Looking past the White Lake Yacht Club docks at the May 25, 2008 sunrise over White Lake.
The WLYC is housed in a beautiful building just inside of and south of the White Lake channel. My understanding is that it has been there for over 100 years. For a little more background, here is the text from the club’s state historic marker:
By 1897 most of White Lake’s bustleing sawmills had given way to small hotels. Promoters advertised the area’s cool temperatures as a relief from the summer heat of cities and drew thousands of people to the area, many from Chicago.
During the winter of 1902 – 1903 the White Lake Yacht Club formed. The club hired Chicago architect Robert Rae, Jr. to design the clubhouse which opened in 1906 with a large ballroom and bays for boats.
By 1922 summer tourists were traveling more by car than boat, and golf surpassed sailing in popularity. The White Lake Yacht Club fell into disrepair.
In 1925 Henry Sturtevant saved the building, mostly with his own funds, and Clarence Pitkin brought national power boat races to White Lake. Interest revived and the club reopened, offering a sailing school, boat races, swimming lessens, and social events to members and their families.