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Indian Lake (New Jersey)
Encyclopedia
Indian Lake is a reservoir
and unincorporated area situated 509 feet (155 m) above sea level
in Denville
, New Jersey
. Snake Hill rises 780 feet (238 m) to its west and Chestnut Hill rises 640 feet (195 m) to its east.
, and the Ed Beam Farm in the North Shore Road area of Indian Lake.
The idea of Indian Lake was originally conceived by Joseph B. Righter in hopes of creating a development similar to nearby Mountain Lakes
. He was a native of Denville and visualized that the waters of Den Brook could provide an excellent lake because of the surrounding terrain. He accumulated numerous parcels of land until he had accumulated approximately 300 acres (1.2 km²) of land. Around 1920 he proceeded to clear the property. The trees were hauled by a yoke
of oxen to a sawmill
that was set up on site.
A dam
was required to hold back the waters of the Den Brook. The original dam built by J.B. Righter is still in place today.
The Den Brook started flooding the cleared land. The resulting lake, Lenape Lake, was named after the earliest inhabitants of the area, the Leni Lenape Native Americans
of the Delaware tribe.
Roads were laid out and the land divided into plots for year round homes. The first house was sold right next to the dam. J.B. Righter took ill and died in November 1922. His dream for Lenape Lake was realized but he never saw it developed.
The first house built on Lenape Lake was built by his wife Susan A. Righter, and stands at the corner of Southwynde Drive and Indian Road.
After a short time the A.D. Crane Company bought the property from the estate. They completely changed the entire original plans, including road plans, divided it into smaller lots, and instead of developing high priced year round homes, it was developed into a summer community. Subsequently they changed the name from Lenape Lake to Indian Lake but named the island Lenape Island.
Many of the new residents came from Hudson, Bergen, and Essex counties. Originally non-lakefront lots could be bought for $300–$400, while lake front lots sold for about $1000.
Indian lake continued as a summer community for many years. In 1924 there were about 500 summer residents in Indian lake. The Great Depression
years saw a few families move from New York City
to the cottages they owned. The following generation's need for homes of their own and the post World War II
housing shortage further accelerated the development of the community as a year round residential area.
There can be no doubt that what is now known as Lenape Island was once the site of a Native American
settlement. The Rev. C.R. Snyder, pastor of the Denville M.E. Church, 1890–1895, was a student of archeology and spent his time exploring the hills and fields of this area. He found on Lenape Island a great number of implements used by the local Native Americans
, such as arrowheads, knives, fletchers, pestles, and pieces of pottery
.
In 1923, the property owners of Indian Lake saw the need for an organization to control the use of the lake. A meeting was held in the Denville School, and the Indian Lake Community Club was formed in order to promote and protect the interests of the residents of the community. It is a private association and use of the lake and its facilities require membership in the lake association. An elected board of officers and trustees administrate the lake association.
The Indian lake Community Club was formed under the first president of Indian Lake, Dr. W. Moore Gould. For the years 1923-1924, there were about 130 families in the community club. The dues at that time were $10 per family plus a charge for extra beach tags. During the depression years many men and women were out of work, and the membership dues were paid by working for the club. Today the Indian Lake Community Club is an organization of approximately 500 households.
A large lakeside clubhouse is the focal point of the association. During the summer season Indian Lake’s three beaches are staffed by lifeguards and are centers of activity. Boating
, fishing
, tennis
, basketball
, horseshoes
, and other sporting activities are available. In addition, Indian Lake is available for water skiing
and tubing
, two popular activities.
Indian Lake is a member of the Hub Lakes association that includes a group of lakes in Morris County
. Hub Lakes provides a multi-sport competition league in which Indian Lake members of all ages can participate. Sports include volleyball
, swimming
, diving
, softball
, horseshoes
, golf
, track
and other sports. In recent years the track and dive team have been quite dominant in competition. The association also offers year round structured programs and activities including swimming lessons
, aerobics
classes, dances, dinners, and other group events. Some fun events include a pig roast
, a lip sync
contest, a visit from Santa Claus
and the Easter Bunny
for children, a Bass fishing
contest, New Year's Eve
party, casino
night, clam bake, and Monday Night Football
at the full service bar. Many events are sponsored by sub-clubs including a Woman’s Club, Men’s Club, Senior Club, Junior Club and the Aquatic Club. Lake membership also entitles members to rent the clubhouse for private events.
