c. 1930s

Idlewild Lodge Facade

The front entrance of Idlewild Lodge under the ownership of George Dauth. This is the earliest known depiction of the lodge with the IDLE WILD sign.

In the forefront of the photo along the right is the base of a flagpole that stood in front of the lodge during the 1930s. Seated in the recliner on the second floor is George Dauth.

“Who Entereth Here”

Whoe’er thou art that entereth here,
Forget the struggling world
And every trembling fear.

Take from thy heart each evil thought,
And all that selfishness
Within thy life hath wrought.

For once inside this place thou’lt find
No barter, servant’s fear,
Nor master’s voice unkind.

Here all are kin of God above–
Thou, too, dear heart; and here
The rule of life is love.

c. 1920s

Idlewild Lodge Hearth

The living room of Idlewild Lodge with a glowing hearth fire. Photo was likely taken in the late 1920s after George Dauth added a dining room to the lodge, which would have been accessible through the door on the left.

Only two items within this photo have survived to this day, the carved table on the left and the rock centerpiece over the mantel. Poem over the fireplace is by poet Max Ehrmann.