101 East Michigan Avenue- The Lake House Hotel
Built around 1850 by Wilson J. Mathews, the Lake House Hotel (often referred to as the Grass Lake Hotel) was a key part of the village’s hospitality industry during the height of rail travel. Mathews intended for it to be a premier destination, but he passed away at the young age of 34 in 1854, leaving the hotel to his widow, Jane Barnes Mathews. She later married Benjamin Ransom, and the business became known as the Ransom Hotel, marking the beginning of its frequent changes in ownership and management.
The longest period of ownership came when Barney Teufel purchased the hotel in 1892. Teufel, born June 6, 1856, owned and operated the hotel with his family for over 50 years. Under his management, the building underwent a full remodeling, and John Schmidt was hired as manager. A restaurant, known for its chicken dinners, operated at the rear of the building with an entrance on Lake Street and became a popular gathering place for local organizations.
Teufel was also a well-known horse enthusiast, raising and racing horses on Grass Lake in the winter. His deep connection to the hotel and the community made it a lasting fixture in Grass Lake’s history.
In July 1909, the hotel’s balcony was removed, altering its original appearance. After Teufel’s passing on April 6, 1921, at the age of 64, the hotel remained in his family until 1945, when it was sold to Antonio (Tony) Belsito. Over the years, the building served various purposes before being purchased in the early 1970s by Leroy Darwin, who initially planned to restore it. However, it was eventually repurposed for architectural salvage storage.
Though the Lake House Hotel no longer operates, it stands as a reminder of Grass Lake’s rich hospitality history and the many travelers it once welcomed.