Lake Mohawk, New Jersey
Encyclopedia
Beach
es are provided along the edge of the lakes, spaced to enable residents to walk to the nearest one. Membership in the club
is required for owners and renters alike. An issue of exclusion was raised at one point legally, but membership remains a requirement for residents. An attended gated area, resembling castle turret
s, exists on the western "trail", which leads to the homes on the islands and along the western shore. A golf course
located along the western drive is part of the country club.
Except for the Alpine Pool and the Upper Mohawk Lake areas that are accessible from an entrance high in the mountains, all of the community is reached by descending from the surrounding mountains of Sussex County
. Homes have been built up each face of the enclosing mountains, but the roads to them are accessed only from the main road around the lake. From the Alpine Pool, a panoramic view
of the county is possible. On one side almost the entire stretch of the main lake is visible and on the other, the mountains that reach into the states of Pennsylvania
and New York
.
At the southern end of the lake is a swimming pool
and tennis
complex originally called the "Marine Pool", that is constructed to resemble the deck of an ocean liner
. It is modeled after the likes of SS Normandie
, having all of the appointments of a cruise ship
, with a galley
motif for the restaurant
and a great stand of stadium
seating with colorful backs for the spectators at swimming events held at the facility. Through the seating is a stairway to the captain's quarters where the managers and lifeguards have quarters and stow special equipment.
The pool is ozone filtered, without a drop of chlorine in the water, and was the first pool in the United States to use Corona Discharge (CD) Ozone to treat its water. The filter system, built in 1937, was designed to resemble the engine room of the ship. The pool is Olympic-size
(50m, with eight lanes) and has a central tower for diving
events. The depth of the pool at that portion is ten feet. Both ends of the pool are more shallow, with a kiddie section nearest the tennis courts. On the northern end of the pool near the galley, there used to be a giant wet slide
featured in "Zest
" soap commercials on television in the 1960s. Beyond the pool to the south are three asphalt tennis courts, with another set of three clay courts in the parking area.
Swimming events at the pool are AAU
competitions in all aquatic categories. Celebrities such as Buster Crabbe
and Esther Williams
were normal fare at the events in the 1940s and 1950s. This was a time when the youngsters of the community could hitch-hike rides along the road from their neighbors without concern.
In the 1940s and 1950s there was an "Indian village" with a souvenir shop, located along the opposite shore of the southern end of the lake that added another attraction depicted in post cards of the day. http://www.some1else.com/mohawk/ The development of Lake Mohawk was referred to as a "reservation" in most promotional materials to continue the Indian tribe imagery.
Many of the homes along the water have boathouse
s and dock
s. Sail boats and motor boats are a popular way to get around the lake. The "Marine Base", a marina
built in the style of the country club, is located at a mid point along the lake on the eastern shore.
The community used to be composed of summer residences. Few lived there around the year. Many houses were not insulated, nor did they have heating beyond a fireplace
for especially cool summer nights. Among those who stayed year-round, friends would be hosted for the snowy holidays and winter sports. Driving across the frozen lake was shorter and safer than trying to traverse the steep hills. Even delivery trucks would make the short trip across the ice.
The seasonal residents of the early years included many who showed horses in the English-style regional circuits. Hunters, open-jumpers, and three- and five-gated saddle horses competed in the events. The Lake Mohawk Horse Show drew competitors from New York and Pennsylvania as well as New Jersey. The professional photographer who traveled from show to show along with the competitors throughout the season, maintained his office in Lake Mohawk at a little castle structure opposite the club house. Photographs of the competitors, judges, and winners were available from his files, selected from proofs sent to the subjects or from displays he set up at later shows.
Before the community was created, the area that is today Lake Mohawk was known as "Brogden's Meadow." A 600-foot dam
on the Wallkill River
was begun in 1926. The lake was filled in 1928. The dam was privately constructed by the developers Arthur D. Crane and Herbert L. Closs. They controlled the development, sales, and rentals of the entire community.
Soon after the construction of the lake, in the mid- to late 1930s, one of the architects was staying with his family in a seaplane
on the lake. A fire broke out on the seaplane. While they escaped by boat, the plane sank to the bottom of the lake. In the late 1990s an Italian team attempted salvage
, but according to their reports, the wreck was too deteriorated to be recovered.
