History of Yellow Creek Lake

The Beginnings

In the 1950's, Sherrill Hayes and Phyllis Fritzler, along with other college friends, served as youth counselors at Yellow Creek Church Camp. Pictured here, they are together with their friends, Jack and Betty Strunk. Yellow Creek Lake became a place where they would share life with each other and eventually their children and grand-children.

Taking a Chance

For years, Sherrill and Fritzie parked their travel trailer at Yellow Creek Church of God campgrounds until 1976 when they began looking for a cottage. Finding this one pictured, it was Fritzie who convinced Sherrill to take the leap to get a loan and buy this lake front property. The Hayes family enjoyed many summers together, swimming, boating, and skiing.

In 1994 and 1996, the cottages behind, and next to the original became for sale. Fritzie again initiated the purchase of these two cottages to provide more space for their growing family. She believed she needed three, one for each of her kids. It has been called the Hayes compound.

Passing on the Legacy

While all three kids still enjoy coming to the lake, Jennifer and her family were able to visit more often. As the Withrow family grew, we purchased two of the three cottages in 2003 and 2006, making some improvements. We love to share this special place with friends and family each summer. Fritzie still owns the original cottage and it is still lovingly referred to as the Hayes compound.