Houston Lake Alliance now part of Perry Historical Society

The Houston Lake Alliance, a community organization formed to restore the weed-infested lake as a vital, public fishing and recreational resource, has been made a part of the Perry Area Historical Society.

The Alliance’s goal is to protect and preserve Houston Lake, a historic site and the largest lake in Houston County open to public fishing and boating. A weed explosion being studied by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is a threat to the lake’s health and has significantly diminished its recreational use.

“Houston Lake is an important part of the area’s history and must be preserved,” said Ellie Loudermilk, President of the Historical Society. Loudermilk noted that the lake was dammed in 1841 to make a textile mill, the second one in Georgia. In the late 1920s recreation became popular and the area became known as the “resort” because of its beach, giant waterwheel, high dive and nearby swimming pool.

The Perry Area Historical Society’s inclusion of the Houston Lake Alliance makes it a charitable organization able to receive contributions that can be deducted from donors’ State and Federal tax returns. In addition, the Alliance can now qualify for government and foundation grants.

The Perry Area Historical Society is a 33-year-old organization that compiles detailed histories of individuals and communities within Houston County. It is supported by memberships and sponsors and maintains a museum and library at 901 Northside Dr. in Perry.

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