Little Lake Jackson

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Little Lake Jackson is a 137-acre lake is located within the city of Sebring, Florida. It has a maximum depth of 30 feet. On the north side is U.S. Highway 27 and across from that is Lake Jackson.

The lake has no public access directly, although it is connected by a short canal to Lake Jackson, which has a public boat ramp. Activities on the lake include boating and fishing. A golf course overlooks the southwest side and various businesses adjoin it on the north, along US 27. A hotel, Inn on the Lakes, is on its north shore. Historic Harder Hall, abandoned but under renovation, is on the northwest shore.

[edit] History

In 1928 Harder Hall, a classic Spanish Style hotel and golf resort, was built on the shore of Little Lake Jackson. It was built in Sebring because the city was a stop on the railroad. In 1953 it was bought by Victor and David Jacobson and partners Larry Tennenbaum and Sam Levy. In 1954 Victor commissioned golf course architect Dick Wilson to transform the golf course into a championship layout. Among the major tournaments held at Harder Hall Hotel were the Haig & Haig, a PGA event played by both Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicholas. Other famous guests of the hotel were Paul Newman, Steve Mcqueen, Ali Mcgraw and Mario Andretti. With head pro Ben Roman Victor started the first golf school in the world. Victor and Eva Jacobson also operated Harder Hall Golf and Tennis Camp at the hotel between 1967 and 1980. This was the first and last co-ed, teenage golf and tennis camp in a resort hotel ever and drew campers from all over the world. Victor operated this hotel until the 1981 when he sold it to a bunch of clueless loser shysters who went bankrupt with a half baked plan to build overpriced timeshares. The building has been abandoned ever since. Several renovation projects were started but halted. Several times Harder Hall barely escaped demolition. In fact, a portion housing servant quarters was torn down in 2003.

The building is currently undergoing another renovation. This one has witnessed more work done than all other previous projects combined. Harder Hall is scheduled to reopen in February 2006, with many guest rooms and at least two restaurants. Space is to be rented to other businesses in the building. The golf course is still open and in great condition.


References

  • //lakewatch.ifas.ufl.edu (Florida Lakewatch) website.
  • www.hardrhallresort.com (Harder Hall Resort and Spa) website.
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