Ducey's Bass Lake Lodge, originally known as Freeman's Bass Lake Lodge, is a historic establishment situated on the northern shore of
Bass Lake. Constructed by Buddy Freeman in 1941, the lodge, which initially consisted of a bar, restaurant, and rental cabins, was sold several times before its incorporation into
The Pines Resort in 1975. Under the management of various owners, notably Maurice and Marie Ducey, the lodge saw the addition of a general store and campgrounds and an expansion of its unique collection of artifacts.
The lodge gained national attention when it featured in the 1987 film
''The Great Outdoors''. However, a devastating kitchen fire in 1988 resulted in its destruction. Despite this setback, the Pines Resort moved quickly to rebuild, and in 1991 a new lodge, designed by local architect Michael Karby, opened a mile east of the original location.
History
Buddy Freeman established Freeman's Bass Lake Lodge in 1941 on the northern shore of
Bass Lake, about a mile west of the
Pines Village. Initially featuring a bar, restaurant, and rental cabins, the lodge changed hands in 1947, when Jeff Jeffords, Karl Briz, and A.C. Zingle took over. In 1950, Maurice and Marie Ducey bought the lodge, adding a general store, campgrounds, and expanding the collection of
Native American artifacts,
guns,
antique
An antique ( la, antiquus; 'old', 'ancient') is an item perceived as having value because of its aesthetic or historical significance, and often defined as at least 100 years old (or some other limit), although the term is often used loosely ...
s, and
taxidermy. This made the lodge a popular destination for hunters pursuing bear, deer, and quail.
In 1952, the lodge served as the filming headquarters for the movie
"Hiawatha". The Duceys later renamed the establishment Ducey's Bass Lake Lodge. Upon their retirement in 1968, Al Westman took over, followed by Dr. Robert and Gloria Rickard a year later. In 1975, the lodge became part of
The Pines Resort.
Ducey's Lodge was featured in the 1987 film ''
The Great Outdoors,'' which was shot at Bass Lake. The movie's vacation cabin set, built at
Universal Studios, was designed to resemble the lodge's cabins.
On June 2, 1988, a kitchen fire led to the lodge's destruction.
[{{cite news , title=Fire Destroys Sierra Lodge , url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-06-04-mn-3883-story.html , access-date=24 December 2020 , agency=The Associated Press , work=The Los Angeles Times , date=June 4, 1988] The complex layout of the building, with multiple attics and additions, hampered firefighting efforts. Four hours later, the slate porch and stone chimneys were all that remained of the once thriving lodge.
Ducey's on the Lake
The Pines Resort quickly initiated reconstruction plans after the original lodge's destruction, bringing on local architect Michael Karby (AIA/MCRP) to design the new building. They chose a site along the lakeshore, roughly a mile east of the previous Ducey's location, for this new lodge.
Members of the
Mono tribe actively participated in the lodge's official opening on April 20, 1991, marking the occasion with a ceremonial dance.
Throughout the reconstruction, the team focused on restoring the collection of artifacts lost in the 1988 fire. Notably, the fire had spared the original 12-foot Ducey's road sign, which now adorns the lobby. The sign is complemented by hunting trophies and historical photographs, collectively narrating the lake's history.
References
External links
The Pines Resortowns and operates Ducey's on the Lake.
* Ducey's on the Lake was designed by architec
Michael Karby AIA/MCRP
Hotels in California
Hotels established in 1941
Buildings and structures in Madera County, California
Tourist attractions in Madera County, California