2009 finds the Loon Lodge celebrating its 100th year Anniversary.
1909
This grand old lodge, now known as “The Loon Lodge Inn” was built as a family camp by Adolph Ludeke. This was the era when grand hotels lined the shores of Rangeley Lake, and the railroads transported families here for summer vacations from all over New England, New York and New Jersey.
1923
The Lodge was sold to the Smith family. The Smiths had seven children. One of their children, Jo Davenport and their granddaughter Doris Cleland, sat with us for tea and reminisced about their life here at the Lodge. How excited they were when traveling in from Long Island to stay for the summer. This beautiful log home was lovingly known as the Smith family camp for many years.

1952
The Davis’ purchased it and opened it for lodging and dining. They named the lodge “The Davis Lodge”. This was the first year the lodge was opened to the public.

1966
Guy Gannett (Gannett Publishing) purchased the lodge. He used it as a vacation retreat for his employees and visiting business guests. In 1971 he sold it to his son-in-law, Richard Arnzen. Chip Williams (Guy Gannett’s grandson) sat with us and shared some of his memories regarding the wonderful times spent at the lodge.

1973
Chester and Burdys Page purchased the lodge and renamed it the Rangeley Lake Lodge. They added the pub in 1976 which was managed by Kenny Beaton. The Lodge became a favorite place for the locals.

1980
The new owners, Joyce Martin and Fred Slater changed the name of the lodge back to Davis Lodge. It was a wonderful place to dine. They related to us how winters were hard on the lodge, which was built on post and pad and that it would tilt backward from the frost heaves lifting the front. Still they kept the lodge open to guests.

1984
The Prescott family became the owners of the lodge.   Searching for an appropriate name it happened that two families of loons would gather each morning in front of the lodge in a territorial fishing ritual. It became apparent that the best name for the lodge would be “The Loon Lodge” and the small cabin on property to be named “Mookwa” meaning “Little Loon” in Algonquin.  The Lodge required lots of tender loving care to repair and they made many renovations in their tenure.  They rented the lodge out not as an Inn but as a home to many families for all occassions and couples seeking the perfect wedding destination.

1998
The “Lodge” found new owners with the Philbricks of Bald Mountain Camps. They ran it for 2 years, reopening the dining room to the public.

2000
Winter Knight became owner. The biggest change came to the lodge when in 2001,  a foundation was put under the lodge. 2003 the doors closed and the lodge again was put up for sale.

2006
The current ownership and management team  have worked to maintain and bring the lodge back to its glory days… This old lodge has come back to life.

(We believe we have the chronological history correct. We invite and welcome any additions to this history you may be able to offer.)

Below is a sampling of photos of Loon Lodge over the years. If you have photos of Loon lodge that you’d like to share, we’d love to see them!