Carl Fox House
Step inside the Carl Fox House and experience the charm of the Surf Ballroom’s original owner. This beautifully preserved home showcases vintage décor, personal memorabilia, and stories from a bygone era.
Surf Ballroom »A Timeless Tribute to the Man Behind the Surf Ballroom
Step back in time with a visit to the historic Carl Fox House—home of Carl J. Fox, the original owner and builder of the legendary Surf Ballroom. Located just across the street from the Surf, this charming vintage home was built in 1948 and remained in the Fox family until 2017, when it was purchased and lovingly restored by the Snyder family of Clear Lake.
Carl J. Fox constructed the house out of necessity after the original Surf Ballroom, where his family was living at the time, was destroyed by fire on April 20, 1947. Today, the home offers a unique window into the past. Much like the Surf itself, the Carl Fox House feels frozen in time. Visitors will find carefully preserved furnishings, period décor, and original artifacts that reflect the lifestyle of the 1940s and 1950s.
Tours of the Carl Fox House
About Carl J. Fox
Carl J. Fox, born Carl John Fuchs on December 18, 1895, in Laurens, Iowa, was a self-made entrepreneur who left a lasting legacy in the world of entertainment. One of ten children, Carl left school in the 7th grade to help manage the family farm, but soon found his true calling in the roller skating business. His first portable rink debuted in Sutherland, Iowa, under a circus-style tent, and eventually, he expanded his operations to 93 locations.
Carl’s passion for entertainment later led him to the amusement park and dance hall industries. With borrowed funds, he built the original Surf Ballroom in 1933, followed by two sister venues: the Terp Ballroom in Austin, MN (1938), and the Prom Ballroom in St. Paul, MN (1941). Known for treating performers like royalty, Carl often flew bands in from Chicago on his own aircraft and hosted them aboard his wooden speedboat, The Surf, for outings on Clear Lake. This personal touch helped cement the Surf Ballroom’s reputation as a “must-play” stop on the Big Band and Rock ‘n Roll circuits.
So why Clear Lake? For Carl and his wife Emma, it was always about the people. It was the only place they truly wanted to call home.
After stepping back from the ballroom business, Carl continued to explore new ventures—including bowling alleys, retail stores, and restaurant furnishings. At the time of his passing in 1966, he was serving as President of H & H Manufacturing Co.
Carl married Emma Emerick in 1918, and together they had one daughter, Maxine. His legacy lives on through the music, memories, and moments he helped create, both at the Surf Ballroom and in the home he built across the street.