There appears to be possibly three vessels powered by steam that at one time plied the waters of Orchard Lake. The first and perhaps most prominent was the Pride of the Lake, owned by A. F. Armstrong & Company of Pontiac. Her capacity was variously reported from 100 to a maximum of 150 passengers. The fare was twenty-five cents per person. The others were the Little Beauty, a rival of the Pride of the Lake, and the Dell, of which little is known. Excerpt from Song of the Heron by Charles Martinez.
Interlaken Hotel Postcard with Swing
Object ID: 2003-002-012
Date: 1906
Collection: Hotels, Pine Lake, PostcardSubjects: Hotel, postcard
A postcard showing the Interlaken Hotel on Pine Lake, with a swing on the lawn. The handwritten text reads: Thanks for your card. This is an inn at Pine Lake, a favorite summer resort near here. Can’t use anything, best view side here yet.
Interlaken Hotel Postcard, Front View
Object ID: 2003-002-007
Date: 1910
Collection: Hotels, Pine Lake, PostcardSubjects: Hotel, postcard
A postcard showing the front of the Interlaken Hotel on Pine Lake. A person riding a horse is seen in front of the hotel.
“The first floor was composed of a large hall with old-fashioned fireplace, a dining room that would seat 110 people, and a billiard room. Behind the dining room was the kitchen, a pantry, storeroom, and a refrigerator vault. A ladies’ parlor, smoking room, card room, and office facilities were also contained on this level. The second floor had twenty-two bedrooms, and the third another eight with five servants’ rooms. The interior was illuminated by 117 gas jets fed from a compound gas machine stored in a shed at the rear of the clubhouse.” Song of the Heron: Reflections on the History of West Bloomfield by Charles Martinez