History of the Lake Rabun Association

The 1920s 

The Lake Rabun Association, Inc. was chartered on 25 October 1928 as a succeeding organization to the “Lakemont Boat Club.”  The list of charter members read like Atlanta’s Who’s Who of the 1920’s.

An organizational meeting was held on 15 November 1928 with Mr. Rutherford Lipscomb elected the first President.  The by-laws set the annual dues at $10.00.  Annual meetings were the third Tuesday in May.  Records indicate a meeting was held in May of 1929.  No other records are found so it is believed the original LRA became inactive thereafter, possibly due to the Great Depression.

The 1970s

The predecessor to our current Lake Rabun Association was formed as a non-profit corporation on 4 September 1970.  The initial Board of Directors were John W. Lundeen, Jr., Ira Longino and Jack King.  The first President was John Lundeen elected for the term year 1971 – 1972.

In 1972, the Lake Rabun Association, Norwood Griffin and Stuart Witham, cooperating with the Clayton United Methodist Church started the Sunday morning “Boat Church.”  Rev. Hal Brady was the first “Boat Church” pastor.

The initial years of the LRA had “security” as the primary concern of the leadership.  The annual meetings also provided an opportunity for the approximately 100 members to become better acquainted.   During 1973-74, Fred Stewart started his Mountain Patrol providing not only security but also emergency and total assistance service to Lake Residents.  In 1975, the LRA membership had grown to 110 plus, remaining at this level for a few years as more houses were built on the

lake.  President Jimmy Dunlap published the first LRA map.  In 1977, under the leadership of President Coley Evans, LRA members began to receive a subscription to the Clayton Tribune.

Beginning in 1978, it became evident that most of the membership wanted more “activities,” in addition to the continued purposes of protection and being a collective voice in Rabun County.  President Stan Ashley organized the first annual “Roadside Cleanup.”  Lib Kennedy started the “Ladies of the Lake” Bible class.  The LRA provided clogging lessons.  Vice-President Ray Warren organized and led the first annual “Wooden Boat Regatta.”  The first annual “Thanksgiving Gathering” was held at the Warren’s.  LRA member Gene Cofer found a copy of the 1926 Annual report of the Georgia Power and Railroad Company giving the history of the building of the chain of hydropower lakes on the Tugalo River, in his Mother’s library.  John Lundeen and Ray Warren, working together, had exact duplicates reproduced for all LRA members.

The 1980s

During 1980-1981, under President Ray Warren, the LRA identification “Plaques” were first provided to members and the first LRA tee shirts were sold.  A LRA bulletin board, built by Dale Herndon, was installed at Hall’s Boat House.  Doris Warren suggested a “flea market” to raise funds in support of the Lakemont-Wiley Volunteer Fire Department.  The first annual Flea Market led by Winnie Brown was held during the summer of 1981 and netted $1,692.00.  On the 4th of July, the first annual fireworks display began.  Membership had grown to 170 plus.

In 1982 and 1983, President Ralph Williams and President Charles Arp, found new challenges in the potential encroachment of “commercialism” on the Lake.  The LRA took legal action against a lake property owner desiring to change a building to a multi unit rental lodge.  Even though LRA lost the case, a message was sent to all that the LRA would oppose any further commercial activity on the Lake.

LRA membership continued to grow reaching 200 plus in 1982, as more Lake residents recognized the advantages of the LRA sponsored activities and the LRA community protection and preservation efforts.  When a further commercial threat to the lake occurred in 1983, President Charles Arp organized Hall’s Boat House, Inc., with the help of past President Stan Ashley and 18 other LRA investors, to rebuild and operate the Marina.  The rebuilt Marina opened in 1983.

President Dale Herndon organized the Young Peoples Auxiliary in 1983 and began Saturday Night Bingo.  In 1984, the perimeter road on the backside of the Lake was completed through a joint effort with Rabun County and Georgia Power.  More Lake front lots were leases and more homes built.  LRA membership soon exceeded 250.

Presidents Dale Herndon, Buz Stone and Denny Webb were confronted with new multifamily commercial rezoning attempts during 1984-86, which required full LRA membership and monetary support to fight and win.  This proved again, the continuing need for a strong Association and emphasizing the need to continue a positive visible community citizen relationship to Rabun County.  A Boat Church boathouse was completed in 1984 and the first fireboat was active on the Lake in 1985.

