The Then and Now column on June 29 will about Newman Lake.

Newman Lake, like many other area lakes, was a resort destination in the early 20th century. There were hotels, resorts, rental boats, beaches and fishing that was the result of locals hand-carrying fish from both Liberty Lake and from hatchery stores that arrived by train. The lake was named for William Newman, an Englishman who arrived as a member of the U.S. Army and stayed, marrying a woman who was part Colville Indian. He died in 1887, but many others followed him to the hills and plains around the lake.

The lake is still a destination but most of the resorts are gone. The big hotels were on the west side, now all private homes.There is one public access, the bequest of a couple which once owned a private summer camp on the lake. The Newman Lake Resort on the east side is open for camping but the store, sadly, is closed.

Does anyone remember the days when several resorts drew Spokanites to the lake? Liberty, Medical and other lakes vied for tourists' dollars during the era from the 1890s until World War II. 

 

 

 

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