The Barron Lake Association, in conjunction with the Howard Township’s sesquicentennial celebration in 1984, commissioned the creation of commemorative plates featuring landmarks on the lake.
The first plate, created in 1984, was that of the Hunter Brothers Ice House, built 1898 by Henry and Lemont Hunter on the north shore of the lake. Ice harvesting from Barron Lake was the first industry in Howard Township, continuing for 25 years.
The second plate, created in 1985, was of Reid’s Hotel, which was constructed on the east shore of the lake. The main structure was built before the Civil War and featured a southeast wing added in 1902.
The popular summer resort was razed in 1949, and became home to Kugler’s Beach, a new popular summer spot, offering great water fun and concessions. Kugler’s closed in the late 1990s and shortly thereafter four homes were built on the land.
The third plate, created in 1986, featured the Michigan Air Line Railroad, which started passenger train service in 1871 from Niles to Barron Lake for 8 cents. The Barron Lake station was near the old Barron Lake Grocery store on Barron Lake Road.
There also was a second station (Kennedy’s) near Huntly Road and Dick Street. The train line began service in 1870 from Niles to South Bend. In 1916, the Michigan Air Line Railroad merged with the Michigan Central and ceased to exist as an independent company.
The fourth plate, created in 1987, depicted an illustration of Kennedy’s Point in 1930, home to the first dance hall on Barron Lake. The structure was converted to a roller rink in the 1940s, then it became Beachcombers, and now a personal residence.
The fifth and final plate in this series, created in 1988, features the Avalon Ballroom, which was built in the 1930s by the William Stubbs family. It was converted to the Oasis Lounge and Tri-Sport Enterprises along Lake Shore Drive, across from K & G Marine. The site also previously was home to the Brady Grocery Store, The Swinging Door Lounge and Vernetta’s Hair Salon.
