The History of the Lake Delavan Highland Association
Discover the hidden gem of Wisconsin’s southern border with Illinois – Delavan Lake. An impressive 1,906 acres large and formed during the last glacial period, this beautiful lake is surrounded by several subdivisions for you to explore. Witness breathtaking views when you make your way to County O & South Shore Drive – home of Lake Delavan Highlands!
On January 1, 1848 an original deed to a land now known as Lake Delavan Highlands Association was issued by the United States. Originally owned by John H. Topping – then aged 42-year old and farmer-, this property drastically changed ownership hands on March 16th 1872 when Christian Dross acquired it in exchange of one dollar through a Quitclaim Deed transaction despite him being declared “a certified lunatic” living at Walworth County Poor House six months after signing for it.
William Morgan was the first in a long line of owners for Section 31, which remained farmland for over two decades. On December 22nd 1924 it changed hands – forever. Kate Thorpe sold the land to Neal T Kelly who would go on to create Lake Delavan Highlands Association, making this small piece of land part of history!
Mr. Kelly’s ambitious plan to develop Delavan was solidified in January 15, 1925 when a surveyor’s certificate signed by H.H Bremer declared the subdivision of 80 acres into 389 lots for residential development each measuring 50×150 feet and selling from $350 upwards – an exciting proposition confirmed further with a report printed in local newspaper. The article stated, “Plans are being made for the beautification of this subdivision. The lake channel will have a gravel driveway on each side. In digging this waterway, the dredgers struck seven springs. A concrete base will built across the stream and fourteen-graveled street will be constructed. The entire lake frontage will be given over to a park. No building costing less than $1000.00 will be permitted on the subdivision.”
Fred J Roberts had his work cut out for him with the construction of the Highlands. With two-thirds completed, cold temperatures brought progress to a halt and froze up the canal–but that didn’t stop this Burlington contractor! He used $25 worth of dynamite each day to blast away at 100 feet on a good day – an impressive feat considering it cost nearly twenty thousand dollars just to construct in total. The Delavan paper labeled such achievement “Frost delays $20,000 Canal” – but no frost could delay Robert’s determined pioneering spirit!
The article went on to say, “people who have not been out to the subdivision scarcely realize the immensity of this project. The channel is nearly a half mile in length. It is thirty-five feet wide at the bottom and forty feet in width at the top. It is being dug six feet below the lake level which will give six feet of water in the channel at all times. At the west end of the channel is a large lagoon 150’ in diameter. When completed the largest boats on the lake will be able to come up the channel and turn around in the lagoon.”
After the subdivision’s channel was completed and graveled, two iconic bridges were commissioned in 1926 to connect the upper and lower sections of Beach Avenue and Central Blvd. Built from large wooden beams painted white, these picturesque structures seemed indestructible – until they needed major repairs in 1960, at which time more industrial steel-railed designs took their place. However during a referendum held by homeowners twenty years later an overwhelming decision emerged: what better way to compliment this charming beach area than with beautiful rustic wood? And so it came to be that today visitors can witness these majestic restored creations merging gracefully with their scenic lake surroundings!
The unique channel that splits the subdivision in two is an immense asset to homeowners, who enjoy lining both sides of its waters with piers for docking their boats. During the 1980’s lake drawdown, a massive project took place refurbishing and shoring up this picturesque waterway — culminating in maximum pier-building potential via individual pipes secured near the banks. Today, visitors can admire its beauty from Beach Avenue Bridge while observing rows upon rows of uniform piers.
Homeowners can count their blessings at the beach, where years of development have transformed this area into a recreational paradise. From baseball and basketball to swing sets, slides and climbing equipment – no great outdoor activity is left out! With idyllic picnic tables, inviting benches and an expansive pavilion also in place for hosting gatherings or just relaxing with friends & family on sunny days – what could be more delightful?
In 2015, a beautiful brick patio was constructed at the Lake Delavan Highlands Association to preserve its history and provide an unforgettable venue for bonfires and dancing. Every commemorative brick is engraved with special inscriptions that capture the spirit of this remarkable place.
In 2020, the Association faced a crisis regarding erosion at their channel bank on the West end. After months of analysis and collaboration between Walworth County DNR and local officials, an effective solution was found to stabilize this area. Happily most of construction is now complete with just some follow-up tasks remaining before full resolution can be celebrated!
The Highland Board of Directors, elected to uphold the highest standards for their community, have a reliable ally in their pursuit: Volunteers. This small army of devoted volunteers bring pride and joy through fund raising events that help adorn the area with beautiful lamps, benches,. rafts , bulletin boards, plants, picnic tables, basketball backboards, volleyball courts, doggie waste stations, beach toy box and new playground! Together they are emboldened by direct effort towards building an enriching environment within this beloved community.
On the Fourth of July, the Board of Directors holds on its signature celebration – the “Old Fashioned Fun Fair”. Guests can look forward to an array of activities from live music and exciting games to a Patriotic Golf Cart Parade. All proceeds are earmarked for beach improvements. The Board of Directors also hosts further festivities throughout the year including Winterfest, Movie Nights, Pig Roast, Car Show, Chili Cook-off and Oktoberfest parties accompanied by bonfires and music!
Our neighborhood events are the perfect way to come together and make lasting connections with your neighbors! Bring family along, enjoy a meal shared by all in attendance, listen to wonderful music and have an extraordinary day. The children especially look forward these fun-filled occasions – after each event at the beach you can see their joy throughout our community.