The route to Lake Mohawk was a winding drive up and down through a shady rural and mountainous roadside until after the completion of Interstate Highways connecting the area to the New York
metropolitan area
. After those high speed connections were established nearby into the county, the community took on a year-round population of entertainers, airline employees and pilots, as well as commuters.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the CDP has a total area of 6.2 square miles (16.1 km²), of which, 5 square miles (12.9 km²) of it is land and 1.1 square miles (2.8 km²) of it (18.70%) is water.
of 2000, there were 9,755 people, 3,692 households, and 2,787 families residing in the CDP. The population density
was 1,951.2 people per square mile (753.3/km²). There were 3,940 housing units at an average density of 788.1/sq mi (304.2/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 96.88% White, 0.38% African American, 0.09% Native American, 1.11% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.44% from other races
, and 1.06% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.53% of the population.
There were 3,692 households out of which 38.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.9% were married couples
living together, 6.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.5% were non-families. 20.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 3.09.
In the CDP the population was spread out with 27.7% under the age of 18, 4.1% from 18 to 24, 30.3% from 25 to 44, 27.2% from 45 to 64, and 10.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 92.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.1 males.
The median income for a household in the CDP was $81,699, and the median income for a family was $95,621. Males had a median income of $72,279 versus $40,417 for females. The per capita income
for the CDP was $35,637. About 0.8% of families and 1.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.8% of those under age 18 and 3.4% of those age 65 or over.
Beach
A beach is a geological landform along the shoreline of an ocean, sea, lake or river. It usually consists of loose particles which are often composed of rock, such as sand, gravel, shingle, pebbles or cobblestones...
es are provided along the edge of the lakes, spaced to enable residents to walk to the nearest one. Membership in the club
Club
A club is an association of two or more people united by a common interest or goal. A service club, for example, exists for voluntary or charitable activities; there are clubs devoted to hobbies and sports, social activities clubs, political and religious clubs, and so forth.- History...
is required for owners and renters alike. An issue of exclusion was raised at one point legally, but membership remains a requirement for residents. An attended gated area, resembling castle turret
Turret
In architecture, a turret is a small tower that projects vertically from the wall of a building such as a medieval castle. Turrets were used to provide a projecting defensive position allowing covering fire to the adjacent wall in the days of military fortification...
s, exists on the western "trail", which leads to the homes on the islands and along the western shore. A golf course
Golf course
A golf course comprises a series of holes, each consisting of a teeing ground, fairway, rough and other hazards, and a green with a flagstick and cup, all designed for the game of golf. A standard round of golf consists of playing 18 holes, thus most golf courses have this number of holes...
located along the western drive is part of the country club.
Except for the Alpine Pool and the Upper Mohawk Lake areas that are accessible from an entrance high in the mountains, all of the community is reached by descending from the surrounding mountains of Sussex County
Sussex County, New Jersey
The County of Sussex is the northernmost county in the State of New Jersey. It is part of the New York City Metropolitan Area. As of the 2010 Federal decennial census, 149,265 persons resided in Sussex County...
. Homes have been built up each face of the enclosing mountains, but the roads to them are accessed only from the main road around the lake. From the Alpine Pool, a panoramic view
Panorama
A panorama is any wide-angle view or representation of a physical space, whether in painting, drawing, photography, film/video, or a three-dimensional model....
of the county is possible. On one side almost the entire stretch of the main lake is visible and on the other, the mountains that reach into the states of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
and New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
.
At the southern end of the lake is a swimming pool
Swimming pool
A swimming pool, swimming bath, wading pool, or simply a pool, is a container filled with water intended for swimming or water-based recreation. There are many standard sizes; the largest is the Olympic-size swimming pool...
and 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...
complex originally called the "Marine Pool", that is constructed to resemble the deck of an ocean liner
Superliner (passenger ship)
A superliner is an ocean liner of over 10,000 gross tons. The term was coined in the late 19th century, when ocean liners were rapidly increasing in size and speed...
