our family stories of the history of Long Lake. Below are links to stories, documents, and other items from Association Members and friends.
Historical Documents & Community Memories
Stories and Memories that Cover General Information
- A History of Pine Haven Booklet (written in 1989)
- Goin’ Fishing Pamphlet 1925 or 1926 : this pamphlet advertising lots being sold on the west side of Long Lake by the Recreation Sites and Farms Company
- Gerry Budgett’s complete “100 Year History of Long Lake” (67 pages)
- East Long Lake History, by Joy Reese Derr
- Click here to Ren Holland’s website about the early resorts in Hubbard County.
Memories from 1920s through the 1940s
- First Trip to Park Rapids 1893 by Almeda Thompson
- History of the Bridge by Nancy Stover Tague
- Early memories of Pine Haven Beach on Burris Road by Barbara Curtis and Bella Sanders
- Capital Hill News “Where the North Begins” Tues July 17, 1925 by Mrs. James M. Edworthy
- Where the North Begins: 9/18/1934
- 1928 Trip to Long Lake by Barbara Curtis
- Once upon a time there was a laundromat at the south access
- 1938 Letter about maintaining cabins
- A slide show of pictures of Hamilton Island from Jim Cashman.
- An interview with Mr. Hedstrom by Dr. Scott.
- Afternoon Tea on Pine Haven Beach ~ 1935
- Letter from Ralph Livers: 1947
- Section on Resorts from Gerry Budgett’s History
- Long Lake Resorts as list in Fuller’s Tackle Shop
- History of Long Lake by Mary Freeman
- Wooters’ Long Lake History
- Tom Rice’s blog featuring lake brochures from 1930s to 1970s –
Minutes from Pine Haven Lake Shore Property Owners Association: 1950s through 1960s
Following are links to the Minutes for Pine Haven Lake Shore Property Owners Association (PHA). They owned lots on the west side of the lake.
The group was active in the 1950s through the 1960s.
- PHA minutes, 1957 (minutes from meeting in Des Moines, IA)
- PHA minutes, 1959 (minutes talking about poor fishing)
- PHA minutes, 1960 (South Access Stocking Aug. 1960)
- PHA minutes, 1962
Memories from 1950s through the 1970s
- Lake Winnie Fishing Excursions From Pine Haven Beach By Lovern Nauss
- Timberlane Lodge 70 Years Ago by Lucille M. Peterson
- Cabin Legacy by Steve Kinney –
- Document of Lot Purchase Prices
- Beginning of Long Lake Association
- History of Sam Erickson’s Family on Long Lake as told to Sharon Natzel
Continuing the Legacy
For more than a century, families, neighbors, and local leaders have shaped the story of Long Lake. Preserving its water quality, natural shoreline, and strong community spirit depends on continued stewardship and shared responsibility. By staying involved and supporting the Long Lake Area Association, today’s residents help ensure that future generations will have their own stories to tell.
