The first time I recollect passing through Beaver Dam was during July 1947, when our family was moving from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Brigham City, Utah; however, I have no recollection of the Lodge and/or the small store as I was 9 years old at the time, and not paying much attention.

On a number of occasions during the mid-1960s while driving between St. George and Las Vegas via Hwy 91, I stopped at the small store [just north of the Lodge on same side of Hwy 91, just off the highway next to a really large old tree], and chatted with the then really elderly man – store owner/operator.  As I recall, he had lived in Beaver Dam for many, many years --- and personally knew the history of the Lodge --- which by the time I was stopping to chat --- Lodge had been abandoned for some years and was basically in shambles; also having sustained lot of damage due to extensive theft and/or destruction by vandals.  Over the years, after the small store was gone --- I stopped a number of times at the abandoned and in shambles Lodge, with filled-in rectangular swimming pool just outside/behind the Lodge check-in/dining room area.  Walking through the Lodge, I enjoyed imagining what the Lodge was like in its hey-day.

In addition to the two-story wing of rooms; in what had been the check-in/dining room area --- stood an old combination, on wheels safe.  Unfortunately I never took photos of safe or Lodge.

On one occasion during the late-1960s while walking through the Lodge, I rescued a 16” x 11 1/2” sign which was laying on floor next to the swinging doors into the Kitchen and covered with heavy layer of dust --- “Kitchen EMPLOYEES ONLY”    I still have the sign – in the same condition as when sign was rescued.

During 1970-1972 the Lodge was still in shambles as I recall stopping a couple of times and walking through the Lodge with my wife whom I married in Sydney, Australia during April 1970.

Must have been sometime during fall of 1998 when I stopped at the Lodge and chatted briefly with the Manager of the Pro Golf Shop located in what was originally the check-in dining room area.  I inquired about the old combination rolling safe.  The Manager said the safe was out in the kitchen area.  I asked if he would show me the safe, however, for whatever reason – he declined my request.

Wish I could provide detailed information about Beaver Dam history.  My current focus is on locating the history of the Beaver Dam Lodge [i.e. when constructed; what it was like in its hey-day; when/why abandoned; when rebuilt].

Thanks for the brief online Beaver Dam description and two early pictures.  Looking forward to hearing from you.

Regards,

Duane Dahlem

If anyone has information about the history of Beaver Dam or anything that you think would be of interest, please email me with info and pictures that you may have.  Also any links where I can download information.  Thank you.

Send to monty@beaverdamaz.com