Cantwell's

Does anybody know what happen to Cantwell's ?
I went there as a kid in the early 70's

Brian wrote:

Does anybody know what happen to Cantwell's ?
I went there as a kid in the early 70's

I was racking my brain trying to recall the name of the place on Washington Lake that we went to swim as kids when we came up to my Aunt's house. "Cantwell's" popped into my head and I did a search. Got your question as the only hit.
If there was a 3 sided boardwalk that enclosed the swimming area, and a wooden raft out beyond that you could swim to, and I seem to recall a bar- then we are talking about the same place. Of course, I was there before you (early 60's) so it may have changed. I would love to visit the area again someday- beautiful memories.

Cantwells West Shore Lodge run by Ethel and her son Jimmy Cantwell .Some of the buildings are still standing however it is only a shell of its former glory.
I believe you would be disappointed to see it now

Aedan wrote:

<quoted text>
I was racking my brain trying to recall the name of the place on Washington Lake that we went to swim as kids when we came up to my Aunt's house. "Cantwell's" popped into my head and I did a search. Got your question as the only hit.
If there was a 3 sided boardwalk that enclosed the swimming area, and a wooden raft out beyond that you could swim to, and I seem to recall a bar- then we are talking about the same place. Of course, I was there before you (early 60's) so it may have changed. I would love to visit the area again someday- beautiful memories.

thats sounds like it

That's it. My family used to stay next store at The Yulan Hotel. I've been back to the area a few times in the past decades and I'm afraid our fond memories are about all that remains. One building still survives on Cantwell's property but the building by the waterfront that used to be filled with the sounds of screaming, happy kids is gone. The Yulan Hotel main building burned down in 1975, the bar building being turned into a private residence. The Maplecrest might still be there, having become private. And I heard this past Labor Day they tore down the old Boathouse where you could rent those yellow wooden row boats. It's amazing so many people have such fond memories of all the places there were to stay in the area and most of those places are now gone.

I used to go to Cantwell's in the early 70's also. I wouldn't want to go back. It looks better and clearer in my mind. I think I had the best kid-fun on Washington Lake I could ever have.

I just wish there were more pictures online, of Cantwell's........My family home movies disappeared into a relatives basement, never to return.

Cantwell's was a great place to swim. The horse shoe dock. and don't forget the raft that seemed like , out in the middle of the lake. When your ten years old and hanging out on the raft, you were cool. The bar was nice. Pin ball machine and ice cream behind the bar. Jimmy ( Mr. Cantwell ) was a nice man.