In 1986, President Pete Halter suggested and past President Buz Stone established the LRA Foundation, now known as the Lake Rabun Fund.  The first college assistance scholarship was presented in 1987.  The first Annual LRA Golf Tournament benefiting the Lake Rabun Fund was held the same year.  Currently, the Lake Rabun Fund is a donor-directed fund held as part of the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, and is designated as the “CF – Lake Rabun Fund.”

Gay Davidson organized the first ladies “Lake Brunch” later known as “Lunch Bunch” in 1988.  The Thanksgiving Gathering moved to Glen Ella Springs hosted by Barrie and Bobby Aycock.  A $50,000 “Contingency Fund” to fund future Lake protection efforts was established the same year.

The 1990s

President Steve Raeber faced a State of Georgia imposed reassessment of Lake property values for taxes by Rabun County in 1990.  Tom and Spring Asher were instrumental in the publication of the LRA Cookbook entitled “Lake Rabun Days.”  A television movie, “Decoration Day,” starring James Garner, was filmed at the Lake home of Marilyn McNeely.  Also in 1991, the first annual LRA appreciation award was implemented by Mary Evans and presented to Stuart Witham.  Norwood Griffin suggested the “Whippoorwill,” named for Stuart Witham’s Wood Boat.  Each year, a replica of the original carving by Norwood is presented to the recipient.  The award signifies appreciation for years of effort to preserve and protect the lake community.  Herta Schartle received the second “Whippoorwill” in 1992.  Winnie Brown received it in 1993, principally for her continuing great leadership of the annual Flea Market.  A full list of “Whippoorwill” Award Recipients is found on page 24 of this directory. 

Mary Evans was elected the first female President of the Association in 1990.  Under her leadership, the LRA persuaded the U.S. Forest Service to put a moratorium on “clear cutting” of forestlands near the Lake.  Elaine Hughes and Frank Smith “computerized” the LRA roster of members.  Frank Smith took this information and upgraded the LRA map.  In 1990, LRA membership exceeded 300 for the first time.   The “Best Decorated Boathouse” award was added in 1992 to the already established “Best Restored Wooden Boat” and “Best Decorated Wooden Boat” awards at the Annual July 4th Weekend Regatta.   The first annual “Tour of Homes” to benefit the Lake Rabun Fund was held in 1993.  Betty Moore began the “Lake Rabun Waves” newsletter for the Association in 1995.  Ben Noble started the first annual “Pontoon Boat Parade” in 1996 and it was a spectacular sight to behold.  In 1995, proceeds from the ever growing annual Flea Market allowed the Lakemont-Wiley Volunteer Fire Department to purchase a “state of the art” fireboat, setting a model for lake community fire and rescue services.  The Flea Market netted over $30,000 in 1996.  In 1996-1997, President Ann Webb organized the Lake Rabun Association’s 25th

Anniversary Celebration in conjunction with the Glen-Ella Springs 10th Anniversary.  Barrie and Bobby Aycock hosted the event at Glen Ella.  In 1997, the Lakemont-Wiley Volunteer Fire Department installed twenty-two standpipes in strategically marked locations covering the lake.  Several LRA members installed private standpipes as well.

As President in 1998, Barry McWhirter had a relatively quite year.  Barry formed a Preservation Committee to work with Georgia Power regarding silt build up at the ramp and general cleanup of property near and around the marina.  In September of 1998, Barry recommended the forming of a “Jet Ski committee” after numerous complaints from members and an accident in the Big Basin. 

In 1999, Betty Moore took over the Presidency and worked closely with Barry McWhirter and the standing Jet Ski committee to address the member concerns, both pro and con, regarding “Personal Watercraft” and “Water Safety” on the Lake.  A successful program was set up to support the DNR with funds for additional personnel in an effort to be visible more often on the Lake.  Also, in 1999, the Articles of Incorporation was restructured to bring the LRA into conformance with actions of the association, thereby making the Lake Rabun Association, Inc. a 501(c)(4) Social Welfare Organization.  The Lake Rabun Fund continued as a 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization.  The “Adopt-A-Highway” clean-up program began with Lake Rabun Road and has expanded to include Old Hwy. 441.  Joe Hamilton worked with the County Commissioners to get approval for the construction of a trash/recycle center off Hwy. 441 just north of Tallulah Falls.

