Discover Montcalm Podcast
CLIFFORD LAKE INN HISTORY: THE HIDDEN SECRETS AND GHOSTLY TALES OF THE CLIFFORD LAKE INN Every local landmark has a story, but very few have a timeline as vibrant, dramatic, and potentially supernatural as the Clifford Lake Inn. Established back in 1881 by Lewis Smith and James Richards, this staple of Montcalm County history has evolved through multiple eras—surviving changing configurations, cultural shifts, and a massive fire. On the latest episode of the Discover Montcalm Podcast, host Duane Weed sits down with local author, historian, and world traveler Gary Hauck [https://www.garyhauck.com/] to discuss his collaborative book, The History of Clifford Lake Inn. Alongside research from five dedicated Montcalm Community College students, Gary dug deep into the local archives to unearth the hidden narratives of this beloved eatery. CLIFFORD LAKE INN HISTORY: FROM RECREATIONAL RESORT TO PROHIBITION SPEAKEASY When it first opened its doors in the late 19th century, the Clifford Lake Inn was a full-service country resort. Historical photographs reveal an era of badminton rackets, fishing excursions, baseball leagues, and live music. By 1914, a massive circular dance hall was built directly around a giant tree on the property to host legendary big band concerts on Saturday nights. But when the 1920s arrived, so did Prohibition. According to local lore passed down through generations, the inn adapted by operating a secret speakeasy in the basement. To this day, a door remains in the basement featuring the classic eye-level viewing slit used to vet thirsty patrons looking for a illicit drink. CLIFFORD LAKE INN HISTORY: TRAGEDY, RECONFIGURATION, AND PARANORMAL INVESTIGATIONS The inn faced its greatest hurdle in 1929 when a catastrophic fire destroyed roughly 85% of the structure under the ownership of Mac and Maude McConnonville. Though rebuilt and reconfigured multiple times over the subsequent decades—transitioning into a popular rock and roll venue in the ’50s and ’60s before falling into brief disrepair in the ’70s—it was officially designated a protected Michigan Historical Site in 1986. With such a fiery and lengthy past, many locals have long wondered: Is the Clifford Lake Inn haunted? According to paranormal investigators, the answer is a resounding yes. Previous owner Connie McQuery noted experiences of unexplainable cold air masses, footsteps, and turned-off lights mysteriously switching back on after closing up. More incredibly, paranormal teams utilizing advanced audio tracking equipment in the basement recorded a distinct, unearthly voice saying, “All clear,” as humans walked back upstairs. The entities even provided investigators with two distinct names: Ed and Megan—speculated to be souls who tragically perished in the historic 1929 fire. CLIFFORD LAKE INN HISTORY: PRESERVING MONTCALM COUNTY’S LEGACY Whether you go for the legendary sautéed mushrooms (a staple since the 1981 centennial menu), the phenomenal modern baked goods, or a peaceful summer dinner on the deck overlooking the lake, the Clifford Lake Inn remains an essential part of our community fabric. As Gary Hauck perfectly summarized at the close of the episode: > “Life is to be enjoyed… I don’t want to stop learning. I want to keep on learning all that I can, and enjoy life and those sweet people who are around me all the time.” To hear more incredible local stories—including the hilarious historical tale of an alcohol-drinking hotel parrot—listen to the full episode of the Discover Montcalm Podcast today! WATCH OR LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE This episode is especially helpful to watch on YouTube where screen examples are shown. Find Discover Montcalm Podcast on: * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@discovermontcalmpodcast] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/discovermontcalmpodcast] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/discovermontcalmpodcast/] * Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-montcalm-podcast/id1638352116] * Pandora [https://www.pandora.com/podcast/discover-montcalm-podcast/PC:1001098265] * iHeart [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-discover-montcalm-podcast-266034367/] ---------------------------------------- DISCOVER MONTCALM IS POWERED BY THE FRIENDS OF THE PODCAST It takes a community. Special thanks to: * West Michigan Technology and Design Solutions [https://wmtds.com/] * WGLM 106.3 FM [https://m1063.com/] * DW Video [https://dwvideo.com] * Business Growth Engine [https://buildergrowthengine.com/] * BluBrry Podcast Platform [https://blubrry.com/] Together, we are building something bigger than a podcast—we are building a digital legacy. ---------------------------------------- WHAT’S NEW IN 2026 We’re not slowing down—we’re expanding. ON-LOCATION PODCASTING We now bring the podcast to your business, capturing your story in your environment. CHATTING LOCAL SEGMENTS Expanding beyond Montcalm County—while keeping our local roots strong. TECH TUESDAYS Practical insights on: * SEO * Podcasting * AI tools * Digital growth strategies ---------------------------------------- YOUR STORY IS THE FUEL When you sit down on the Discover Montcalm Podcast, you’re not just promoting your organization. You’re: * Strengthening the community * Expanding local reach * Creating lasting digital content * Helping Montcalm County grow ---------------------------------------- Discover Montcalm Podcast Produced by Duane Weed of DW Video & Multimedia LLC Celebrating over 40 years of storytelling and media production in Montcalm County. Contact Call 231-250-9624 [tel:+12312509624] Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or duane@dwvideo.com. Together, let’s showcase the heart of Montcalm County, one story at a time. Check out this video! Love stories that celebrate local people, places, and progress? Subscribe to the Discover Montcalm Podcast and explore the voices that shape Montcalm County and beyond. Have a story to share? Contact host Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or duane@dwvideo.com to be featured in a future episode — whether at your location or in-studio. Catch up on all episodes and discover the soul of small-town Michigan: discovermontcalmpodcast.com/category/podcast [https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/category/podcast] Follow us and be part of a growing community of storytellers. Produced by: https://www.dwvideo.com [https://www.dwvideo.com] #DiscoverMontcalm #DiscoverMontcalmPodcast #MontcalmCounty #LocalVoices #MichiganPodcasts #CommunityMatters #SupportLocalStories HAUNTED HISTORY OF THE CLIFFORD LAKE INN WITH GARY HAUCK EPISODE 195 by Discover Montcalm Podcast https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Clifford-Lake-Inn-Ghost-Stories.mp3 [https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Clifford-Lake-Inn-Ghost-Stories.mp3] DISCOVER MONTCALM AUDIO PODCAST Check out the podcast all about Montcalm County Michigan. 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