Oakwood Hotel

David Greenway started the hotel industry in Dartford in 1867 when he built the first summer resort west of Niagara Falls. David Greenway purchased 35 acres of land on Oakwood Point in the town of Brooklyn in 1866 that included 2000 feet of lake frontage.

The original resort building could accommodate 75 guests, and the first summer brought more people than the building could accommodate. The main building was one large building with three stories, and an annex was added later. The first floor was surrounded by a large veranda and spacious walks for promenading. The dining room, kitchen, and gas plant were all located on the first floor. The second floor had an office, a barbershop, parlors and family rooms. The third floor was occupied by guests.

Cottages were added along the lakeshore that made it possible to entertain 300 guests. At one time there was an amusement hall, a pavilion on the lake, flower and vegetable gardens, servant quarters, a laundry and stables with excellent riding horses.  The hotel produced all of its own vegetables on the grounds, and the original asparagus roots are still producing fine asparagus.

By 1904 around 480 guests were housed in the hotel, the annex and 10 main cottages. David Greenway operated the Oakwood until 1890 when he retired to a large house adjacent to the Oakwood grounds. He died on Dartford in 1905. David Greenway’s retirement house survived and sits on the corner of Illinois Avenue and Lake Street. Today you can book a stay at the Greenway House Bed & Breakfast and enjoy the splendors of Green Lake.

There were many operators of this fine resort through the years, until 1929, when Mr. Ivan Strauss closed the resort and razed the main building. The property was divided into small lots and many of the cottages were moved to Lake Street where some still stand today. The large Oakwood Lodge lasted until 2012, when it was decided that it was too far gone to be saved.

Heritage History of Green Lake p115
Ripon Commonwealth 01/10/2012