Information about lake activities can be found in the Indian Lake Crier, a monthly newsletter mailed to all the residents in the lake area.
the titles were changed to Mr. Victory and Miss Liberty. In 1944 a bathing beauty contest was held instead of a king and queen election since there were not many young men available. In 1947 the members were eager to pick up where they left off and another royal couple was elected.
In recent years the royal couple have been typically high school seniors and are selected by a vote, of all the lake members, conducted on Fun Weekend. Several weeks later a royal celebration is held which lasts all weekend. It starts with the official coronation, and party, on Friday night. Then on Saturday there is a semi-formal themed royal ball. This is followed on Sunday afternoon by a car parade around the lake typically followed by a picnic. It is a weekend full of tradition that all lake members are invited to enjoy. Since 1965 a Mr. & Mrs. Indian Lake represented by one of the adult couples has also been elected.
Reservoir
A reservoir , artificial lake or dam is used to store water.Reservoirs may be created in river valleys by the construction of a dam or may be built by excavation in the ground or by conventional construction techniques such as brickwork or cast concrete.The term reservoir may also be used to...
and unincorporated area situated 509 feet (155 m) above sea level
Sea level
Mean sea level is a measure of the average height of the ocean's surface ; used as a standard in reckoning land elevation...
in Denville
Denville, New Jersey
Denville is a township in Morris County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township population was 16,635. Denville is known as the "Hub of Morris County" for its location along major transportation routes at the center of the county...
, New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
. Snake Hill rises 780 feet (238 m) to its west and Chestnut Hill rises 640 feet (195 m) to its east.
History
Originally the area of Indian Lake was quite rural with active farms. Besides the Hinchman farm, there was the Thomas Green farm on Chestnut Hill, the Hussa Farm on Franklin Road near U.S. Route 46U.S. Route 46
U.S. Route 46 is an east–west U.S. Highway, running for , completely within the state of New Jersey. The west end is at an interchange with Interstate 80 and Route 94 in Columbia, Warren County on the Delaware River...
, and the Ed Beam Farm in the North Shore Road area of Indian Lake.
The idea of Indian Lake was originally conceived by Joseph B. Righter in hopes of creating a development similar to nearby Mountain Lakes
Mountain Lakes, New Jersey
Mountain Lakes is a borough in Morris County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2000 Census, the borough population was 4,256....
. He was a native of Denville and visualized that the waters of Den Brook could provide an excellent lake because of the surrounding terrain. He accumulated numerous parcels of land until he had accumulated approximately 300 acres (1.2 km²) of land. Around 1920 he proceeded to clear the property. The trees were hauled by a yoke
Yoke
A yoke is a wooden beam, normally used between a pair of oxen or other animals to enable them to pull together on a load when working in pairs, as oxen usually do; some yokes are fitted to individual animals. There are several types of yoke, used in different cultures, and for different types of oxen...
of oxen to a sawmill
Sawmill
A sawmill is a facility where logs are cut into boards.-Sawmill process:A sawmill's basic operation is much like those of hundreds of years ago; a log enters on one end and dimensional lumber exits on the other end....
that was set up on site.
A dam
Dam
A dam is a barrier that impounds water or underground streams. Dams generally serve the primary purpose of retaining water, while other structures such as floodgates or levees are used to manage or prevent water flow into specific land regions. Hydropower and pumped-storage hydroelectricity are...
was required to hold back the waters of the Den Brook. The original dam built by J.B. Righter is still in place today.
The Den Brook started flooding the cleared land. The resulting lake, Lenape Lake, was named after the earliest inhabitants of the area, the Leni Lenape Native Americans
Native Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
of the Delaware tribe.
Roads were laid out and the land divided into plots for year round homes. The first house was sold right next to the dam. J.B. Righter took ill and died in November 1922. His dream for Lenape Lake was realized but he never saw it developed.
The first house built on Lenape Lake was built by his wife Susan A. Righter, and stands at the corner of Southwynde Drive and Indian Road.
After a short time the A.D. Crane Company bought the property from the estate. They completely changed the entire original plans, including road plans, divided it into smaller lots, and instead of developing high priced year round homes, it was developed into a summer community. Subsequently they changed the name from Lenape Lake to Indian Lake but named the island Lenape Island.
