Much of the information below is dated, but I found it on a Tripod website and think it's a good starting point for filling in the history of Lake Royale.
Introduction to Lake Royale
Welcome to the Lake Royale resort community. This community is governed by a Board of Directors, consisting of twelve property owners, who are elected by the members of the Association. Upon becoming a property owner, you are automatically a member of the Association. Payment of your dues each year keeps your membership up to date. Your membership provides you access to the lake and all its facilities.
History of Lake Royale
Lake Royale was formerly part of the Seven Paths farming community. In 1970 members of the American Realty Corp. started purchasing land along Cypress Creek, east of Louisburg.. The land was cleared and a dam constructed, this was the beginning of Lake Sagamore.
Early in 1972, groundbreaking ceremonies were held at Lake Sagamore. American Realty built the lodge and started selling lots on the West side. This was described as a recreational development. The community would consist of a 310-acre lake surrounded by 4,000 lots for those seeking this type of recreation. Lots were soon being sold to both county residents and those from elsewhere. Construction started on the lake and a few cottages were built even before water was impounded. Early in 1975 the highly publicized Lake Sagamore community declared bankruptcy. By September it went into receivership, leaving property owners wondering who would be responsible for security, operation of the water system, etc. The property owners soon organized and took over these duties until the National American Corp., NACO, as they are known, bought the property in May of 1976, for a reported $700,000 and changed the name to Lake Royale.
In January of 1979 NACO moved into their new sales office. Lots became available in sections 12, 13, 14 and 15 in 1980. In 1981 both swimming pools were completed. The golf course was built in section 16. The back nine was completed and open for play in 1987. The front nine was completed in the spring of 1990. NACO also completed two boat ramps, tennis courts and comfort centers, as well as several town houses. In 1988 the Property Owners Association built their own office building at the entrance to the Lake.
Facts
This man made lake is approximately 345 acres and is 3.25 miles long. The shoreline is comprised of eleven (11) miles. The maximum depth, which is located near the dam, is thirty (30) feet. The dam is 1200 feet long and the spillway, constructed of concrete is approximately 288 feet wide. The overall property of Lake Royale comprises 3500 acres, which completely surrounds the lake basin, being fed by Cypress Creek and numerous springs. The total number of residential and camping lots is approximately 7000. Within the project there is approximately 40 miles of roadway.
Recreation
Lake Royale offers a year around Recreation Program. The Recreation Committee provides such activities as dances, dinners, sports tournaments, children's activities and socials. The lodge provides a community recreation center which is located on the water front. Beach I and Beach II provide lake swimming areas. The Miniature Golf Pavilion provides a sheltered picnic area and an eighteen (18) hole miniature golf course. Other amenities include two (2) swimming pools, playgrounds, tennis courts, and a basketball court.
Activities and Meetings
Beautification Committee ...... 1st Monday-6:30pm
Board of Directors ........ 3rd Saturday-10am- Lodge
Board Workshop ........ ...................1st Wednesday POA
Bridge .................. Monday/Thursday-1:30prn-Lodge
Building Permit Committee ...... 3rd Tuesday-7pm-POA
Children's Playgroup . Monday/Thursday-lOam-Lodge
Coffee with the Manager
4th Wednesday-10am-Lodge Kitchen
4th Saturday - April through September
10am - The Lodge Kitchen
Emergency/Safety Committee
1st Saturday-9am-POA
Exercise Group
Monday/Wednesday/Friday-9am-Lodge
50 Plus Club (Social)
1st Saturday-6pm-Lodge (dinner)
3rd Friday-noon-Lodge (luncheon)
Finance Committee ..................2nd Saturday-9am-POA
Golf- Ladies ................Every Tuesday-gam-TheRiver
Sr. Men's ...........2nd & 3rd Thursday-River Golf
Recreation Committee .......2nd Monday-7:15pm-Lodge
Square Dancing Club..........Fridays - 7pm - Lodge
Steak Night (Reservations required)
3rd Saturday-6pm-Lodge
Teen Recreation Committee
To Be Announced
Worship Services (non-denominational)
8:30am-Sundays-Lodge (covered dish breakfast)
Utilities
The following are Utilities that service the lake:
Carolina Telephone (We are listed under Spring hope with a 478 exchange)
1-492-9111 Residence Assistance
1-492-5135 Business Assistance
1-977-7100 Repair Service
Carolina Power and Light
1-459-2132 Office in Nashville
Riviera Utilities Water Department
478-5229
Cable TV is currently being installed
