The History of Lake Buchanan / Inks Lake
Chamber of Commerce
As the need increased to promote tourism in the Highland Lakes,
the chamber was formed in 1958 and the name would be Lake Buchanan / Inks Lake
Chamber of Commerce.
Struggling as all new organizations do, the chamber
felt that more people would visit and enjoy the beautiful Hill Country if they
only knew about it and came for a visit.
Early in 1963, with the idea to get
surrounding communities involved, the participation in the first Highland Lakes
Festival became a reality - this was in conjunction with the first AQUA FEST.
During this time, the chamber worked with local artists to share their talents.
Today, they have their own gallery to show with all who come, pictures of the
Hill Country. On that first day of the festival 1963, the chamber members along
with the local Lions Club inaugurated the big show with canoe races from Lake
Buchanan to the City of Austin, over 5 dams with portages of canoes from lake to
lake. The BOY SCOUTS were recruited for this race. The LIONS CLUB served
breakfast to all.
As with all organizations, time would see the chamber
experience ups and downs- some of this depending on lake levels, economy, and
strength of leadership.
In 1985 the greatest boost for the chamber came in
the form of a new location. The Observation Point Building located at the dam
became the Chambers new home, a very attractive focal point for activities and a
magnificent view of the lake. The LCRA would be assisting the chamber in
creating a museum depicting the rich historical background of the Lake Buchanan
Area.
As time would have it, the chamber would once again be relocated, and
not the great building it once had, but LCRA had purposed a smaller building,
but still close to the dam, with wonderful assts for up close views of the dam.
The Chamber still flourished here because of visitors wanting to view the dam,
(the most frequent request from visitors).
Fate and 9/11 would take cause the
closing of our location to the dam.
Since that time, we have been struggling
as a chamber. The location we could afford was not that visible and was far from
a view of the dam. However, we did not give up on the idea that visitors to the
area would still like to stop in and visit at a new location.
In June 2011,
this became a reality when we, hopefully for the last time, settled in on a hill
just across the Inks Bridge with a wonderful view of the dam. We have room to
expand and hopefully replace some of the museum information. The LCRA archives
are being helpful in trying to locate pieces from the old museum and sharing
pictures for our visitors to view. While fishing, lodging, and boating are
important questions from our visitors the history of and access to our lake is
still the most asked questions.
Those of us as directors today feel we have
a new lease on life with this new location. The visitor count at the new
location has surprised even those of us who expected it to make a
difference!
We have a large deck/picnic area with a view of the dam once
more. This coming year we hope to upgrade to ADA Standards! We
welcome all to come and visit while they are passing through! We love
visitors!
the chamber was formed in 1958 and the name would be Lake Buchanan / Inks Lake
Chamber of Commerce.
Struggling as all new organizations do, the chamber
felt that more people would visit and enjoy the beautiful Hill Country if they
only knew about it and came for a visit.
Early in 1963, with the idea to get
surrounding communities involved, the participation in the first Highland Lakes
Festival became a reality - this was in conjunction with the first AQUA FEST.
During this time, the chamber worked with local artists to share their talents.
Today, they have their own gallery to show with all who come, pictures of the
Hill Country. On that first day of the festival 1963, the chamber members along
with the local Lions Club inaugurated the big show with canoe races from Lake
Buchanan to the City of Austin, over 5 dams with portages of canoes from lake to
lake. The BOY SCOUTS were recruited for this race. The LIONS CLUB served
breakfast to all.
As with all organizations, time would see the chamber
experience ups and downs- some of this depending on lake levels, economy, and
strength of leadership.
In 1985 the greatest boost for the chamber came in
the form of a new location. The Observation Point Building located at the dam
became the Chambers new home, a very attractive focal point for activities and a
magnificent view of the lake. The LCRA would be assisting the chamber in
creating a museum depicting the rich historical background of the Lake Buchanan
Area.
As time would have it, the chamber would once again be relocated, and
not the great building it once had, but LCRA had purposed a smaller building,
but still close to the dam, with wonderful assts for up close views of the dam.
The Chamber still flourished here because of visitors wanting to view the dam,
(the most frequent request from visitors).
Fate and 9/11 would take cause the
closing of our location to the dam.
Since that time, we have been struggling
as a chamber. The location we could afford was not that visible and was far from
a view of the dam. However, we did not give up on the idea that visitors to the
area would still like to stop in and visit at a new location.
In June 2011,
this became a reality when we, hopefully for the last time, settled in on a hill
just across the Inks Bridge with a wonderful view of the dam. We have room to
expand and hopefully replace some of the museum information. The LCRA archives
are being helpful in trying to locate pieces from the old museum and sharing
pictures for our visitors to view. While fishing, lodging, and boating are
important questions from our visitors the history of and access to our lake is
still the most asked questions.
Those of us as directors today feel we have
a new lease on life with this new location. The visitor count at the new
location has surprised even those of us who expected it to make a
difference!
We have a large deck/picnic area with a view of the dam once
more. This coming year we hope to upgrade to ADA Standards! We
welcome all to come and visit while they are passing through! We love
visitors!
