Island dwellers on the large lakes of the north woods have always displayed their individuality and creativity through the wide variety of structures, dwellings, boathouses, outhouses and docks that they have conceived and constructed.

The Scudder court, on Campement d'Ours Island (photo © 2006 Jake Dann)

On an isolated wind-swept Island on the northern reaches of Lake Huron is one of the most improbable of these creations - a beautifully built and well preserved squash court perched on the rocks and overlooking the waves and the water.

This squash court dates back to the very earliest years of the Twentieth century, just after 1900, when the prominent Scudder family of Lake Forest, Illinois purchased an island on Lake Huron, now known as Scudder's Island and began spending summers there.

In 1922, the Scudders decided that summer life on Lake Huron just wouldn't be complete without a squash court. The court and the building which housed it have survived the last 84 years of sun, wind, rain, ice, wind and more ice.

The natural lighting and ample gallery of the Scudder court (photo © 2006 Jake Dann)

At the time that the court was built, there was no refrigeration, source of electricity or any similar amenity on the islands (today generators can supply electricity), so the court was constructed with windows and skylights in the structure to provide playing light. Constructed by a well-known builder at the time, a Mr. Dick Shaugnessey, the entire cost of the project in 1922 was $800. Close to the court is also an island-based sauna, fuelled by wood.

The exact ties of the Scudders to squash are not known but the Scudders had embarked on a somewhat unsuccessful quest to convince many of their Chicago friends that the remote spot that they had selected for summer fun was actually easy to reach (by boat) from Chicago.

The property later passed into the hands of the Ellis family, and a group of summer dwellers has gotten together into an informal "club" to provide the funds that keep the court in shape, and of course to enjoy the squash.

This stark structure, perched on Canadian rock, has withstood 84 winters in style. (photo © 2006 Jake Dann)

This remote court is in frequent demand during the summer months. One of the more illustrious players to make regular use of the court over many decades is William Dann, of Buffalo New York, who has been many-time US age-group Doubles Champion, including most recently, the two-time over 70 U.S. doubles champion with partner Nelson Graves.

This classic court, which is only reachable by boat, is in excellent playing condition and the building housing the court has been renewed with new windows. Another unique feature of the court is a period northwoods mural (see photo) which is also well preserved. The court has a roomy gallery for those spectators who might also accompany the players by boat.

Bill Dann flanked by the court's northwoods murals (photo © 2006 Jake Dann