History
Your Hosts: Robin Norman and Bob Swengrosh
The history of the remodeled “Water’s Edge Motel” goes way back. In 1953, the motel was built after Union Electric completed the new dam project. The “Apache Motel”, for its time, was modern and offered all the conveniences that travelers of the day required, as it accommodated tourist driving through the northwestern side of the lake who were vacationing in Gravois Mills, Missouri. At that time, Mrs. Mary B. Shipley was the manager, who still lives across the street. She will be 91 years young this year (2006) and is a grand lady.
In the early 70’s, Mr. James Macri and Gordon Stallings purchased the motel and set to remodel it, bringing the accommodations up to the standards that the traveling public required. James and Gordon changed the name to the “Spring Lake Lodge”. They also operated a first class antique business on the property. It is said that people from all over the world stopped in to purchase their finds. With the coming of the new millennium, the gentlemen decided it was time to relax and retire, and the properties were listed for sale.
The year 2001 came forth and with the successful sale of a business in Illinois and his retirement, Mr. Bob Swengrosh came to the Gravois Mills area to help some friends prepare their lake house for the summer season. Finding the Gravois Mills area to be quiet, with beautiful views and smooth water, Bob purchased the old motel. Knowing the task ahead of a complete remodel, Bob enlisted the help of Robin Norman. Through her non-stop work and direction of contractors the motel opened in the spring of 2002 to accommodate guests with all the amenities vacationers and travelers require in the new millennium.
As stated, Robin is your hostess, her daily activities include reservations and the management of daily tasks, which provides our guests with a wonderful stay. On the other hand, Bob has taken over the maintenance duties from cutting the grass to changing a light bulb; Bob’s your man.
We wish to welcome you to the new “Water’s Edge Motel” as the new name continues the tradition as a fun filled family vacation resort.
