Lake Clear lodging begins to appear

The area becomes a small resort/lodging hub due to its lake access and proximity to Adirondack Great Camps

President Grover Cleveland is recorded as a visitor to the nearby S. F. Bunker Hotel in Lake Clear. Source: Adirondack Daily Enterprise (ledger reference)

Dr. William Seward Webb builds the Adirondack & St. Lawrence Railroad Connects Utica → Malone, with a branch to Saranac Lake / Lake Placid.

The railroad transforms Lake Clear into a major transit hub for the Adirondacks. Source: Wikipedia – Mohawk & Malone Railway

The Junction House(Charlie's Inn) is built, located directly across from the new Lake Clear Junction Depot.

Solomon LaBounty (listed as the innkeeper in earliest references).

Some historical narratives suggest Paul Smith (the hotel magnate) may have originally owned the land or building — but records are unclear.

Railroad absorbed into the New York Central System (NYC) and becomes part of the Adirondack Division.

Lake Clear Junction becomes a crossroads of Adirondack travel—tourists, presidents, socialites, and hotel guests pass through.

Paul Smith builds the Paul Smith’s Electric Railroad. A 6.5-mile electric line from Lake Clear Junction to Paul Smith’s Hotel.

Brought elite guests directly from the main line into Smith’s resort.

Famous guests passing through Lake Clear Junction during this era: Theodore Roosevelt, Grover Cleveland, Calvin Coolidge, P. T. Barnum, Whitelaw Reid, E. H. Harriman. These travelers reached Paul Smith’s Hotel via Lake Clear Junction.

Composer Oley Speaks stays at the Inn Known for “On the Road to Mandalay.” Listed as a guest in Adirondack Daily Enterprise archives. The Inn drew cultural figures, not just railroad passengers.

The Junction House becomes Buckley’s Hotel Owner: James Buckley

A 1921 newspaper note states Buckley “purchased the Junction House,” confirming the name change by this date. Source: LocalWiki

Purchased by Harry & Jeanette Falvey Renamed Falvey’s Hotel.

Offered lodging, dining, and served both tourists and railroad workers.

Community traditions grow, Winter gatherings, Community dinners

Snowmobile arrivals (as early recreational sledding begins in the region)

The name “Charlie’s Inn” becomes the identity still known today.

Last passenger train runs through Lake Clear Junction. Marks the end of an era: no more NYC passenger service through the Adirondacks.

Freight shrinks soon after. Source: Wikipedia – Mohawk & Malone Railway

Charlie’s Inn continues to operate as: A bar & restaurant, Lodging, Community gathering hall

Events during this era include: Dog sled races hosted in the Lake Clear region, Winter carnivals with snowmobile parades Ice fishing derbies based out of Lake Clear

Snowmobile club meet-ups (precursor to Tri-Lakes Snowmobilers becoming heavily involved later)

Charlie’s Inn becomes a central node for: Snowmobile trail access, Sled dog teams training, Winter sports events.

The Brockway family purchase and restore the Inn, Add cabins, RV sites, and expanded dining. Preserve original woodwork & Adirondack character, maintaining historical memorabilia inside the building. Making Charlie’s Inn one of the most recognized snowmobile stops in the Adirondacks.

Charlie’s Inn becomes a key stop for: Bicyclists, Snowmobilers, Hikers, Outdoor tourism

Tracks removed; Lake Placid → Tupper Lake Rail Trail begins development

Lake Clear Junction’s old rail corridor becomes a recreational trail.

A historic Adirondack landmark, A gateway to the Rail Trail, A restaurant, lodging spot, and event hub

A living piece of Adirondack railroad + tourism history