Generations of local children learned to skate here under the watchful eye of “Pappa Eli” Vickers. Most know it simply as Lake “B”. In its heyday, this facility boasted pool tables, pinball machines, and even a bowling alley. Pools at the site, fed by natural springs of the Willacoochee River & Turkey Creek, were always ice cold and a popular way to beat the summer heat. It is located at the Ben Hill-Irwin County line.
My brother & I grew up skating and swimming here when we were younger…like late 60’s and early 70’s. Our grandparents lived in Ocilla. We absolutely loved this place!! It was the very first time that I ever jumped off a highdive. We spent alot of time there in summer & winter and then to the drive-up DQ afterwards……oh the memories!!!!!!! 😉
Why not open it back up? There isn’t anything else in Ocilla for the kids to do. If they wanted to they would have to go to Douglas or out of town to skate or just hang out. 🤷🏽♀️
I LOVED THIS PLACE. MY GIRLS ALL LOVE TO GO EVERY SUMMER AND WE ALWAYS HAD A GOOD TIME.
I loved this place and we spent so much time here especially in the summer! I was looking to see what pictures you had and I would really love to see the pool area. It was a real shame to have it closed. It brings back so many memories of time spent with family. My brother, who is now gone, always had a wonderful time! He could skate but I was too chicken and held onto the rail. I miss Lake B and Papa Eli so very much.
Why did this place close down? Did someone drown there or was it drugs?
I think it just closed because the owner passed away and times were changing. I never heard of a drowning or drugs being a problem. The owner, Papa Eli Vickers, didn’t put up with any nonsense out there.
This was my family’s place to go winter and summer in the fifties, sixties and early seventies. skating in winter swimming in summer. All five of my children learned to skate and swim at lake B. We also spent lots of time at Crystal lake. Wonderful memories.
I spent a lot of time there with my friends skeeter and faron and dick hutto
Loved going to Lake B! It was a good family place. Skating, several pools for your liking/experience and Eli didn’t put up with anything! It was a safe place. A single parent being on fixed income, it was a place my Mom could take us and feel good about. I was so disappointed when I went back to show my kids where I grew up and realized it was no longer. Good memories.
Is it still open?
No
Loved this place! Remember everytime seeing Papa Eli he was eating a Zero bar! This would a good place to have restored and reopened!! Wish there was more pictures and more history about it and Papz Eli!
I kissed my first girlfriend the day I got out of fifth grade. Miss you Candy V.
I really enjoyed seeing this post. Eli is always with me in my childhood memories. He always kept Zero bars in the cooler for me and often ran a tab. When I think about my childhood he is there. I wish my children could have had the experience. Swimming, skating, pool, games and at one time a dance floor. Brings a big smile to my face. Hello to all that share the memories.
“The Lake” as we knew it in the mid and late ’50’s was the place to go on Friday & Saturday nights year round and everyday to swim in the pools during the summer. Back then they did not have the skating rink, just duck pin bowling and a dance floor with a great jukebox. I remember Mr. Eli very well and always stopped by to speak with him when I would travel through that way over the years. Again, many good memories! Thanks for the blog.
I spent many of a good time at” Lake B”. Like so many others I learned to dance, swim, bowl and have wonderful times. Sometimes I like to ride memory lane & I take my husband with me. I too never learned to skate, but that didn’t stop me from trying many times. I was always scared to walk down the dirt path, cross the bridge and look at the BIG LAKE with all the trees standing so tall in the middle of the lake, that didn’t stop me though, as long as I had someone with me. I had many moments there I’ll never forget !!!!
Glad this brought back such neat memories!
I grew up on the rail in my little Fisher Price skates. I was devistated when I was no longer allow to go because my mom caught some teenager ‘smoking’ in the bathroom.
But Papa Eli was a good man and would not have stood for it if he’d known. My dad grew up with him and loved him dearly.
I’m actually interested in buying the place and starting it up. Wonder if the owners are interested in selling to friend’s of the family.
Could some tell me more about the Eli Vickers you talk about?
Papa Eli actually owned it then when he passed away his son buster ran it for the longest time along w his sons buddy johnny and sometimes their sister busters wife fell ill and past a short time ago they either sold it or leased it out to an auction company it was a sad thing to hear I grew up there one of the nicest most Stern gentleman you cudve ever met
Brian,
I stumbled on your blog one day while doing a google search on Pansey Road. I have truly enjoyed your photographs and related comments and documentary. It really ‘takes me back’. Thanks for jogging my memory in such a pleasant way.
Nancy
Glad you like it, Nancy! Hope you find some more memories here…
I remember this well. Skating was free for ladies on Tuesday night, so my Mom often took my sister and I to do that. I never did learn to skate well. I was chicken and held on to the rail!!! Then Summers were spent in one of the pools! Thanks for the blast from the past
Thanks for looking, Joan! I remember birthday parties out there, and the mirror ball on the ceiling. I also remember my momma warning me about the people “smoking” in the bathroom. How times have changed LOL!