Summer Attractions

The great reservoir brought many people to see it, so it was inevitable that plans would be made for a resort at the edge of the lake where people would spend their summer vacations.

The sons of pioneer Howard Sebree made this possible. Walter Sebree took over...

...the Caldwell Traction Company whose lines had already been laid to the lake by the Bureau of Reclamation to haul construction material to the lake. Walter electrified the system.

You could purchase a ticket on the trolley goof for 20 rides between Caldwell and Lake Lowell. The cost: $3.00.

By 1913 Charles Sebree had begun the building of a resort on the lake front that he said would be the most delightful resort between Salt Lake City and Portland.

The pavilion built at the edge of the lake, was an impressive building. It was oblong with windows on all sides and a roof that reminded one of a Japanese pagoda. there was a cupola on top with a U.S. flag. 

A large deck extended out over the water (see Pavilion Waterfront). It was said that on summer nights the pavilion and deck were very beautiful when the moon shone on them with the lake water sparkling in the background. When Sebree started the recreation area, he also dug a pit and kept two bears there for added attraction (see Bears). 

Paul Evans remembered the resort through the eyes of a young boy. He remembered the galvanized row boats and gasoline launch, "The Doris", which took people sight-seeing on the lake.

Many social events occured at the Pavilion such as the one in October, 1917 as printed in the Caldwell newspaper:

"An estimated crowd of more than 250 people Monday evening enjoyed the benefit dance staged at the Lake Lowell Pavilion by the Musicians Union of Caldwell and Nampa. Proceeds amounted to $110.00, and almost the entire amount will go into the treasury of the Caldwell Red Cross Chapter. Failure of the lightning system for about half an hour was the only incident to mar the ball. This interfered little with the dancers [...]. Music for the event was furnished by the Caldwell Municipal Band (see Coronet Band), the players having donated their services and arranged the event." [For some years the Caldwell Municipal Bank also served as the Idaho State Band, in 1905 they represented that State at the Lewis and Clark Exposition in Portland.]

Despite these attractions the resort was never fully developed. The pavilion was moved in 1928 down South Indiana Avenue to the corner of Liden and Indiana to form the foundation of the 7th Day Adventist Church. It is now apartment housing.