Christine Roderick bought King Mountain Lodge in 2024. Then she bought the King Mountain general store in 2025. She bought more than a bunch of old buildings. She bought stories from old-time Chickaloon as well.
Here’s one: Back in the day, a Fish & Game employee got fired. He thought he was owed back pay. He felt cheated. He took hostages at the lodge. Someone snuck back to the kitchen and called the troopers in Palmer. They came as fast as they could. It was a two hour trip back then.
The lodge is a bar and restaurant. It was built in 1947. Other buildings popped up: a hotel, the general store, the cabins. The property passed through several owners. At some point, the hotel was torn down after a water pipe broke.
Cecile Betts is the most famous owner. She wrote a book about her experiences called “The Reluctant Pioneer.” It’s out of print, but Roderick was lucky enough to snag a copy.
She doesn’t have time to sit and read though. There is too much work to do. Windows were broken. Someone stole the copper pipes and wiring. There were truckloads of trash to haul away. She has the help of her four kids. But still: it’s a daunting task.
She left the work on the lodge building for later. She focused on the general store. She installed new plumbing and wiring. She now offers clean showers and washing machines.
Roderick thought the showers would be useful to tourists during the summer. She was surprised to find that many people in the area don’t have running water. She’s providing a service for them, too.
The store is stocked with both locals and tourists in mind. There are kitchen supplies. There’s a basket with fruit and onions. And there’s local honey and other gifts for the tourists. Antiques add charm and a sense of homeyness to the place.
Roderick plans to open the campground this summer. She already has reservations.
Back in its heyday, the lodge was a popular spot for bikers. There are photos with five to six hundred motorcycles parked out front.
One of the bikers passed away recently. Her family and friends are coming back to remember her on the fourth of July. They’ll have stories to tell. We know Roderick will be busy and we hope she’ll have time to hear them.
The Chickaloon General Store is at mile 76.5 on the Glenn Highway. You can find “King Mountain Lodge & Campground, Chickaloon General Store” on Facebook.
In other news, Hatcher Pass Road remains closed. An avalanche hit the roadway Wednesday night, leaving debris up to 20 feet deep across about 150 feet of road. Crews finished clearing the area yesterday. Conditions will be assessed this morning for a possible opening this afternoon.
Celebrating Education & Sharing Day on Monday at the Palmer Train Depot.
All are welcome to an inspiring and meaningful evening with best-selling author Rabbi Simon Jacobson.
He will share insights from his book Toward a Meaningful Life. The book is based on the timeless teachings of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, the most revered Jewish sage of modern history. Enjoy a free dinner buffet. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the program begins at 5:45 p.m. Learn more and RSVP at matsujewishcenter.org.
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This Page Two article was reported by David Cheezem and produced by yours truly, Lee Henrikson. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.
That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Friday April 24, 2026.