The Mercer Family Flooded Forest House Abandoned After Dam Construction

The Mercer family established Willowmere House in 1908 after Thomas Mercer purchased woodland beside the Graywillow River and built a countryside residence for his family. Three generations lived there, including Thomas, his wife Clara, their children, and later grandchildren who helped manage a small timber operation and river transport service. The family earned income from logging permits, fishing rights, and moving supplies along the waterway.

Local records describe a maintained home with an active garden, dock, and workshop before the construction of a regional dam altered the valley and began the gradual decline of the property.

The first warning sign appeared in 1927 when government surveyors announced plans for a dam project that would flood parts of the valley. By 1929, the Mercers closed the lower garden areas and stopped repairing sections of the wooden walkway as water levels continued rising. The family reduced expenses by leaving the attic room unused and selling their small boat fleet. The dam construction completed in 1932, causing the forest surrounding the house to become permanently flooded. With delayed compensation payments, unpaid taxes, and limited access to the property, Thomas and Clara left for a nearby town in 1933.

Willowmere House was abandoned in 1934 after flooding from the completed dam, financial losses, and unresolved compensation issues ended the Mercer family’s ownership. No restoration occurred, and no Mercer descendants returned after relocating away from the valley. County records noted incomplete property transfers and continued deterioration caused by constant exposure to water and weather. The remaining rooms stayed closed with personal belongings left behind. Over decades, vegetation spread across the structure and wooden walkways weakened. The flooded forest house remains empty above the dark water, continuing to deteriorate without restoration or confirmed future use.