Klingaman’s Grocery and Roooms will be the topic of the Aug. 10 Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum’s next Centennial program. Shown is a postcard showing Klingaman’s Landing on Lake Wawaee. Photo provided by Ann Garceau.

News Release

SYRACUSE — Join other history buffs in the lakes area for part 2 of the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum’s summer Centennial series on the east end of Lake Wawasee at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, at the Syracuse Community Center, 1013 N. Long Drive.

Ross Heil will be presenting much first-hand information on Heil’s Haven, formerly Klingaman’s Store. Ann Garceau will round out the program as she discovers Centennial Homes on Cottingham Beach. She has found one that has a log cabin within its walls, more than likely built by her great uncle! Researching this presentation has been exciting for Heil and Garceau with the family connections, including talking with the Klingaman family.

A particularly helpful research tool is available to the public through Hoosier State Chronicles on the Internet. The Syracuse newspapers are searchable from the late 1800s through 1990.

Here’s a short excerpt from the June 29, 1922, issue of The Syracuse and Lake Wawasee Journal which includes an article detailing a house-to-house canvas of residences in the Buttermilk Point — Cottingham Beach area. “Ike Klingaman resided on lot No. 25 (now pier 355) all year and ran a grocery store. It was there the reporter secured much of the cottage owner information, as so few people were there for more than week ends.

”There is a path in front of the cottages and the wide lawns down to the lake are all well-kept. No. 26 (pier 354) — The Amusement Park is owned by W. C. Johnson. It is leased by C. Saidla of Rensselaer. The principal attractions are dancing every night except Monday. The large launch which leaves the pier every night at 6:30 except Monday, with the Universal Entertainers on board. There are guinea pigs and a very interesting monkey. Chicken dinners are served by Mrs. Saidla every Sunday and whenever ordered.
“No. 27 (pier 352) — Just beyond the amusement park, A. J. Rollert of Chicago and Wawasee is building a beautiful large home, ninety feet long. There are two entrances 160 feet apart, built of stone with iron gates. It will be several months before the home is completed.”

Using research tools like this, Heil and Garceau will do their best to tie together the history of the east end of Lake Wawasee.