In 1923, work began on the hydroelectric dam which would create Deep Creek Lake and in May 1925, the lake was deemed to have reached full pool and the turbines were first switched on. Since then, Deep Creek Lake has become a defining feature of Garrett County and has developed a rich heritage which we’ll be celebrating across 2025 with events and projects throughout the year.
The mission of the DCL100 Committee, composed of representatives from over 10 organizations with a stake in the lake, is to promote and preserve the heritage of Deep Creek Lake’s first 100 years and then to protect what makes it so special for the next 100 years and beyond.
The Deep Creek Lake Centennial Committee
In December of 2023, the Board of the Property Owners’ Association of Deep Creek Lake voted to establish a commitee to celebrate the centennial of Deep Creek Lake, and invited representatives from local businesses and organizations to participate. The committe counts over 10 organizations as members, meets at least monthy and has formed a number of subcomittees to plan events, projects, research and educational outreach.
Chris Nichols, Chair – Property Owners’ Association of Deep Creek Lake
Chris was born in Garrett County and currently lives in the log cabin built by his grandparents in the 1920’s. He is active in many community organizations and serves as VP for Membership for the DCL Property Owners’ Association, Past President of the Deep Creek Lake Lions Club, and Chair of the Garrett County Emergency Services Board. He is a real estate sales professional with Taylor Made Deep Creek Sales, and operates a cartography business, Narrows Hill.
Karen Myers, Vice Chair – Property Owners’ Association of Deep Creek Lake
Karen is a 10th-generation native of Garrett County, her ancestors were the early settlers along the Youghiogheny River in Friendsville in the mid-1700s. She has been active in many business areas around the county since the 1970’s.
John Quilty, Research Chair – Property Owners’ Association of Deep Creek Lake
John is retired from the MITRE Corporation, a non-profit company chartered to advise the federal government on electronic and information system matters. He and his wife Helen had been vacationing at Deep Creek Lake, with their two children, since the late 1970’s. They purchased lake property in 1998 in the Turkey Neck/Hickory Ridge area, built a home shortly thereafter, and now share almost equal time between their lake house and their residence in northern VA. Both water and snow skiing are part of John’s and Helen’s life at the lake.
Missy Gralish, Events Chair –
Sarah Myers, Marketing Chair – Garrett County Government
Sarah Myers was born in Garrett County and is a passionate advocate for the area, combining her professional expertise with a love for the community and outdoor recreation. With over two decades of experience in communications, event planning, and marketing, Sarah organizes events and programs that highlight the natural beauty and outdoor activities in the area. Along with serving the Garrett County Government as Communications Coordinator, Sarah owns and operates the Deep Creek Adventure Bureau and DeepCreekTimes.com.
Lisa Bender, Educational Outreach Chair – resident
Lisa Bender has enjoyed Deep Creek Lake since 1961 when her parents put a trailer on a lot at Turkey Neck. In 1971, her parents bought the Club House property in the Green Glade Club in Swanton, a club that was established in 1928. The Club House was originally the home of Eliza Swan and built in 1884 as a Victorian Home on E Street in Mt. Lake Park. Eliza Swan turned it into a Learning Seminary for Boys and Girls she called “Briar Bend” in the late 1880s. Upon the sudden death of Miss Swan in 1905, the home sat vacant until a group from the Tri-Towns area of Westernport bought it in 1931 and took the materials of the house to rebuild Briar Bend in Green Glade Club for the 16 members to share during the summer months. Lisa and her family continue to maintain the family retreat at Deep Creek Lake, although the 100+ year 2-story home was taken down in 2023 and a new family retreat is in the process of being built. A retired teacher of Garrett County Public Schools, Lisa helps to coordinate the educational activities as a member of the DCL100 Committee. She taught Business, Economics, and Personal Finance classes at Southern Garrett High School for 30 years. Her grandchildren are now part of her family’s 5th generation to spend summers at the lake.
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Contact us at deep.creek@dcl100.com to get involved, or to send us your memories and pictures of the lake!