Lake Barcroft History Book

According to demographers, a generation consists of the
thirty years it takes for a newborn to reach maturity.
Thus, the late 1970s and early 1980s marked the
beginning of Lake Barcroft’s second generation. From 1950 to
1975, the community progressed through all the stages of
growing up: Lake Barcroft developed from a wilderness into a
modern, residential community; residents formed
organizations to fulfill their needs and desires; the community
purchased the lake and upgraded the dam; and property
owners approved a special tax assessment that provided a
continuous funding stream that would ensure maintenance of
the lake as well as the surroundings. The first generation of
Barcrofters bequeathed a legacy of dedication to keeping the
lake alive and the community involved. For the next twentyfive
years, the second generation faced the prospect of
maintaining the community on a steady course.
After Hurricane Agnes and the restoration of the dam, the lake
once again became a magnet for social activities. Barge parties,
the revitalized Sailing Club’s Sunday regattas, Fourth of July
fireworks and Labor Day sports competitions all marked the
return of the residents’ lives to normal. The organizations
responsible for managing the community continued under the
guidance of dedicated individuals, but not without major
changes. During the second twenty-five years, the
environment—both man-made and natural—had its ups and
downs, but overall it improved, because the residents were able
to rekindle the spirit needed to maintain Lake Barcroft as a
unique place to live. This chapter attempts to briefly chronicle
lake history from 1975 to 2000 by focusing on social,
community and environmental issues.
Social Activities
CHAPTER ELEVEN
The Second Generation
The lifestyle in Lake Barcroft offers something for everyone.
One group, the Lake Barcroft Woman’s Club, has been
providing services to its members as well as to the community
since 1955. The Newcomer’s Club Welcoming Committee for
new residents and periodic social events have helped that
organization flourish; membership in the club is often an
individual’s first step in community involvement. Members of
the Barcrofters, a social organization, plan and organize parties
and outings. In the mid-1970s, Joe Theismann, the popular
and outgoing Redskins’ quarterback, opened a restaurant at
Bailey’s Crossroads, which became a popular community
watering hole. Theismann contributed his considerable talents
as auctioneer at fund-raisers sponsored by the Woman’s Club,
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and his restaurant provided prizes for Labor Day events. Other
memorable outdoor luaus and picnics coordinated by
Trippi Penland provided an opportunity for residents to
celebrate the thirty-fifth anniversary of Lake Barcroft in
November 1986, the fortieth in November 1991 and the
fiftieth in October 2000.
During the seventies and eighties, several stage shows featured
talented Barcrofters. In January 1976, Jerry Meyer produced
and Naomi Zeavin directed Barney’s Place, a musical
extravaganza spanning the twenties, forties and sixties. Jerry
gave an outstanding performance imitating Elvis Presley for his
ecstatic teenybopper audience, including Jerrie Manteau, Sally
Trebbe, Jean Meyer and Jeanne Fellows. This show was so
successful, it was repeated during the Woman’s Club’s Arts ‘76
Festival. A sort of sequel—Barney Goes to München—was
performed by the same cast at the Oktoberfest held at St.
Anthony’s Church. Naomi Zeavin, an accomplished actress
and gracious neighbor, wrote, directed and produced several
shows: Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter in 1974, Cabaret in 1977,
Let’s Take a Trip in 1979, Ego-Mania in 1983, Don’t Call Us,
We’ll Call You in 1988 and This Is My Life in 1990.
Jerry Meyer does his Elvis thing