Point Paulo
From Point Paulo
The Point Paulo resort was located in East Grand Rapids, Michigan along the shores of Reeds Lake. The Marx Brothers, Jimmy Durante, Jack Benny, George Burns, Will Rogers, Morton Downey, and Walter Winchell stayed there, along with Buster Keaton, Fanny Brice, and many others. Several of the stars of the Vaudeville tour called Reeds Lake and the Ramona Theatre their favorite stop on the Orpheum Theatre circuit, primarily because of the beautiful resort on Reeds Lake known as Point Paulo.
History
Set on the slope of a hill overlooking Reeds Lake, Chateau Paulo formed the heart of the resort when it was built. As the popularity of Point Paulo soared, 30 guest cottages were added, 6 at a time.
Frederick Paulo and Maurice Bellclaire created Point Paulo as a colony for touring and vacationing actors. At the time, Ramona Park was flourishing as one of the most successful tourist destinations in the country. Ramona Theatre was attracting some of the most famous artists, performers, and musicians in the world.
Paulo had toured with the Orpheum Circuit (Vaudeville) for years as a "song and dance man". Maurice Bellclaire had amazed audiences with his strong man act. One day as they pondered the beauty of Reeds Lake from across the street at Ramona Park, the idea of Point Paulo was born.
For starters, the farm house that stood at the center of the plot (away from the lake) was remodeled into a country eating house. Paulo was the chef, and Bellclaire had charge of the serving. Their French and Italian dinner menu was irresistible. There was also a dance hall in one of the structures on the property. More information is needed to identify the location of this residence.
The business quickly outgrew the farm house and a new, much larger building was constructed. This building, set on the slope of a hill overlooking Reeds Lake, became known as Chateau Paulo. As the popularity of Point Paulo soared, 30 guest cottages were added, 6 at a time. And another large 24 room guest house known as the "Chalet" was soon needed to handle the overflow of actors and vacationers.
Frederick Paulo and Maurice Bellclaire, along with most Vaudevillians, were known for their exotic, bohemian lifestyles. They had rowdy parties that sometimes attracted the attention of local law enforcement. Actors and musicians would often play to small groups and friends within the exclusive confines of the resort.
Paulo kept a cow, chickens, and other livestock on the property. Bellclaire, who was responsible for milking the cow, had grown accustomed to performers hours, which meant milking the cow at noon and midnight. But they were not slackers, and their resort business was very successful.
A German animal trainer (named Havemann), who had eight performing lions, was one of Point Paulo's patrons. The problem - where to put the lions. Finally, it was decided to house them in Paulo's barn. Bookings for the lion peformance were sometimes scarce, and the lions spent all summer at the resort. Some of the female Vaudevillians staying at the resort kept an axe at bedside that summer.
Modern Day
The names of the resort founders can be seen on the street signs of the residential neighborhood developed by Paulo and Bellclaire after they closed their resort in 1920: Frederick Drive and Bellclaire Avenue. Modern day East Grand Rapids (EGR) is nestled within the larger urban area of greater Grand Rapids. Residents enjoy a walk-able community centered around a lake and village.
More Information
Subdivision plat map for the Paulo Addition to EGR [1]. It was signed in 1910 but not by Fredrick Paulo. The person dedicating the plat is Fredrick J. Mongeon, is this Fredrick Paulo's real name. He died in January 1937 at Point Paulo, funeral services were at St. Stephens Catholic Church in East Grand Rapids. His obit listed him as Fredrick (Paulo) Mongeau. An article in the Press said he was born in 1871 in Toronto. The Press article though listed his last name as Mongeon, the same as the Paulo Addition Plat. He bought Paulo Point in 1907. Article said he sang opera and was also a theatrical agent, he had acted as an agent for his good friend Maurice Bellclaire. Bellclaire was seen spelled Belliclaire and Belleclaire. He also went by Morris and Morrie. He died in February of 1973, not sure how old he was then. Here are their grave stones. [2][3]
How to Contribute
If you have any relevant information to add about or related to Point Paulo , please create an account, it is free and easy. You'll be able to edit this page and create new sections using wiki markup.
Acknowledgements
- City of East Grand Rapids
- Grand Rapids Public Library
- East Grand Rapids Public Library
- Mary Dersch
- Deborah Lynn Kerr
About this Wiki
Steve Goulet, who manages this Wiki, is a software engineer and small business owner living in East Grand Rapids, Michigan. He currently resides in the Point Paulo neighborhood with his wife and two children. Steve is part owner of Blue Sphere, Inc, a software consulting and product development firm located in the Grand Rapids area. Steve encourages anyone who can add value to contribute information to this Wiki. Instructions can be found here.
