How about a dam that started as an irrigation project? Then it became the centerpiece of a Hollywood playground. Welcome to the story of Big Lake Arrowhead Dam.
Originally named Little Bear Valley, the area now known as Lake Arrowhead was discovered by a fur trader in 1826. Logging and small mining operations dominated until 1891. Then three Ohio businessmen saw potential. They envisioned a reservoir to supply water to the southern lowlands.
The Arrowhead Reservoir Company was formed. James Morris Gamble of Proctor and Gamble served as president. Construction of the dam began in 1893. A tramway was planned to transport supplies. Engineering problems arose. Supplies and machinery then traveled via a switch-back road.
By 1905, the property was transferred to Arrowhead Reservoir and Power Company. The idea of using the water for power emerged. The dam is a semi-hydraulic fill dam. It stands 200 feet high and 720 feet long. Its base is an impressive 1100 feet thick. A steel-reinforced concrete core wall is embedded 20 feet in bedrock.
Trees and brush were cleared from the lake bottom to prevent decay. The lake slowly filled with runoff. By 1912, the dam was 80% complete. Plans included over 60 miles of water conveyances and tunnels. Only 6 1/2 miles were finished. The state ruled in favor of ranchers preventing water diversion. The original plan was abandoned.
In 1921, the Arrowhead Lake Company bought Little Bear Valley and surrounding land. They renamed it Lake Arrowhead and Arrowhead Woods. The name came from an arrowhead-shaped rock formation. It is on the San Bernardino Mountains near Arrowhead Hot Springs. The company planned to develop a recreation and residential area.
Between 1921 and 1923, the dam was completed 31 feet higher than planned. A road was built around the north shore of the lake. A Norman-styled village emerged with a dance pavilion and an outdoor movie theater. There was also a restaurant and beach bathhouses. Three hotels arose including the Arlington Lodge. A 9-hole golf course was also constructed.
Hollywood stars like Clark Gable frequented the hotel. Some even purchased homes in the resort. Studios often filmed movies in the area. Shirley Temple’s “Heidi” and Bette Davis’ “Now Voyager” were filmed nearby.
During World War II, Lake Arrowhead Village became a popular rest area for service members. Gas rationing limited tourism. In 1946, the Los Angeles Turf Club purchased the lake and surrounding properties.
In 1971, a study deemed the Arrowhead dam unsafe. This was if an earthquake of 6.5 magnitude were to occur. Property owners passed a bond. An earth fill dam was built. A small lake formed between the two dams. It was named Papoose Lake.
Today, Big Lake Arrowhead Dam stands as a testament to changing times. From irrigation to recreation, its story reflects the evolving dreams of Southern California. It is not just a dam but a landmark.