According to Promotions Committee Chair Joanna Nelson, LLWC was founded in 1926.

“The Club has grown into a one-of-a-kind, member-owned destination spanning over 10,000 acres, complete with lakes, golf, lodging, and year-round outdoor recreation,” Nelson said in an email. “This centennial isn’t just about longevity–it’s about generations of families and shared memories that have quietly thrived for 100 years. With growing interest in outdoor living, conservation, and community-centered experiences, we feel our story is especially timely and relevant.”

According to Nelson, throughout 2026, the LLWC will host a series of special events and celebrations, including a Centennial Summer Weekend on July 25 and 26. This event will feature live entertainment, themed events, and opportunities for members to come together and honor the LLWC’s legacy.

As with any long standing organization, the LLWC has a rich history that spans generations.

Courtesy photo A vehicle is parked outside of the entrance to the Lost Lake Woods Club property.

According to Jacky Bastion, LLWC member, St Clair Couzens and A.C. Monteith formed the Lincoln Land Company and acquired the property, currently known as LLWC, in 1926. This property had previously been lumbered off and was utilized as a sheep farm. The Lincoln Land Company named the property The Workingman’s Country Club and then later changed the name to Lost Lake Woods Association.The Lincoln Land Company deeded 3,076 parcels of land to prospective members through 1935.

In total, Couzens and Monteith had possession of more than 8,500 acres, a cabin and several outbuildings formerly used for sheep ranching.

In October 1926, 1,000 members made a full downpayment for a lot sold at $500, according to Bastion. The clubhouse officially opened to members on June 30, 1927. In 1928, LLWC prepared a portion of the land for an Airplane Landing Field. In 1928, a golf course architect, Willie Robertson, was brought to LLWC to lay out the first nine holes of the golf course. On July 20, 1929 the LLWC golf course officially opened. In 1931, LLWC had 26 cabins in the subdivision.

Bastion explained that the Great Depression brought financial challenges for many Americans, the membership lots were still sold and the ownership of LLWC passed from the Lincoln Land Company to LLWC in August 1934.

The original clubhouse burned down Aug. 15, 1946 and the building and its contents were a total loss, according to Bastion. There were no fatalities and only one minor injury was reported. The second clubhouse dedication was July 3, 1949.

LLWC Historian Jim Braden explained that by 1929 the club had about 3,000 members, and though membership has declined in recent years, the club continues to persevere.

“The club survived that but they lost quite a few members,” he told The News. “We continue to move forward.”

He said that LLWC offers a community of people who look out for one another and are willing to step up and help when needed.

Bonnie Braden, Jim Braden’s wife, explained that after the recent ice storm in March, members volunteered their time and labor to clear the property of downed trees.

“It’s that kind of feeling of ‘we are going to take care of it,'” she said. “That’s the big reason why people come and stay. There is a sense of community.”

Jim Braden explained that there was an influx of membership in the 1960s when people retired and moved to Northeast Michigan. He said that members’ families were encouraged to join to keep the spirit of the club alive.

Overall, he said that the club represents a broad demographic of people.

“I think that people from all walks of life join the club,” he said. “I think across the board membership is represented by all types of people and all walks of life.”

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.