Novi in Oakland County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Built for Fun
on the Shores of Walled Lake
Photographed By Joel Seewald, January 9, 2021
1. Built for Fun on the Shores of Walled Lake Marker
A wonderful tumble of attractions grew beside Walled Lake
in the early 20th Century. The lake had been known for fishing, swimming and boating, but the development of automobiles and highways brought great numbers of mobile city dwellers seeking other entertainments. Starting in 1919, local entrepreneurs built boathouses, bathhouses, docks, cabins and campgrounds. By the mid-1920s, local life included Detroiters dancing at various music halls, powerboats on the lake, and people flying down a huge waterslide into the water. For decades, Walled Lake's popularity endured in music and dancing at Walled Lake Casino and thrill rides at Walled Lake Amusement Park.
You Auto Know
The first silent movies in the area were shown in the Cenaqua Shores Dance Pavilion in the early 1920s.
This exhibit is sponsored by the Novi Historical Commission.
Erected 2014 by MotorCities National Heritage Area, National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the MotorCities National Heritage Area series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1919.
Location. 42° 30.678′ N, 83° 28.557′ W. Marker is in Novi, Michigan, in Oakland
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Worth the Drive (within shouting distance of this marker); Walled Lake Casino (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Pavilion Shore Park (about 500 feet away); Sharing the Bounty (approx. 1.2 miles away); Walled Lake (approx. 1.4 miles away); Stonecrest (approx. 1˝ miles away); Novi's Crucial Crossing (approx. 2.1 miles away); Grand River Bridge (approx. 2.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Novi.
Photo courtesy of the City of Novi.
2. Built for Fun on the Shores of Walled Lake Marker — top left image
The beach scene at Walled Lake, 1920s.
Top: Novi Historical Commission; bottom: Tinder Collection, Clements Library, University of Michigan
3. Built for Fun on the Shores of Walled Lake Marker — bottom left images
Top: Ice boating, about 1900. Walled Lake offered quieter pleasures for local residents before automobiles brought city visitors in the early 20th century.
Bottom: Fishing on Walled Lake, about 1900.
Bottom: Fishing on Walled Lake, about 1900.
Photo courtesy of the City of Novi.
4. Built for Fun on the Shores of Walled Lake Marker — center image
Cenaqua Shores, with dancing, swimming and boat rentals, 1920s. Its large wooden slide into the water was popular, but accidents included falls and collisions with swimmers.
The Tinder Collection of Michigan Photography, Clements Library, University of Michigan.
5. Built for Fun Marker on the Shores of Walled Lake — top right image
Willow Camp Cabins, 1940s. Cabins and campgrounds attracted visitors for weekend or seasonal stays.
Left: Novi Historical Commission; right: Tinder Collection, Clements Library, University of Michigan
6. Built for Fun Marker
Left: Lakeside attractions developed along the south end of the lake.
Right: One of the original dance halls in Walled Lake was remodeled and opened in 1923 as the Casino Shore Dance Pavilion and Bath House.
Right: One of the original dance halls in Walled Lake was remodeled and opened in 1923 as the Casino Shore Dance Pavilion and Bath House.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, January 9, 2021
7. Built for Fun on the Shores of Walled Lake Marker
View looking to the east along the Walled Lake shoreline towards East Lake Drive.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, January 9, 2021
8. Pavilion Shore Park Sign
Marker is in Pavilion Shore Park.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 14, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 11, 2021, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 232 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on January 11, 2021, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
