During the 1920s real estate was a booming
business in Transylvania County. 
Properties were being developed for business and residential use.  Residential development ranged from farm land
and acreages to construction of subdivisions and new homes within the town of
Brevard.

A
50-acre property two miles west of Brevard was originally planned as a boy’s
summer camp.  In September 1924, Robert
Lawrence began construction of a lake and planned to build cabins as well.

The
following June, Lawrence announced a prize of $5.00 gold for the best name for
the camp.  The name Sega, meaning
welcome, was chosen but had not been suggested by anyone so the $5.00 gold was
giving away at a July Fourth celebration at the lake. 

Although
the camp itself never can to be, the lake was open to swimmers.  Tennis courts and boats were furnished to
visitors and picnic parties were welcome. 
Lake Sega became a popular picnic spot for school, church and other
groups.

Lawrence
had served as the first Transylvania County Farm Agent from 1917 until 1920 and
then as the Cleveland County Farm Agent 1920-1925.  He returned to Brevard in late 1925 and
opened a real estate and insurance company with business partner, Jim
Mallory.  At that time they began to
develop the Lake Sega property into a residential subdivision.  Work included grading roads, installing water
and sewer lines and electrical and telephone service. 

Lot
prices ranged from $450 to $1000.  The
lots, which sold quickly, were purchased by people from outside of the county
looking to build summer homes. 

North
Carolina State College head football coach, Gus Tebell had a home at Lake
Sega.  The Wolfpack team used the
facility as a training ground in September 1926.

Community house at Lake Sega.

In
1928 Lawrence and his family moved to Canton where he was an insurance agent
but he continued to own and operate Lake Sega cottages and recreational
area.  The Lawrences returned to Brevard
in 1941.

Cabin
rentals were available at Lake Sega until at least 1965.  The property included a community house,
badminton, croquet and shuffleboard courts along with swimming and boating at
the lake.

Photographs
and information for this column are provided by the Rowell Bosse North Carolina
Room, Transylvania County Library. Visit the NC Room during regular library
hours (Monday-Friday) to learn more about our history and see additional
photographs. For more information, comments, or suggestions contact Marcy at [email protected]
or 828-884-1820.