Hospitality shut down along with Eddie's
It is with dismay that I read the article in the Cd'A Press regarding Gozzer Ranch, Discovery Inc. closing down yet another one of North Idaho's waterfront resorts, Arrow Point Resort, aka Eddie's Bar and Grill.
Thirty years ago I spent my summers managing and bartending at this popular destination for Barb Renner and the rest of the teachers who owned the resort at that time. What a perfect summer job for a college student. The goal in those days was to provide a nice place for locals and vacationers to stop by in their boats, cars, and motorcycles for good food, a beautiful beach for the kids (of all ages) and of course the infamous Derailers.
For those of you who are new to the area Arrow Point Resort had its start as the Arrow Boys camp run by Elmer Jordan, a local businessman and high school coach. I do not know when the boys camp ended and the original resort was built but it was many decades ago.
Arrow Point was such a popular gathering spot on the lake that it was common for boats to be tied up two and three deep on the docks. Long-time boaters will fondly remember the Thursday night spaghetti feeds and two-for-one drinks. Could the place at times be a bit loud and raucous? Sure, but it was all in the spirit of the Northwest.
Fast forward a few decades and we are introduced to an out of state company that purchased the old Gozzer Ranch property. These folks have built a first class golf course and high end housing development and also purchased the waterfront resort and all of the condominiums on Arrow Point.
The first move this company pulled on Kootenai County was trying to close off Gozzer Road to everyone except their paid members. Luckily this move was quickly quashed as county roads are still open to the public. The next move they made was to purchase Squaw Bay Resort. This family-oriented resort also has long roots on Lake Coeur d'Alene. This resort was quietly closed with only the long time campers and boat slip renters really noticing. Oh, you can still purchase gas at the fuel dock and you can stop on Highway 97 at the Squaw Bay Store but you cannot park your boat at the virtually empty docks. Now I understand that Arrow Point has been taken away from the public too.
Not to worry, however; I understand that all one needs to do to purchase a sandwich and cold beverage at Arrow Point is to first purchase a luxury home in Gozzer Ranch.
I for one sure hate to see another one of Coeur d'Alene's legacies taken away from the general public. A sad day for sure when the hard working people of the Pacific Northwest are not allowed to step foot on one of our long time playgrounds. I don't know what the readers of this letter think about Gozzer's decision but I think I am good enough to break bread with people who make more money than I do. Too bad that Discovery Inc, Gozzer Ranch does not understand good old fashioned hospitality. I would imagine that us local folks have certainly shown you and your members much more courtesy than you are showing us.
Stan Schedler is a Coeur d'Alene resident.