The Douglas House - North Branch Outing Club (NBOC) was established by T.E. Douglas after he realized his lumber business was on the decline. Douglas started promoting fly fishing on the North Branch of the Au Sable to prominent anglers of the time. Men and women anglers came from around the world to fly fish the North Branch of the AuSable. NBOC had members and guests such as Henry & Edsel Ford, Harvey Firestone, The Dodge Brothers, Thomas Edison, and Royalty from Europe.
NBOC is a fine example of Prairie and Victorian architecture and is one of the only remaining historic fly fishing lodges that was open to the public. In the glory days, anglers would come to the North Branch by train and then by automobile to experience the world class fly fishing on the river. Guests would also be treated to wonderful homecooked meals by Mrs. Douglas in the elegant dining room. The North Branch Outing Club was the true "Elite American" fly fishing destination!
1898
T.E. Douglas and his family came to the banks of the Au Sable's North Branch in 1898 in search of a fortune in the lumber industry.
T.E. Douglas and his family came to the banks of the Au Sable's North Branch in 1898 in search of a fortune in the lumber industry.
1898 - 1906
In just a few short years T.E. developed a very successful lumber milling operation and built a general store, post office and established other needed services to support his lumber operation in Lovells, Michigan.
In just a few short years T.E. developed a very successful lumber milling operation and built a general store, post office and established other needed services to support his lumber operation in Lovells, Michigan.
1906 - 1916
As the lumber resources in the area dwindled T.E. with his entrepreneurial spirit realized he needed to expand his business if he was to stay on the beautiful North Branch
As the lumber resources in the area dwindled T.E. with his entrepreneurial spirit realized he needed to expand his business if he was to stay on the beautiful North Branch
1916
In 1916 his dream and future was complete. The North Branch Outing Club was born. His plan was to provide the world with first class accommodations, services, and access to world class fly fishing and wingshooting.
In 1916 his dream and future was complete. The North Branch Outing Club was born. His plan was to provide the world with first class accommodations, services, and access to world class fly fishing and wingshooting.
1916 - 1960
Men and women from around the world came to the North Branch to experience this extraordinary fishery, beautiful river, and relaxed atmosphere.
Men and women from around the world came to the North Branch to experience this extraordinary fishery, beautiful river, and relaxed atmosphere.
1963
The North Branch Outing Club served fly anglers until the Douglas family closed the doors in the early 1960's.
The North Branch Outing Club served fly anglers until the Douglas family closed the doors in the early 1960's.
1996
In September of 1996 the North Branch Outing Club was purchased by the Fuller Family and the restoration of this historic landmark began.
In September of 1996 the North Branch Outing Club was purchased by the Fuller Family and the restoration of this historic landmark began.
2001
In 2001 the Douglas Hotel was designated a state historic site by the state of Michigan.
In 2001 the Douglas Hotel was designated a state historic site by the state of Michigan.
2002
The State of Michigan was so impressed with the historical significance of the North Branch Outing Club that it nominated this landmark to be considered as a National Historic Site. In July 2002 the US. Department of Interior approved this designation and today the NBOC is on the register of Historic Places.
The State of Michigan was so impressed with the historical significance of the North Branch Outing Club that it nominated this landmark to be considered as a National Historic Site. In July 2002 the US. Department of Interior approved this designation and today the NBOC is on the register of Historic Places.
2024
Today the North Branch Outing Club once again offers riverside lodging, world class fly fishing and wingshooting in the vision of T.E. Douglas.
Today the North Branch Outing Club once again offers riverside lodging, world class fly fishing and wingshooting in the vision of T.E. Douglas.
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