Smallwood - Page 2

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Membership card for Smallwood
Contributed by Henry Shapan's Granddaughter - Ms. Victoria Vogt-Leighton

When Smallwood first started advertising, the sales literature had stated that to buy into "Mountain Lakes", you had to be a 'member'. To be a member you had to meet Smallwood's qualifications, most notably a 'Christian'. The incongruity of Henry Shapan's membership is that he was an Atheist! It was his wife, Lena who was a Roman Catholic. Henry was an emigrant from Russia, who bought his land on the Highview Side of Smallwood, during the 1930's.

At that time, there was no road in front of the property; one had to go through the woods. With grand designs, Henry set off to build his house. During the summers he would pitch a tent where he would leave his wife, children and a shotgun and then drove up on his Harley Davidson on the weekends to begin construction. With handpicked blue-quarry stone from Vermont, he was able to get the foundation and fireplace built. Unfortunately Henry died in 1940, but his family continued his dream and finished the house. It has stayed in the family ever since and yes, a street now lies in front of it. Tales of Smallwood's Lodge, SweetShop and Nights of Dancing have been passed down through Henry and Lena's children, keeping the memories of this beautiful little community alive.

Smallwood Country Club
Beach Days, Root Beer Nights
Contributed by Jim Davis

Smallwood Golf Links
Great Day on the Links, circa 1948
Contributed by Jim Davis