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To me, the most fascinating thing about the Wenonah Woods was the old japanese teahouse which use to stand at the northern end of Langston's Lake. Recently some local kids knocked down the remains, but now the Teahouse is currently being restored.  My first memories of living here are of me and my father walking down the old boathouse steps and following the trail up to the teahouse.  I can still remember playing around and on the teahouse as a child.  Back then, the deck was still intact, and you could climb up the slotted sides to reach it.  I had no idea what the teahouse was used for.  No clue to the magnificent dancing parties that were held here or the wonderful music that once filled the air of summer nights.   Just a few years ago,  frogs and small minnows could be seen inhabiting the ponds directly beneath and around the structure.  The ponds have since reduced to small streams. 

In February of 1904, a man named Robert H. Comey purchased  the lake known at the time as "Camel Back Lake" and the surrounding property from its current owner, Stephen Greene.  Through the years, Comey made improvements to the lake and added a wooden arched bridge at the northern part of the lake.  On April 3, 1911 he built a new dam on the lake and added a colorful japanese teahouse nearby, which was built by a man named John L. Drummer.  An amphitheater with five levels was  built on the east side of the teahouse.  Canoes and small row boats were docked under and around the base of the teahouse for the use of guests who were dressed in their finest for an outing on the lake.

The brush that recently covered the amphitheater has been cleared away. The picture to the right shows what a section of the amphitheater looked like before the clearing.

By June of 1912, large catered parties were held at the teahouse.  The lake and the teahouse were beautifully decorated with colored electric lights. The area surrounding the lake was illuminated by japanese lanterns peeking from the green foliage.  The teahouse was also illuminated with hundreds of lanterns, it was surely making it a spectacle to see.  A full string orchestra played all the tunes of the time as the party guests sang along with them and danced the night away under the stars.

What is left of the amphitheater.

In 1972, the present owners of the area, Robert & Jane Kitz, completed a restoration of the teahouse and the amphitheater along with the help of neighbors.  A large celebration was held with celebrity guests, entertainment, and dancing. 

The Teahouse is currently being restored, but needs more funding for completion. $2400 of the $5000 goal has been donated so far. If you would like to help out, please contact Chuck Forsman at 468-5483

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