Story written by The 812's Kenzie Ogden
(GREENSBURG, Ind.) – From boating and fishing to grabbing a bite to eat, for nearly six decades, Lake Santee has provided a community for families to enjoy year-round.
The private property has undergone change after change throughout its history.
Developed in 1964 and 1965, the subdivision contains 1256 acres surrounding the lake. While most of the property is located in Decatur County, 39 acres are located in Franklin County.
American Realty began selling the property’s first 20 lots in October 1964 with advertisements on the radio and TV broadcasted to surrounding areas including Indianapolis, Louisville and Cincinnati.
As the lake was filled with water in May 1965, the Lake Santee Restaurant opened its doors. The following month, 3,000 tons of sand was brought in to create the Main Beach.
By fall 1965, a water tower had been built and a central water system was underway.
American Realty presented a set of rules and regulations to each property owner through a brochure.
The Directors of the Lake Santee Property Owners Association, Inc. held their first meeting in 1966, establishing additional by-laws.
The first two years of the LSPOA resulted in several new rules for the lake community. Among these new rules include the requirement for guests to have written permission from lot owners to enter the lake, a $3 fee for each boat on the lake, and $25 annual fees per member.
The private property sought security measures, as state and local police determined they had no authority within the private subdivision.
Initially, the Office and Security Building accommodated part-time employees who served as guards or on boat patrol.
In 1973, the Board formed Lake Security, as a team of six with the responsibility of patrolling the area and occupying the gate. The members of the security crew were legally authorized personnel with the power to arrest.
The security committee adopted a radio-telephone system in 1985 with two hand-held radios. This system allowed community members to reach the office by calling a number.
Along with security, Lake Santee faced additional challenges due to its private property classification.
The United States Postal Service did not agree to deliver mail within the community until 1975.
School buses did not take route into the Lake until the Decatur County Board of Education agreed to provide funding to pick up children in the restaurant parking lot in 1979.
The community also established its own trash service until 1970 when the county offered to place a countywide disposal site in the main parking lot. The Board of Directors created the current pay for use system in 1991.
In February 1969, the Board of Directors formed the Booster Club committee.
The Booster club holds many clubs open for residents to join. Among these include the Lake Santee’s Women’s Club, Friends of Wildlife at Lake Santee, Kiwanis, Luv Lake Land Conservation Club, Lake Santee Book Club, and pickleball.
The Lake Santee Women’s Club hosts events year-round, including their annual auction. This year, the auction will be held on August 10.
Today, there are two dining options open to the public at Lake Santee, Bryant's Bar & Grill and The Hangout.
The property currently holds approximately 600 houses and is home to hundreds of community members.
From fishing for record-breaking bass to actively participating in clubs, Lake Santee continues to serve as a place for friends and family to gather.
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