I.B. Melton's History of Pine Lake

The Melton House Before its Recent Renovation

Former Pine Lake mayor Ira B. Melton wrote the following history in 1998

In 1936 Carl Shaub from Trouble, Kentucky bought an 80-acre farm where Pine Lake stands now. He brought Roy Purvis down from Trouble, and they formed the Piney Woods Company. They subdivided the lots into 20 x 100 and sold them as recreational and summer home lots. It was called Pine Woods Subdivision. The lots were $39 to $79 each.

The lake is approximately 1.5 acres and was dug with a steam shovel and mules. They tried to pump water into it from Snapfinger Creek, but it wouldn't fill. A pipe was run 1800 feet from up the creek, but in a few days, it would stop up. An open flume was added and is still in place today.

Mr. Purvis, know to all as Chief, was in charge of the project. He remained Chief of Police until his death.

When Mrs. (Mary) Purvis, arrived, she was tempted to get back on the train and head back to Kentucky. She toughed it out and she and Chief lived in their house on Pine until their deaths. Mr. Schaub told Roy to build a house on Pine. When it was finished, he gave it to Roy and Mary.

Chief was a wonderful man who had complete control of the young people and teenagers. He chaperoned their teen club, ran the concession stand, and was respected by all.
Attorney Sams wrote up the the charter of development in 1935. Many of the by laws are the same as Decatur's.

Pine Lake is a private city. The city owns a one foot strip around the perimeter of the city. There is access only from the Rockbridge Road side.

Amenities were for members, residents and their guests.

When Mildred and I moved here in 1941, there were only 26 year round residents. Chief Purvis had the only telephone. There were two pumps in town, one at the clubhouse and one at Spring and Poplar. These were the only places to get water. 

Scott Candler, DeKalb commissioner, helped to get water, sewer, and paved roads

Mildred and I raised five children here and I still believe it is the best place in the world to raise a family. In 1948 we founded the Pine Lake Baptist Church and it became the spiritual center of the Lake.

The present mayor and council are the best and I commend them for the good job they are doing now. We now have over 300 houses, 800 people, and who knows how many dogs and cats.

Ira Bailey Melton Sr.
1988