The White Lake Area Historical Society will place the spotlight on the
Double JJ Ranch, and specifically the Back Forty, for its monthly
meeting Thursday, Sept. 18.
From its early beginning as a girls’ camp
where children could enjoy outdoor camping, swimming, horseback riding,
and sports (hence the name Jack and Jill of nursery rhyme fame), owner
George Storm envisioned a place where people of the same age could enjoy
an outdoor vacation and camping experience.
In 1937 the name
officially became the Jack and Jill Ranch for “young men and women ages
19 through 35”. In 1942 it was billed as “the only vacation camp of its
kind in the United States”. The Dude Ranch was highly successful,
featuring horseback riding, rodeos, canoeing, swimming, archery, and
riflery with a price that included everything for only $44.50. In the
1960s, local young men were recruited to come to the ranch to provide
companionship for gals during the dances and sing-alongs.
Fast
forward to 2024, and the Double JJ now encompasses 2,000 acres of ranch
property, and includes the Thoroughbred and Grand View golf courses, the
Gold Rush Water Park, the Sundance Saloon and Steakhouse, as well as
several other restaurants.
The meeting will look back at the early
years of the Double JJ through pictures and speakers, and members and
guests may perhaps catch a glimpse of the Electric Forest. Please join
the Historical Society at 7:00 PM, September 19 at 5900 Water Rd.,
Rothbury. Call 231-893-5545 with any questions.