The 21st Century

Betty faced the issues of Rabun County Property Tax Assessments and subsequent increases, as well as  Georgia Power’s decision to begin passing property taxes on to leaseholders.  Thad Warren coordinated “Bingo” nights at Hall’s Pavilion – an old tradition revived.  Nan Troutman and Steve Wright began a successful “Youth Night” program.  As the first President to serve two terms, Betty Moore continued her leadership through a peaceful year 2000.  The LRA had 491 members, a surplus of funds, and a successful new party tradition of “Pickin’ & Grinnin’ was begun at Fred’s Shed on Labor Day Weekend coordinated by Betsy Bairstow Morse.  The CF – Lake Rabun Fund expanded its philanthropy beyond worthy Rabun County Student College Scholarships.  Funds have been provided for projects such as:  F.A.I.T.H., Rabun County Humane Society, Rabun County Library, Courthouse Landscape Beautification, Lakemont-Wiley Volunteer Fire Department, the Hambidge Center for Creative Arts and Sciences and others.  Also, in 2000 the inaugural Lake Rabun/Lake Burton Golf Challenge was organized by Dave Cowan and won by Lake Rabun at Kingwood.

In 2001, President Carol Raeber worked to implement Libby Mathew’s idea of installing Memorial Plaques at Hall’s Boathouse to honor deceased members of the LRA and/or their immediate family members.

In 2002, President Alan McClure’s leadership led to many successful projects.  Noteworthy among these were the final conversion of the LRA to a 501(c)(4) corporation, begun the prior year, and Alan Price began the tradition of “Pass in Review” for the wooden boat regatta at the boat church boathouse.  In 2003, Alan Price coordinated with John King to establish the LRA website; and implemented our Scholarship Student Contact Program in conjunction with Carol Raeber.

During Dave Cowan’s presidency in 2003 – 2004 LRA was able to build up its “rainy day” fund of $50,000 one year early and a fifth annual scholarship was established for Rabun County High School graduates.  Also, DSL service was brought to the lake.

In 2004-2005, Rick Asbill, working with the Officers and Trustees, the owners of Hall’s Marina, and the Pavilion Committee, coordinated the establishment of the Pavilion Project to acquire and develop a project to build a new pavilion for use by the Rabun County community.  He also worked with John King to significantly expand the LRA website to establish ongoing interactive and up-to-date communications, by adding the Newsletter, the Membership Directory, copies of LRA Membership Meeting minutes, and a system for using email and the Website for

notifying Members of significant matters and events.  See: http:// www.lakerabun.org.

Kirk Knous' term as president proved to be a busy one dominated by the construction of the Lake Rabun Pavilion. Kirk led the Pavilion Committee in its fund raising and building activities. Lake clean up days were held insuring that Rabun would remain the most beautiful lake in North Georgia. The summer of 2006 was a fun and safe one successfully conducting all the traditional events.

Labor Day weekend of 2006 brought the grand opening of the Lake Rabun Pavilion. The first party at the Pavilion proved to be a great success with a capacity crowd.

Recent years have allowed the LRA to continue to pursue its purposes to protect the Lake community, support charitable organizations, maintain a good relationship with Rabun County and to provide fellowship among the members.

With the Pavilion construction finally complete, 2007 turned out to be a banner year on Lake Rabun. The Association, under the leadership of President Thad Warren, was able to utilize the Pavilion to enhance many of the traditional activities and establish some new ones. Thanks to the hard work of the Flea Market committee led by Jeanne Cowan and Felicia Lease, the LRA raised over $86,000.00 for local causes. In addition to all the traditional July 4th activities, Sandy O'Brian established The Rabun Ramble Road Race. Laminated Boating Safety Bulletins were provided to be posted in each member' boathouse, updated Lake Maps were printed and new LRA identification disc were distributed. In 2007 LRA had 550 members.

In 2007-2008, Bob Voyles presidency centered on broadening and further developing Lake Rabun's sense of community. He understood the importance of our local merchants to be vibrant and successful. The merchants supply both unique and resourceful items for us in their historic Lakemont storefronts and hotels. Bob also contributed to our Lake community by instituting the Beach Music Weekend. This blossoming tradition on the first weekend of August brought all ages together-dancing and singing enjoying yet another glorious night on Lake Rabun.