. It is modeled after the likes of SS Normandie
SS Normandie
SS Normandie was an ocean liner built in Saint-Nazaire, France for the French Line Compagnie Générale Transatlantique. She entered service in 1935 as the largest and fastest passenger ship afloat; she is still the most powerful steam turbo-electric-propelled passenger ship ever built.Her novel...
, having all of the appointments of a cruise ship
Cruise ship
A cruise ship or cruise liner is a passenger ship used for pleasure voyages, where the voyage itself and the ship's amenities are part of the experience, as well as the different destinations along the way...
, with a galley
Galley (kitchen)
The galley is the compartment of a ship, train or aircraft where food is cooked and prepared. It can also refer to a land based kitchen on a naval base or a particular formed household kitchen.-Ship's kitchen:...
motif for the restaurant
Restaurant
A restaurant is an establishment which prepares and serves food and drink to customers in return for money. Meals are generally served and eaten on premises, but many restaurants also offer take-out and food delivery services...
and a great stand of stadium
Stadium
A modern stadium is a place or venue for outdoor sports, concerts, or other events and consists of a field or stage either partly or completely surrounded by a structure designed to allow spectators to stand or sit and view the event.)Pausanias noted that for about half a century the only event...
seating with colorful backs for the spectators at swimming events held at the facility. Through the seating is a stairway to the captain's quarters where the managers and lifeguards have quarters and stow special equipment.
The pool is ozone filtered, without a drop of chlorine in the water, and was the first pool in the United States to use Corona Discharge (CD) Ozone to treat its water. The filter system, built in 1937, was designed to resemble the engine room of the ship. The pool is Olympic-size
Swimming pool
A swimming pool, swimming bath, wading pool, or simply a pool, is a container filled with water intended for swimming or water-based recreation. There are many standard sizes; the largest is the Olympic-size swimming pool...
(50m, with eight lanes) and has a central tower for 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...
events. The depth of the pool at that portion is ten feet. Both ends of the pool are more shallow, with a kiddie section nearest the tennis courts. On the northern end of the pool near the galley, there used to be a giant wet slide
Water slide
A water slide is a type of slide designed for warm-weather or indoor recreational use at water parks. Water slides differ in their riding method and therefore size...
featured in "Zest
Zest (soap)
Zest is a brand name, or trademark, which Procter & Gamble introduced in 1958 with the slogan "For the first time in your life, feel really clean." Early commercials stated that Zest is not a soap, because it does not leave the sticky film that soap does...
" soap commercials on television in the 1960s. Beyond the pool to the south are three asphalt tennis courts, with another set of three clay courts in the parking area.
Swimming events at the pool are AAU
Amateur Athletic Union
The Amateur Athletic Union is one of the largest non-profit volunteer sports organizations in the United States. A multi-sport organization, the AAU is dedicated exclusively to the promotion and development of amateur sports and physical fitness programs.-History:The AAU was founded in 1888 to...
competitions in all aquatic categories. Celebrities such as Buster Crabbe
Buster Crabbe
Clarence Linden "Buster" Crabbe was an American athlete and actor, who starred in a number of popular serials in the 1930s and 1940s.-Birth:...
and Esther Williams
Esther Williams
Esther Jane Williams is a retired American competitive swimmer and MGM movie star.Williams set multiple national and regional swimming records in her late teens as part of the Los Angeles Athletic Club swim team...
were normal fare at the events in the 1940s and 1950s. This was a time when the youngsters of the community could hitch-hike rides along the road from their neighbors without concern.
In the 1940s and 1950s there was an "Indian village" with a souvenir shop, located along the opposite shore of the southern end of the lake that added another attraction depicted in post cards of the day. http://www.some1else.com/mohawk/ The development of Lake Mohawk was referred to as a "reservation" in most promotional materials to continue the Indian tribe imagery.
Many of the homes along the water have boathouse
Boathouse
A boathouse is a building especially designed for the storage of boats, normally smaller craft for sports or leisure use. These are typically located on open water, such as on a river. Often the boats stored are rowing boats...
s and dock
Dock (maritime)
A dock is a human-made structure or group of structures involved in the handling of boats or ships, usually on or close to a shore.However, the exact meaning varies among different variants of the English language...
s. Sail boats and motor boats are a popular way to get around the lake. The "Marine Base", a marina
Marina
A marina is a dock or basin with moorings and supplies for yachts and small boats.A marina differs from a port in that a marina does not handle large passenger ships or cargo from freighters....
built in the style of the country club, is located at a mid point along the lake on the eastern shore.
