1871

J. M. Emerson, at the cost of over $20, 000 built a fine, large hotel, Island House, on the beautiful Island in the lake, with fishing and bathing conveniences

The Milwaukee & St, Paul Railroad establishes a depot at Clear Lake

1874

A new steamer, the Island Queen, built entirely of iron arrives.  On her first day she made seven trips to the Island during the afternoon and evening.

Lon and Ed Green begin to assemble a fleet of boat ferrying guests to facilities around the lake.

Clear Lake Bank organized by George Frost and Marcus Tuttle, M.W Wood establishes a Banking House

1875

Nov. 23, 1875, a chimney fire burned the Island House to the ground.

1876

L.V. Davis opens the Lake View House opens on the lake near the Central Park

Methodist Campgrounds Meeting Assoc. was established to hold religious meetings each summer. This was also a part of the Chautauqua speaker circuit.  The Chautauqua House could seat 300 for lectures.  Entertainers and lecturers traveled by railroad from one town to another all over America to townspeople hungry for their fare.  Celebrity speakers included William Jennings Bryan, Booker T. Washington, evangelist Billy Sunday and Carrie Nation.

1877

First bandstand constructed in the center of City Park, daily evening concerts were held throughout the summer

1878

First telephone use in Clear Lake, operated in the J Patterson Jewelery store on Main Street

Opening of Lake View Park on the south bank of the lake, something over two miles from town. Situated on a high bank with a fine view of the lake, was newly cleared land for the public’s enjoyment of a croquet court, a restaurant there had warm meals served to those wishing them and also ice cream, lemonade and baked goods. Green Bros. placed their steamer Lady Franklin, together with their fleet of sail boats The boats went to and fro, carrying to or bringing happy throngs of people between the town and park, at no charge.

1880

Kerosene Lamps were installed on Main Street.  J Smith was the first lamplighter

1882

Stevens Hotel on the South Shore was opened. Later renamed Oakwood Park Hotel

1889

Charles Whitaker purchases the Lake View House renaming it the Lake Shore Hotel. 

First Library is built

1890

John Halverson builds the Opera House on Fourth Street.  He operates a grocery and Dry Goods store on the street level

1893

The Oaks Hotel is opened on the North Shore

The Outing Club on the South Shore at the Outlet is established as one of the earliest condominum complexes. Families came for the summer, dined in a central dining room and could not change the exterior of their unit.

1894

Clear Lake Electric Light and Power company is established by John Etzel.  The new downtown power plant supplies energy to the new adjacent city water plant.  The new electric street lights and water distribution system is operational by November

1895

Peterson Beach and Bath House is opened on the North Shore by the Oaks Hotel

1897

The Interurban Rail between Mason City and Clear Lake begins operation bringing visitors to Clear Lake hotels and parks.

1899

Olf T Hansen starts his Dry Goods and Grocery business on Main Street.