The Lost Legend of Totem Lodge: Burden Lake's Grand Escape

Imagine stepping back in time to an era when Burden Lake was the place to be—a retreat for the well-to-do, where music played late into the night, and the scent of cigars and cocktails filled the air. That's the magic of Totem Lodge, a once-thriving resort that held history, luxury, and even a few famous visitors in its grasp. Today, only whispers remain, but if you listen closely, you can still hear the echoes of its grand past.

A Place Unlike Any Other

Before it was a resort, Totem Lodge was the private summer estate of Matthew A. Larkin, the man credited as the father of the jukebox. Larkin wasn't just wealthy—he was the kind of man who knew how to live. His property sprawled over 500 acres, complete with an elegant lodge, bungalows, and a towering totem pole, a gift from the Northwest Coast that gave the estate its name. When Larkin passed, the estate was transformed into something bigger: a glamorous resort for the elite.

Totem Lodge wasn't just another getaway—it was a destination. The resort had luxurious accommodations, a nine-hole golf course, boating, horseback riding, and live entertainment that drew visitors from across the state. And we're not talking about just anyone—celebrities, politicians, and socialites found their way to Burden Lake for a taste of the good life.

The Big Names and Big Nights

Picture this: Richard Nixon—yes, that Richard Nixon—visiting Totem Lodge, not once but twice, once during his vice-presidential campaign and again in 1954. Can you imagine the conversations that happened over dinner? The laughter, the deals, the history being made right here on the shores of Burden Lake.

Or how about the legendary Eddie Cantor, the entertainer who brought crowds to their feet with his songs and comedic timing? Totem Lodge wasn't just a resort—it was the hotspot for entertainment, politics, and relaxation.

The Fire That Changed Everything

Like all great things, Totem Lodge had its turning point. In 1948, a fire devastated part of the property, and the golden days of the resort began to dim. By 1956, the doors officially closed, and in a last-ditch effort to keep it alive, the lodge briefly became a children's summer camp. But the era of Totem Lodge as a glamorous retreat had ended.

Over the years, the once-proud structures disappeared, the totem pole was relocated to a museum, and all that remained were memories—stories passed down of lavish summers, elegant dances, and a slice of history that Burden Lake will never see again.

What's Left Today?

Though the grand lodge is gone, Burden Lake Country Club now sits on part of the old property, its fairways replacing what were once the manicured paths of the resort. The totem pole that once stood as a proud emblem of the lodge? It was donated to the Marian E. White Anthropology Research Museum at the University at Buffalo, where it still stands today.

But for those who know—who remember—Totem Lodge isn't just a footnote in history. It's a legend, a time when Burden Lake was a playground for the powerful, the famous, and the dreamers.

And if you ever find yourself near the lake on a quiet evening, take a moment. You just might feel the presence of the past, where laughter once rang out and history was made under the glow of the Totem Lodge lights.