Killarney, Ontario in Canada's Georgian Bay
Killarney Lodge - Fruehauf's "Northern Branch"
Entertaining customers was Roy Fruehauf's mission. After spending 23 years working his way up the ladder and then many years in sales, Roy recognized that their customers were their life blood. Creating memorable moments by bringing customers to a summer destination for fun, laughs and bonding cemented these relationships for years to come.
Killarney, Ontario Canada
A Killarney memory - Ruth Ann Fruehauf
When we were small children, our belongings were packed up and we were sent to the Detroit City airport to meet our father and his Grumman G-3 Mallard plane. I remember how exciting it was to be with our dad on this, for us, special outing. The trip to Killarney was only about an hour and I got to sit in my dad's lap and he used his large bear paw hands to create suction cups over my ears during take off and landing. This helped to prevent any pain in my ears from the pressure changes. Watching as the pilot landed the plane on the Georgian Bay's clear blue water, I marveled at the engineering feat of seeing an airplane land on water.
Uncle Ernie (Christophersen), Killarney's official "Master of Ceremonies" was waiting at the dock with his customary accordion strapped over his shoulders. Ernie hailed from New Jersey where he owned and operated a music store. Every summer he headed to Killarney. He greeted all of the guests playing favorite songs from the era and old German folk tunes to honor the Fruehauf Family. August Fruehauf, our grandfather, had been passionate about our German heritage and a true Deutschophile. Although August never came to Killarney these traditions had been adopted by Roy.
Uncle Ernie (Christophersen), Killarney's official "Master of Ceremonies" was waiting at the dock with his customary accordion strapped over his shoulders. Ernie hailed from New Jersey where he owned and operated a music store. Every summer he headed to Killarney. He greeted all of the guests playing favorite songs from the era and old German folk tunes to honor the Fruehauf Family. August Fruehauf, our grandfather, had been passionate about our German heritage and a true Deutschophile. Although August never came to Killarney these traditions had been adopted by Roy.
Ernie Chistopherson, Ruth Ann Fruehauf, Royce Fruehauf and Walter Bellchambers
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Anne Rogers, Killarney's capable manager, Ruth Fruehauf and Walter Bellchambers
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Dad was occupied with many business guests and we were sent off to unpack and get settled. The Mallard sped off to pick up other guests several times that day.
Later, our Uncle Walter Bellchambers took us on a boat ride to Little Current, which was about an hours ride away. Walter Bellchambers was one of my father's favorite fishing partners. Tall and lean with a swath of silver hair, he knew the waters around Killarney better than anyone and it was a treat to be permitted to fish with him. He lived year round on a remote island in nearby Lake Penache and used to entertain us with stories about the visiting bears each winter. Little Current interested my brothers who wanted bait and other fishing supplies and I was enamored with the large jars of penny candy. I remember the general store at Little Current distinctly, especially the smell of the well worn wooden floor mixed with the aroma of goods and merchandise--it was like an old attic and had the same kind of charm.
Later, our Uncle Walter Bellchambers took us on a boat ride to Little Current, which was about an hours ride away. Walter Bellchambers was one of my father's favorite fishing partners. Tall and lean with a swath of silver hair, he knew the waters around Killarney better than anyone and it was a treat to be permitted to fish with him. He lived year round on a remote island in nearby Lake Penache and used to entertain us with stories about the visiting bears each winter. Little Current interested my brothers who wanted bait and other fishing supplies and I was enamored with the large jars of penny candy. I remember the general store at Little Current distinctly, especially the smell of the well worn wooden floor mixed with the aroma of goods and merchandise--it was like an old attic and had the same kind of charm.
Royce, Roy, Randy and Ruth Fruehauf prepare for a fancy hat costume party in 1955
We loved the fishing, picnics and I especially loved the blueberry picking, finding the small bushes of wild blueberries nestled in the rocky out-croppings. At dinner, we were escorted into the Carousel Room to greet the adults and politely say our good nights. I later learned that among the guests were the Ralph Evinrudes of Milwaukee, the Reynolds of aluminum foil fame, Gordon Dean, chairman of the US Atomic Energy Committee and his second wife, Mary Benton Gore of the Al Gore political family. Alphons Landa, famed corporate lawyer from Washingon; Howard Hall of Quaker Oats, an executive of Vlassic Pickles, Leo and Lorraine Jokel; Fred Devore of Cedar Rapids and many other titans of US industry.For more information on Killarney click HERE. For more information on Walter Bellchambers and Lake Penage click HERE
Fruehauf customers and guests really relaxed and let their hair down in Killarney
The sea plane dock with the 2 Fruehauf Mallards
At the famous bar in the Carousel Room
Boating was a favorite sport
Guests making merry with make-shift costumes
Mrs. Lorraine Jokel and her famous "Hot-Dog" hat!
Guests were challenged to create costumes on the spot with a fancy hat theme or any other get-up they could devise. Mrs. Lorraine Jokel of "Vlassic Pickles" had a great sense of humor and her "hot-Dog" hat was a clear crowd pleaser.
Killarney inspired conviviality and good old fashioned fun. Practical jokes were the norm in this crowd.
Killarney inspired conviviality and good old fashioned fun. Practical jokes were the norm in this crowd.
The unique design of the Carousel Bar became a well known feature of the lodge along with the rustic and cozy lounging areas
Killarney's famous Carousel Room
A cozy lounge area
A fishing foray net's happy fisherman and loads of fish
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Unloading at the Sea plane at Killarney Lodge, Ontario
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Ruth Fruehauf and baby Randall, Walter Bellchambers
Killarney, Ontario on beautiful Georgian Bay is a water-wonderland escape
Alphons Landa, a Celebrated guest called by Time Magazine "The Proxy King!
Mr. and Mrs. Alphons Landa
Alphons Landa, a prominent corporate attorney from Washington, was highly placed in society through advantageous marriages and his law partners in the prestigious law firm bearing his name, Davies, Richberg, Tydings, Landa and Duff.
Seen here with one of his beautiful wives, Landa was dubbed the "oft divorced" Landa by Journalist and author, Diana B. Henriques.
For more on Alphons Landa click here
Seen here with one of his beautiful wives, Landa was dubbed the "oft divorced" Landa by Journalist and author, Diana B. Henriques.
For more on Alphons Landa click here
