Lake Art
by Kathy Ptacek
To walk along the Boardwalk at Lake Mohawk in Sussex County is to step back into another time, a time when the pace of life was a tad slower and less complicated.
While the Lake, Boardwalk, and adjacent White Deer Plaza are old, they are not ancient. The Lake is, in fact, man-made, dating from the mid-1920s. And before the Lake there was the valley: Brogden Meadow (so named for a colonial judge who settled there), 2300 acres and three miles long, rimmed by wild and wooded ridges, and the source of the Wallkill River that flows north through the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge and into New York state.
The Plaza expanded between 1926 and 1935, and the private planned community grew, too, as more summer homes were added. Originally, houses cost only $3500--a princely sum back in the '20s and '30s.
Winona Parkway entrance to White Deer Plaza looks much the same way as on this old postcard.
Drive down the district's sloped main entrance of Winona Parkway, off Route 181 in Sparta, to get a glimpse of the lake beyond, and into White Deer Plaza. Head right along the broad street, divided by a narrow median, for a quick tour of the historical district.
#9 White Deer Plaza - Today this the St. Moritz Grill and Bar. The building is circa 1930-1935, with a multi-color, variegated slate roof, stucco siding, half timbering, all in the Lake Mohawk Tudor style.
Formerly a service station, the building at the corner of the Plaza and West Shore Trail also dates from this period (1928-1930) and has a multi-color slate roof and hip dormers. The carport in front is supported by huge corner towers, with a thick chain draped between them.
Across the way are two small eateries, and again these structures are in the Lake Mohawk Tudor style, with a wooden balcony running the length of the ice cream parlor's second story.
#24 White Deer Plaza - The realty office was the administration building for the project. Built in 1928, this Lake Mohawk Tudor structure has the multi-color slate roof, a semi-hexagon bay window, half timbering, diamond-paned window, and other architectural details of interest, including a bell in a dormer that faces the Boardwalk.
The Boardwalk at Lake Mohawk. Photo by Joe Guerriero
Park at the beginning of the Boardwalk, in front of the real estate office and turn and look back toward Winona Parkway.
Swing back to face the lake now, and notice that to the left of the Boardwalk stands a stucco kiosk (circa 1928) with variegated slate hip roof.
Past the kiosk on the left go through a pergola gateway, down stone steps and across a foot bridge (over a pond) to a sunken garden, complete with Japanese maples and Norway spruces. This verdant retreat was built over a period of years, from 1929 to 1935, and in the small garden stands an immense boulder, with plaques dedicated, on the 60th anniversary of Lake Mohawk, to Herbert L. Closs and Arthur D. Crane, the "fathers" and developers of the area. A pier runs the length of the garden.
Manitou Island can be seen not too far distant, a green jewel rising out of liquid blue. A bridge off of West Shore Trail leads to the Island, which is closed to the general public, as is the stretch of road past that.
The 800-acre lake is stocked with numerous fish, including striped bass, and has a catch and release policy. The lake also features ten beaches, powerboating, sailing, water skiing, and various clubs for its 2600 member families.
Enjoy some of the renowned restaurants, shops and and galleries in the historic district. Then afterward, as you immerse yourself in the history of a time long ago, grab a slice of pizza or an ice cream cone, and sit on a Boardwalk bench and watch as time--and white-sailed boats--slip on by.
Nearby accommodations and attractions
Step Into Earth Science! Mining museum with underground mine tour and over 30 acres of indoor & outdoor displays and historical buildings. Recent additions include expanded fluorescent display at Thomas S. Warren Museum and the Million Dollar display at the Oreck Family Mineral Gallery. Gift shop with a collection of world wide minerals.
30 Plant St., Ogdensburg 07439, 973/209-7212
There's always something fun happening at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. Visit our web site for a full year of family fun, right in your own backyard.
27 Plains Road, Augusta 07822, 973/948-5500
?Homegrown fruits and vegetables available when in season. Honey, peanut butter, jams and jellies, homemade hard and soft ice-cream. Cider made on site from Red Delicious for sweetness, Winesap for tang, McIntosh and Empire for body. Honey, peanut butter, jams and jellies, homemade hard and soft ice-cream. Market open June through January.
4 Ochs Ln, Warwick 10990, 845/986-1591
U-pick strawberries (June), raspberries (late August), and pumpkins (October). Greenhouses with wide selection of hanging baskets and bedding plants. Outdoor wood and poly furniture.
565 Rt 206 N, Andover 07821, 973/579-5055
Thousands of photos and artifacts document the lake's long and illustrious history. Open every Sunday through June, 12-4pm, October thru May. Free admission, parking.
323 Lakeside Blvd., Hopatcong State Park, Hopatcong 07843, 973/398-2616
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I have great memories of swimming and skiing every day in the Summer on the lake and playing ice hockey when it froze in the Winter. We had some great beach parties. We lived across the street from beach #2 and enjoyed great fireworks on the 4th of July. Brain Fuller was my best friend (earlier post) during the early days until he moved. I saw several other familiar names as well.
Hope to keep up with new postings.
I remember getting stopped by the Sparta police for speeding on our skate boards rolling down west shore past jim and billy grants home. We never told the cops that we were also swimming in the water tower behind the Grants home. THAT was fun !
Fun in the graveyard at the Presbyterian church during the "IF" dances. listening to the famous Islanders with FANG at the mike. trapping muskrat with my buddies tom nieradka, phil schreyer, and jeff fisher ( still living close to town ). graduating 1969 SHS ( yes it was the BEST football team the school ever had ) and getting caught drinking beer our senior year out front while we got to "hang out" our senior year.
Fun to hear others stories, and I am glad most others had tons of fun being a kid in a great town. 3 last comments..Steve Piniaha and the Warriors RULED the football field, don't forget the fun at the HOLE on the boardwalk. and what was the name of the Lake Police Patrolman on the lake in the 60's ( trivia question. starts with a H )
I very much enjoyed your book and the photos. However, there is an error on page 75 with the identity of one of the police officers. The photo of the police officers. bottom row Chief Fred Spoolstra and officer Charles Schwank. The police office is actually, in fact, my dad, Alton J. (Shorty) Earl. We have several copies of this photo and there is also a newspaper clipping. Thank you.
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