There are many many viewpoints and opinions about the plans for the Surf District. But there’s one thing we can all agree on. The Lighthouse Drive In was a fabulous spot in Clear Lake.
The Lighthouse was originally built as a service station for travelers along then Highway 18. For many years it filled vehicles with gas, checked tires, and washed bugs off windshields.
A small apartment for the station manager stood close to the iconic Lighthouse.
When Highway 18 was rerouted to the north side of the railway, business began to decline. The station was sold and remodeled into a drive in restaurant in the 1940’s.
Many a Clear Lake teenager learned how to work under the supervision of long time owner Louella Marshall. Even when she wasn’t there.
One worker remembers being a bit leisurely one day when he was on the clock. Louella was home at the time, but home was directly west of her business and on a hill for great viewing. The goofing off young man soon received a phone call from Louella. She told him to shape up and get to work! He never forgot the lesson.
Cars drove up and turned on their lights to let the car hops know they were ready to order. Delicious burgers, fries, onion rings and of course root beer soon came on a tray that attached to the slightly rolled up window. Many families took home gallons of the famous A&W root beer. Oh those root beer floats!
The corner has never looked the same since 1979 when a dance club replaced the aging structure of the beloved Lighthouse Drive In.
