Welcome to Indian Ranch!
Since 1946 Indian Ranch has been a resort and entertainment
venue situated along the shores of historic
Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg
in Webster, Massachusetts.
In particular we have become internationally renowned for Country music performances, establishing ourselves as "New England's Home of Country Music"!
We also have a large banquet facility with in-house catering, a platform stage and large dance floor. Our scenic location, experienced staff and famous recipes make us a popular choice for weddings, parties and corporate events. Our pine-groved park, pavilions and beach is also perfect for summer outings.
In 2006 we have greatly expanded and improved our campground. We now offer daily camping in addition to seasonal for park trailers, RVs, motor homes and pop-ups. Come camp just for a weekend while attending one of our entertainment events! Each site now offers town sewer & water, 50 amp electrical service plus cable TV hook-ups. Free wireless Internet is also being rolled out!
Early Beginnings
Ernest Wallis, a local Native American, created a humble resort
on Webster lake in the 1940's. He
leased the property to George "Hillbilly" Mahoney, who along
with his wife Florence operated the business and booked the
entertainment for the first 10 years. George himself
was a performer who was well known on the radio circuit and
often performed at the Ranch with his talent partner "Dixie".
The seats were originally made of wooden logs and part of the
amphitheatre stage which still exists today came from the "showboat"
which hosted live entertainment on the lake prior to the existence
of Indian Ranch.
Check out our Wall
of Fame!
View our show
history by Year or
by Artist!
Quite Possibly America's First Resort
Long before Wallis owned Indian Ranch, the Nipmuc, Wampanoag
and other Native American tribes as far back as 1000 A.D used
the property for camping and fishing. The British first settled
in 1713, which shared fishing rights with the Indians; on the
lake they called Chargoggagoggmanchaugagoggchaubunagungamaugg
- which is one of the longest official property names in the
world and carriers the folklore translation of "You fish
on your side, I'll fish on my side, nobody fishes in the middle!"
National Reputation
In 1956, Israel and Janet Sadowsky acquired Indian Ranch as a side interest
to the family jewelry business, also located in Webster, MA. At the time,
they had no idea they were building a national landmark in Country Music.
Today, a fan that mentions Indian Ranch at any Country Music venue in America
will find instant recognition as "The Country Music Capital of the North" This
national reputation is a product of the hard work of the Sadowsky family.
A 45-Year Handshake Agreement
A milestone in the development of Indian Ranch's concert business
was the involvement of Abe Ford, president of the Ford Theatrical
Agency in Boston. When Jake met Abe he was busy booking Frank Sinatra,
Sammy Davis Jr. and Sr., Johnny Cash, Liberace and Buddy Hacket,
among others to the most popular nightclubs and music theatres in
New England.
Through a 45-year handshake agreement that started in 1957, Abe became
Indian Ranch's chief booking agent filling the schedule with national
entertainment that helped put Indian Ranch on the Country Music map.
Abe passed away in 2003 at the age of 89.
Early TV Stars Featured
In addition to early Country Music stars such as Bobby Helms, Kitty Wells, Tex Ritter and Tennessee Jedd, Indian
Ranch also began featuring top children show stars of the era. These names
included Rex Trailer and Pablo, Big Brother Bob Emery, Howdy Doody and Buffalo Bob Smith, and Major Mudd.
A Colorful, Affordable Family Event
Come Sunday, regional residents still know that Indian ranch is the "happening place" to
bring the family. Older generations continue to build happy memories
bringing their children and grandchildren. Nowhere else in New England
can a family buy concert tickets at such modest prices, and spend
a whole day being entertained or playing and relaxing in the rustic
environment.
Sunday concertgoers often come dresses in western style dress in
what has become a virtual fashion show. Before and after the concert,
safely enjoy the wholesome environment, set under large, pine-groved
areas along the shores of 17-mile Webster Lake. The kids will have
fun trying to pronounce the lake's Indian name: Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg.
Famed For Fabulous Functions
Regional businesses have been holding their annual events at the
Webster resort for years. When the Tupperware Company of Providence
R.I. asked for a circus complete with elephants and tigers, The Sadowskys
were happy to oblige. Other unusual requests often focus on weddings.
Over 120 weddings are held at Indian Ranch each year. A delicious
menu of American favorites is prepared by Jake and Archie and served
in the banquet hall and/or outdoor pavilions with views of the lake.
Creative couples have requested their vows on motorcycles, in Western
garb, and even on boats. One bride even requested their guest arrive
in Western costume. If they didn't comply, the host "threw them" in the hay, and delayed them with a visit to the "sheriff" at
one end of the banquet hall.
Favorite With The Campers
Indian Ranch is only open to the public on concert days, but campers
have been returning for the whole season for decades.
A camper's club plans social and charitable activities
for the camp site holders. Country Music star Marie Osmond was
even made an honorary member. Full Amenities such as power, telephones,
water, bathrooms and showers, as well as fire pits, firewood and
ice are available.
An eight-store plaza including a convenience store
and package store on site provides campers with most of there needs.
In this look-alike corporate world, where it often seems that the
place you are coming to is the same as the one you just left, Indian
Ranch is a welcome anomaly. After all, terrific top-talent concerts,
scenic campground on the shores of a beautiful lake enshrouded in
history are surely an unbeatable combination!
New Ownership
After almost fifty years of ownership and operation, the Sadowsky
family sold Indian Ranch to the Robert family of Webster, Mass. in
2004. The property was purchased by Chris Robert
who leases it to his three children. His daughter Suzette Raun became President in 2007 and his son David Robert is now General Manager.
Tom Robert, who ran Indian Ranch for the first three years, now works as a consultant to the business. The Robert family is originally from Minnesota and Chris's wife,
Beverly, coincidentally is part Native American (Chippewa tribe).
Indian ranch remains a family run business.
The Robert family plans to continue the traditional operation
of Indian Ranch but has been making many expansions and improvements
including additional campsites, direct town water & sewer hook-ups,
cable TV access, wireless Internet, plus additional entertainment
events and a new administration building complete with "skyboxes"overlooking
the amphitheatre and lake which
may be rented for private events.
