Our History

Sunrise Resort was started by Henry Engle in 1916 on three virgin acres.  After Ingle completed the “Main Bungalow” by installing electric lights, telephone and a water system, “Elm Camp” was born.  The “Main Bungalow” is known today as the “Living Room” in the Dining Room.  In the early 1920’s a man named Ted Hilton signed on with Henry Ingle.

Until 1924, “Elm Camp” was used chiefly as a private camp supported by a constantly growing canoe and boat renting business.  In 1924 the resort consisted of boating facilities, the Main Bungalow, a garage, one log cabin, a tennis court and several outhouses – all located on the river front lawn.

In the spring of 1925, a definite effort was made to build clientele of summer guests.  Over the next two years, under the personal and successful management of Ted Hilton, two bungalows were constructed and more sleeping and dining accommodations were provided.  New facilities for outings of up to 200 persons were also added.

In 1927 the Hilton family bought out Henry Ingle.  Ted retained the title of Treasurer and Secretary and Elsie (Mrs. Hilton) became President.

The next 20 years brought much change.  “Elm Camp” became “The Hide-A-Way,” followed by “Ted Hilton’s Hide-A-Way,” and finally just “Ted Hilton’s.”  It was these early Hilton years that a very capable, young school teacher named Dorothy Lindvall came to work for Ted Hilton as Office Manager.

Structural changes occurred.  The Hilton’s developed the land from the riverfront to the highway.  Enough cabins were built to house 500 overnight guests.  The Dining Room was expanded.   Land was acquired.  A Horse Barn was constructed (currently the Sunrise Spa), more Tennis Courts (currently the Big Pool) as well as a Handball Court (currently the Frog) were also added.

Mr. Hilton, a great promoter and a giant in the resort industry, set the foundation for our present philosophy of giving vacationers plenty of fun, food, and frolic.  All Guest Shows, Canoe Trips and Outdoor Feasts were, and still are, highlights of the vacation week.

The “Old Man” (Mr. Hilton) did have some rules though.  For example, those who wanted to drink alcoholic beverages had to go to the village of Moodus.  Bedtime was 11:00 PM.  Quiet hours were imposed, and the front gate was locked after midnight.  Also, Mr. Hilton requested that guests not chop down the trees. 

After a three-year illness Mr. Hilton died in 1957.  Elsie and Ted Hilton, Jr. shared management responsibilities with Dot Lindvall.  Frank Davis, who worked for the Hiltons throughout high school and college, returned to manage the kitchen.

The following years were quite lean.  From 1957 through 1965 the only improvements were construction of the first set of motel units, expansion of the BBQ pavilions and construction of the Hilton’s home (now Independence Hall).  Newlyweds, Dot Lindvall and Frank Davis, purchased the resort in 1965.  Joe Judge and Bob Johnson signed on with the Davis’ as Food Service Manager and Office Manager, respectively.  Both Joe and Bob worked at the resort during their high school and college years.

In 1986, Dot & Frank retired and the Johnson family took ownership.  Traditional values complimented by innovation continue as we set forth with a new generation of hospitality.  Fireworks, Christmas in summer, and Cajun and Jazz festivals are all highlights of the summer.  Sunrise also hosts weddings, conventions, family reunions, company picnics and graduation class trips.  No matter what, Sunrise wants to make you happy with good food, fun activities, a friendly staff, and well-run facilities.