Many of the new residents came from Hudson, Bergen, and Essex counties. Originally non-lakefront lots could be bought for $300–$400, while lake front lots sold for about $1000.
Indian lake continued as a summer community for many years. In 1924 there were about 500 summer residents in Indian lake. The Great Depression
Great Depression
The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding World War II. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations, but in most countries it started in about 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s or early 1940s...
years saw a few families move from New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
to the cottages they owned. The following generation's need for homes of their own and the post World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
housing shortage further accelerated the development of the community as a year round residential area.
Native American History
The earliest known inhabitants of the area were the Leni Lenape of the Delaware tribe.There can be no doubt that what is now known as Lenape Island was once the site of a Native American
Native Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
settlement. The Rev. C.R. Snyder, pastor of the Denville M.E. Church, 1890–1895, was a student of archeology and spent his time exploring the hills and fields of this area. He found on Lenape Island a great number of implements used by the local Native Americans
Native Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
, such as arrowheads, knives, fletchers, pestles, and pieces of pottery
Pottery
Pottery is the material from which the potteryware is made, of which major types include earthenware, stoneware and porcelain. The place where such wares are made is also called a pottery . Pottery also refers to the art or craft of the potter or the manufacture of pottery...
.
Community Club
The Indian lake Community Club was formed under the first president of Indian Lake, Dr. W. Moore Gould. For the years 1923-1924, there were about 130 families in the community club. The dues at that time were $10 per family plus a charge for extra beach tags. During the depression years many men and women were out of work, and the membership dues were paid by working for the club. Today the Indian Lake Community Club is an organization of approximately 500 households.
A large lakeside clubhouse is the focal point of the association. During the summer season Indian Lake’s three beaches are staffed by lifeguards and are centers of activity. Boating
Boating
Boating is the leisurely activity of travelling by boat, or the recreational use of a boat whether powerboats, sailboats, or man-powered vessels , focused on the travel itself, as well as sports activities, such as fishing or water skiing...
, fishing
Fishing
Fishing is the activity of trying to catch wild fish. Fish are normally caught in the wild. Techniques for catching fish include hand gathering, spearing, netting, angling and trapping....
, tennis
Tennis
Tennis is a sport usually played between two players or between two teams of two players each . Each player uses a racket that is strung to strike a hollow rubber ball covered with felt over a net into the opponent's court. Tennis is an Olympic sport and is played at all levels of society at all...
, basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
, horseshoes
Horseshoes
Horseshoes is an outdoor game played between two people using four horseshoes and two throwing targets set in a sandbox area. The game is played by the players alternating turns tossing horseshoes at stakes in the ground, which are traditionally placed 40 feet apart...
, and other sporting activities are available. In addition, Indian Lake is available for water skiing
Water skiing
thumb|right|A slalom skier making a turn on a slalom waterski.Waterskiing is a sport where an individual is pulled behind a boat or a cable ski installation on a body of water, skimming the surface.-History:...
and tubing
Tubing (recreation)
Tubing is a recreational activity where an individual rides on top of an inner tube, either on water, snow, or through the air. The tubes themselves are also known as "donuts" or "biscuits" due to their shape.-Water:Tubing on water generally consists of two forms: towed and free-floating, also...
, two popular activities.
Indian Lake is a member of the Hub Lakes association that includes a group of lakes in Morris County
Morris County, New Jersey
Morris County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey, about west of New York City. According to the United States 2010 Census, the population was 492,276. It is part of the New York Metropolitan Area. Its county seat is Morristown....
. Hub Lakes provides a multi-sport competition league in which Indian Lake members of all ages can participate. Sports include volleyball
Volleyball
Volleyball is a team sport in which two teams of six players are separated by a net. Each team tries to score points by grounding a ball on the other team's court under organized rules.The complete rules are extensive...
, swimming
Swimming (sport)
Swimming is a sport governed by the Fédération Internationale de Natation .-History: Competitive swimming in Europe began around 1800 BCE, mostly in the form of the freestyle. In 1873 Steve Bowyer introduced the trudgen to Western swimming competitions, after copying the front crawl used by Native...
, diving
Diving
Diving is the sport of jumping or falling into water from a platform or springboard, sometimes while performing acrobatics. Diving is an internationally-recognized sport that is part of the Olympic Games. In addition, unstructured and non-competitive diving is a recreational pastime.Diving is one...
