In 1913, the Talmadge brothers purchased the property where the lake, dam, and camp are now situated.

They used the land to graze cattle, then sold it in 1922 to the Bartlett brothers, who built the dam in 1928 (97 years ago) (1928).

They in turn sold it in 1937 to family member Guy Bartlett, who charged visitors 25¢ for admission to the property.

[5] The lake's scenery and proximity to Hollywood made it a popular filming location.

[2] The old mill house and water wheel can be seen in the Bonanza episode "Thornton's Account".