The History of Norris Lake, GA

 By: Bill Gruber

Norris Lake began as a swampy area with a wagon road winding down through the forest to Highway 124 which was then an unpaved road.  Mr. Clarence Norris excavated the land, piling the dirt into a hill where the tennis courts now stand.  An ice house was built near the dam and water was supplied to the community for $10.00 per home, payable every there months.  The well was the property of Col. Smith.

     In the Mid 20th Century, the lake and surrounding area was purchased by Mr. Al Corkin, owner of a Boston, Massachusetts firm.  He developed the area into a residential community.  It is interesting to note that Mr. Corkin designated three lots upon which a church was to be constructed.  Three adjacent lots were purchased and the Norris Lake Presbyterian Church now stands on this site.

     A covered boat house stood behind the clubhouse by the present-day boat dock.  Only a large cement slab remains today of the wooden boat house.  There were several uncovered boat slips located along the bank of Norris Lake Road just past the old boat ramp.  Use of the old boat ramp was discontinued years ago but the ramp is still visible just past the bridge.  Discontinued also was the wooden guard shack that used to stand at the entrance of the subdivision.
     The community was later developed further by Mr. Steve Freedman.  He subsequently transferred ownership of all common property to the community association.

     The original swimming pool was filled in and a toddlers' playground now stands on the site.  The new pool, located across Lake Drive, opened May 23, 1998 with a party to celebrate the event held on May 30, 1998.

     My thanks to Mr. Jerry Roberts and Mrs. Carris Crowfoot for help with this article.