, softball
Softball
Softball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of 10 to 14 players. It is a direct descendant of baseball although there are some key differences: softballs are larger than baseballs, and the pitches are thrown underhand rather than overhand...
, horseshoes
Horseshoes
Horseshoes is an outdoor game played between two people using four horseshoes and two throwing targets set in a sandbox area. The game is played by the players alternating turns tossing horseshoes at stakes in the ground, which are traditionally placed 40 feet apart...
, golf
Golf
Golf is a precision club and ball sport, in which competing players use many types of clubs to hit balls into a series of holes on a golf course using the fewest number of strokes....
, track
Track and field
Track and field is a sport comprising various competitive athletic contests based around the activities of running, jumping and throwing. The name of the sport derives from the venue for the competitions: a stadium which features an oval running track surrounding a grassy area...
and other sports. In recent years the track and dive team have been quite dominant in competition. The association also offers year round structured programs and activities including swimming lessons
Swimming lessons
Swimming lessons is the process of learning to swim. In most countries there is a definition of a number of swimming levels that is reached in the process of the curriculum. The respective certificates of swimming tests are required for further training in aquatic abilities...
, aerobics
Aerobics
Aerobics is a form of physical exercise that combines rhythmic aerobic exercise with stretching and strength training routines with the goal of improving all elements of fitness...
classes, dances, dinners, and other group events. Some fun events include a pig roast
Pig roast
A pig roast or hog roast is an event or gathering which involves the barbecuing of a whole hog...
, a lip sync
Lip sync
Lip sync, lip-sync, lip-synch is a technical term for matching lip movements with sung or spoken vocals...
contest, a visit from Santa Claus
Santa Claus
Santa Claus is a folklore figure in various cultures who distributes gifts to children, normally on Christmas Eve. Each name is a variation of Saint Nicholas, but refers to Santa Claus...
and the Easter Bunny
Easter Bunny
The Easter Bunny or Easter Rabbit is a character depicted as a rabbit bringing Easter eggs, who sometimes is depicted with clothes...
for children, a Bass fishing
Bass fishing
Bass fishing is the activity of angling for the North American gamefish known colloquially as the black bass. There are numerous black bass species considered as gamefish in North America, including largemouth bass , smallmouth bass , Spotted bass or Kentucky bass , Guadalupe bass Bass fishing is...
contest, New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve is observed annually on December 31, the final day of any given year in the Gregorian calendar. In modern societies, New Year's Eve is often celebrated at social gatherings, during which participants dance, eat, consume alcoholic beverages, and watch or light fireworks to mark the...
party, casino
Casino
In modern English, a casino is a facility which houses and accommodates certain types of gambling activities. Casinos are most commonly built near or combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shopping, cruise ships or other tourist attractions...
night, clam bake, and Monday Night Football
Monday Night Football
Monday Night Football is a live broadcast of the National Football League on ESPN. From to it aired on ABC. Monday Night Football was, along with Hallmark Hall of Fame, and the Walt Disney anthology television series, one of the longest running prime time commercial network television series...
at the full service bar. Many events are sponsored by sub-clubs including a Woman’s Club, Men’s Club, Senior Club, Junior Club and the Aquatic Club. Lake membership also entitles members to rent the clubhouse for private events.
Information about lake activities can be found in the Indian Lake Crier, a monthly newsletter mailed to all the residents in the lake area.
Indian Lake’s King and Queen Tradition
Since 1927 the tradition of choosing by popular vote, a king and queen, from teenagers living in the lake began. Except for a few years, a royal couple reigned each summer. During World War IIWorld War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
the titles were changed to Mr. Victory and Miss Liberty. In 1944 a bathing beauty contest was held instead of a king and queen election since there were not many young men available. In 1947 the members were eager to pick up where they left off and another royal couple was elected.
In recent years the royal couple have been typically high school seniors and are selected by a vote, of all the lake members, conducted on Fun Weekend. Several weeks later a royal celebration is held which lasts all weekend. It starts with the official coronation, and party, on Friday night. Then on Saturday there is a semi-formal themed royal ball. This is followed on Sunday afternoon by a car parade around the lake typically followed by a picnic. It is a weekend full of tradition that all lake members are invited to enjoy. Since 1965 a Mr. & Mrs. Indian Lake represented by one of the adult couples has also been elected.