Situated on a five-acre peninsula on the Bagnell Dam Strip and within walking distance to all the businesses, Edgewater Beach Resort & Marina offered a destination for those who wanted to be near the action, and yet able to relax in a peaceful and serene setting. The iconic family owned resort was a go-to spot for vacationers for over four decades.
Marilyn Dean Rineer lived at the resort for 20 years, from the time she was born. Her grandparents, Michael and Clara Dean, purchased the business in 1944. Her parents, Bill and Shirley Dean, owned the Edgewater Boat Dock on the adjoining property.
“My dad was a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division during WWII,” Marilyn explained. “He moved to the resort when he was discharged right after the war.” In 1949, her family built the boat shop on the property, and their family home above it. Her sister was born in 1947, her brother in 1949, and Marilyn was born in 1957.
In 1956, Marilyn’s grandfather passed away and her parents took over the operations of the resort. Her grandmother continued to work in the office, her mother assisted the grandmother and did the housekeeping and such, and the kids helped guests get settled in. Marilyn recalls it being a great place to grow up, with she and her siblings all graduating from the School of Osage.
“We played all over the five-acre wooded property,” Marilyn recalled. “We would swim, fish, and play outside like kids did back in the day.”
The resort offered rustic cabins with knotty pine paneling. There was a total of 24 units, including cabins and motel rooms. There was no number 13. There was a fishing dock and boat rentals. In 1960, an in-ground pool was added to the amenities.
“We rented both fishing and ski boats,” Marilyn said. “Early on, my dad would give people boat rides. He was known as Skipper Bill.” He also rented space to sea planes throughout the years.
“It was always an active place,” Marilyn said. “Our house was on the Lake, and we could see the dam from the front window. The summers were busy and my parents were always working, but they were present. There were no days off during the season, but they really enjoyed it. In the winter it was quiet and peaceful.” The resort closed in 2007.
