About

History

In 1838 Houghton Lake was listed as Red Lake by John Brink. Later in 1849 it was listed as Muskegon Lake, by William Burt. Michigan's first Geologist Douglas Houghton, appointed in 1837, discovered the survey of northern Michigan was inaccurate and had the survey redone. It was completed in 1840. While working in the Upper Peninsula Houghton Drowned in Lake Superior in October, 1845. To honor him in July of 1852, the Michigan government renamed the lake Houghton Lake for his contributions to the geological information about our state.

Playhouse

The beloved Playhouse began its existence as Johnson's Rustic Dance Hall, which during the 1930's and early 40's was home to the "Big Band Era" sounds. Dances were $.10 each with dance tickets sold.

The building was constructed of cedar logs for the siding and large tamarack logs for the framing and opened in 1927. After its era as a dance hall it served in the 1960's as the Houghton Lake Playhouse, which staged weekly Broadway plays during the summer months, starring world famous actors and movie stars including, Charlton Heston and Mickey Rooney. Following the 1967 season the Playhouse closed,

Today the Playhouse is one of the busiest buildings in the Village complex. It was constructed in the mid-1920's and is therefore one of the newer buildings historically. 'unlike its original purpose it now serves as a multipurpose center for weddings and receptions, organizational gatherings, dances, catered dinners and other entertainment.