*Footage of this era and subject is uncommon to find on 16mm film and rarely available in high-resolution scans.
Title:
Lake Chelan, Washington and Rodeo Scenes, 1930s
REEL ID:
L054R011
RUN TIME:
0:06:54
FORMAT:
16mm motion picture film
FILM TYPE:
Black and White
SOUND:
Silent (no synchronized sound
Description:
This rare home movie captures daily life, recreation, and community gatherings around Lake Chelan, Washington, during the 1930s. Shot on 16mm film, the reel offers a multifaceted portrait of the region—blending lakeside leisure, frontier traditions, and small-town commerce during the early twentieth century.
The film opens with scenes from a visit to Wapato Point, showing people enjoying the shoreline and waters of Lake Chelan through boating, swimming, and fishing. Men are seen casting lines from boats while others relax along the lake, reflecting the area’s longstanding connection to outdoor recreation and tourism.
A lively rodeo sequence follows, filmed at Wapiti Point near Lake Chelan. Crowds gather to watch men race horses, ride bareback, and rope calves in classic rodeo competitions. Cowboys move confidently through the arena while spectators line the edges, and foot races add to the festive atmosphere. Interspersed are scenes of Native Americans from the Lake Chelan area, including views of teepees set up nearby, offering a glimpse into cultural presence alongside the rodeo festivities.
Downtown Lake Chelan appears next, revealing storefronts, early automobiles, and everyday street life. Signs reading “McClay Auto Exchange” and “Ren’s Place” are clearly visible as cars drive through town. People stand outside local businesses, some gathered beside a gas pump, capturing the rhythms of commerce and travel in a growing lakeside community. Additional scenes show residents attending what appears to be a local fair or festival, reinforcing the social life of the town.
The reel concludes with quieter moments—children peeling bark from a log, people boating across the lake, and swimmers enjoying the water—closing on scenes that emphasize Lake Chelan’s enduring role as a place of work, play, and gathering. Together, these images form a valuable visual record of life in north-central Washington during the 1930s, preserved through early amateur filmmaking.
Tags:
Lake Chelan, Washington State, 1930s, 16mm film, Home movies, Early color footage, Rodeo, Wapato Point, Wapiti Point, Horse racing, Horseback riding, Cowboys, Calf roping, Foot races, Rodeo crowd, Native Americans, Teepees, Downtown Lake Chelan, Storefronts, Vintage signage, McClay Auto Exchange, Used cars, Ren’s Place, Gas pump, Automobiles, Small-town life, Local fair, Festival, Fishing, Boating, Swimming, Children playing, Lakeside recreation, Vintage Americana, Prewar America, Analog film, Nostalgic footage