The community used to be composed of summer residences. Few lived there around the year. Many houses were not insulated, nor did they have heating beyond a fireplace
Fireplace
A fireplace is an architectural structure to contain a fire for heating and, especially historically, for cooking. A fire is contained in a firebox or firepit; a chimney or other flue allows gas and particulate exhaust to escape...
for especially cool summer nights. Among those who stayed year-round, friends would be hosted for the snowy holidays and winter sports. Driving across the frozen lake was shorter and safer than trying to traverse the steep hills. Even delivery trucks would make the short trip across the ice.
The seasonal residents of the early years included many who showed horses in the English-style regional circuits. Hunters, open-jumpers, and three- and five-gated saddle horses competed in the events. The Lake Mohawk Horse Show drew competitors from New York and Pennsylvania as well as New Jersey. The professional photographer who traveled from show to show along with the competitors throughout the season, maintained his office in Lake Mohawk at a little castle structure opposite the club house. Photographs of the competitors, judges, and winners were available from his files, selected from proofs sent to the subjects or from displays he set up at later shows.
Before the community was created, the area that is today Lake Mohawk was known as "Brogden's Meadow." A 600-foot 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...
on the Wallkill River
Wallkill River
The Wallkill River, a tributary of the Hudson, drains Lake Mohawk in Sparta, New Jersey, flowing from there generally northeasterly to Rondout Creek in New York, near Rosendale, with the combined flows reaching the Hudson at Kingston....
was begun in 1926. The lake was filled in 1928. The dam was privately constructed by the developers Arthur D. Crane and Herbert L. Closs. They controlled the development, sales, and rentals of the entire community.
Soon after the construction of the lake, in the mid- to late 1930s, one of the architects was staying with his family in a seaplane
Seaplane
A seaplane is a fixed-wing aircraft capable of taking off and landing on water. Seaplanes that can also take off and land on airfields are a subclass called amphibian aircraft...
on the lake. A fire broke out on the seaplane. While they escaped by boat, the plane sank to the bottom of the lake. In the late 1990s an Italian team attempted salvage
Marine salvage
Marine salvage is the process of rescuing a ship, its cargo, or other property from peril. Salvage encompasses rescue towing, refloating a sunken or grounded vessel, or patching or repairing a ship...
, but according to their reports, the wreck was too deteriorated to be recovered.
The route to Lake Mohawk was a winding drive up and down through a shady rural and mountainous roadside until after the completion of Interstate Highways connecting the area to the New York
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...
metropolitan area
Metropolitan area
The term metropolitan area refers to a region consisting of a densely populated urban core and its less-populated surrounding territories, sharing industry, infrastructure, and housing. A metropolitan area usually encompasses multiple jurisdictions and municipalities: neighborhoods, townships,...
. After those high speed connections were established nearby into the county, the community took on a year-round population of entertainers, airline employees and pilots, as well as commuters.
Geography
Lake Mohawk is located at 41°1′7"N 74°39′36"W.According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the CDP has a total area of 6.2 square miles (16.1 km²), of which, 5 square miles (12.9 km²) of it is land and 1.1 square miles (2.8 km²) of it (18.70%) is water.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 9,755 people, 3,692 households, and 2,787 families residing in the CDP. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,951.2 people per square mile (753.3/km²). There were 3,940 housing units at an average density of 788.1/sq mi (304.2/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 96.88% White, 0.38% African American, 0.09% Native American, 1.11% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.44% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.06% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.53% of the population.
There were 3,692 households out of which 38.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.9% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 6.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.5% were non-families. 20.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 3.09.
In the CDP the population was spread out with 27.7% under the age of 18, 4.1% from 18 to 24, 30.3% from 25 to 44, 27.2% from 45 to 64, and 10.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 92.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.1 males.
The median income for a household in the CDP was $81,699, and the median income for a family was $95,621. Males had a median income of $72,279 versus $40,417 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the CDP was $35,637. About 0.8% of families and 1.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.8% of those under age 18 and 3.4% of those age 65 or over.