Belle Isle History

Text taken from reference #13

In April of 1924, a handful of people held a meeting at the Thompson Gregg's Pavilion Resort on Pleasure Island to form thier own government. This was to keep from being annexed by the Town of Pine Castle. By ballot vote of more than two-thirds of those present, the name "Belle Isle" (which means beautiful island) was chosen. Mr. C. H. Hoffner was elected the first mayor.
In the early years the area did not amount to much more than a scattering of houses and open cattle range. Hoffner Road was a sand trail, and there were rice paddies where the Hoffner Bridge is now located. There were a number of resorts and summer homes around the lakes. "Pleasure Beach", the "Brown Cow", and Curry's", later called "Bakers" were some of the best known. There was also a small rustic tea room on Oak Island Road.