It seems almost out of place as you drive around a bend in the winding rural road.

A quiet lake-side community nestled in the rolling green hills of Lawrence County and the Wayne National Forest. Motorists could happen onto it by chance with a mistake turn onto State Route 522.

But for years, it has sat there: Lawco Lake - a throwback to days gone by and a portal to another place, another time.

The year was 1932, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was in office as President of the United States. The Fish and Game Association had just completed a dam that made Lawco Lake more than a dream.

Then Ohio Governor George White visited on Oct. 2 to dedicate the newest attraction to the county's every growing outdoor opportunities.

More than 2,000 people gathered for the event.

The hustling and bustling crowd is a far cry from the peaceful serenity that is afforded there now in a private community that most use as a quiet escape.

For nearly 50 years, Ironton resident Don Edwards has enjoyed the summer and weekend getaway with the 30 to 40 residents and other weekenders.

In 1955, Edwards and his family started with a tent. A few years later, they moved a log cabin from Ironton and have been frequents visitors ever since, even adding on the cabin right now.

"We have enjoyed it for almost 50 years," he said. "We are back in a hollow

so we have privacy but we can go down to the community building or go fish or swim."

Anyone who wishes to use the lake has to be a member of the Lawco Lake Association, Edwards said. something that he would recommend to anyone.

"It is a nice peaceful place to go," he said. "We have sure enjoyed it."