3775 White Lake Dr Whitehall, MI 49461

*Snowmobilers Paradise!* Historic ''Edson's Hayloft'' barn and 2700+sf modernized brick farmhouse on 8 acres, next to bike trail, and close to White Lake. 2-level bank-style barn with berm entry for easy vehicle access to second level. Modernized home is light-filled, with engineered hardwood and radiant heat. NATURAL GAS. Centrally-located kitchen has 9-ft ceilings and walk-in pantry, and leads to newer breakfast area and 24x16 family room, and also to original structure. Addition includes 2nd floor master bedroom suite with walk-in closet. Heated 800+sf workshop with 18-ft ceiling, auto lift, and 500+sf of loft storage. 550+sf non-conforming apartment below shop (heated, w/half bath). Mill Pond Creek meanders through property, and deer are plentiful. Backs up to county land. Snowmobilers take note! The White Lake Pathway is a rails-to-trails path right across the street from this property, which connects to the Fred Meijer Berry Junction Trail to the south and the Hart-Montague Rail Trail to the north. Plenty of storage for snowmobiles (and ALL your toys) in two-level barn.


The barn is a well-loved piece of history for locals and visitors. Known as "Edson's Hayloft," it hosted live music and dancing, possibly as early as the 1930s, although the "Edson's Hayloft" era began in 1947. According to the local news article included in the listing (dated 1947), the Edsons opened the barn up for dancing at that time. It's possible that their updates to the barn at that time represented a restart of the barn dances. The extension on the side of the barn (under the red wagon wheel) is the area where the bands would play. Inside the barn, one the first level, you can see the area where there was a concession stand (not pictured).

Article:
"Edson's Hayloft to open June 28 (1947)
Brand new barn dance, Edson's Hayloft, will be opened in this area June 28. Edward R. Edson, who lives in the old Gunderson place on the city limits, announces.
Mr. Edson and his son, Gilmore, an ex-serviceman and high-scoring basketball center for Hillsdale college last year, are remodeling the barn on their place into a unique barn dance hayloft. Gilmore Edson, who is also a professional dancer, will manage the place.
The ground floor of the barn has been given a concrete floor and will be used as a lobby and refreshment stand location. Only soft-drinks and sandwiches will be served.
New sub-flooring and flooring taken from the old Sylvan Beach hotel have transformed the hayloft into a dance floor 36 by 60 feet in size. Special lighting affects are being arranged and benches are being placed along the walls. A novelty feature will be the "naming" of the benches naming them in the appropriate after the various states and be available for private parties, state colors.
Bob Ashley's orchestra will play and dances will be held Wednesday and Saturday evenings throughout the summer."