Historic Walker County

ELKINS LAKE
RECREATION
CORPORATION
It has often been said that there is “no place like
home,” and members of Elkins Lake Recreation
Corporation would be the first to agree.
Residents of Elkins Lake’s residential community
relish the location, which is the home of
Sam Houston State University, sixty-five miles
north of Houston and 175 miles south of Dallas.
As such, they are close enough to appreciate the
perks of “big city” entertainment such as theatre,
ballet, and orchestral events; yet, all the while,
enjoying the day-to-day, care-free lifestyle
among the rolling hills and wooded landscape.
It is the Elkins Lake Recreation Corporation’s
various activities that people find inviting. The
corporation is a private club with welcoming
neighbors and all the comforts of home.
Residents view it as a fun community, and agree
that there is something for everyone—no matter
what their age or preference for recreational and
social activities.
While catching the “big one” in a nearby lake
may appeal to some, others may find a round of
golf more to their liking on the twenty-seven
hole championship course. Some may find the
swimming pools or tennis courts more enticing.
Still, there are others who would rather sit on
their front porches, visiting with neighbors,
playing a game of gin rummy, or simply enjoying
the peaceful environment.
The community is named for Judge James
Elkins, who began his law career in Huntsville
in 1903, and became one of Houston’s most
prominent attorneys. In 1930, he purchased
twenty acres of land as a personal retreat, establishing
the Elkins Lake property, and began
clearing and beautifying the property. He also
bought about sixteen to twenty properties that
year, and consolidated them into one large tract
of land, now a 1,000-acre development.
In 1936, the Judge built the Manor House
with cypress logs he received from a Lufkin
sawmill owner as payment for defending his
son against a murder charge. The historic home
was a place where Texas-sized deals were made,
and became the center for dining and entertainment
in the Elkins Lake development.
Eventually, J. B. Belin, Jr., purchased the
property from Judge Elkins and began further
development of the community. In 1969 the
Secretary of State issued a certificate of
incorporation to Elkins Lake Recreation
Corporation. At that time, the developer
controlled the affairs of the community, which
was one of four developments in the Quad
Rec Club. Others were April Sound, Westwood
Shores, and Hilltop Lakes. At that time, Judge
Elkins’ first home was used as the original
development office.
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