A few years ago when we were looking at areas we might move to we looked at Lake Peekskill. We weren’t too impressed at the time and moved on to look elsewhere. However, I found myself back there the other day and I suspect that we may have looked at the wrong part. Where I ended up was much nicer than where we had looked before.

I also came across this article: Historic Lake Peekskill (which also contains a number of interesting old photographs) on the Putnam Valley Historical Society website. I’ve included a few extracts below:

Lake Peekskill was once known as Cranberry Pond because of the uncultivated cranberries once growing in the marches there…The pond was small and full of greenery around the edges. Bathers and fishermen used the pond in its most natural state. The pond was beautifully set with hills and trees abounding. Around 1921 a developer by the name of McGolrick bought the property and soon Lake Peekskill was to be developed.

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The McGolrick Realty Company offered free bus service for buyers to see the property available. A model home was built on Argyle Street near the corner of Central Drive. This building still stands…The Clubhouse built off of Pleasant Road at the top of the hill offered a fine, wide view to the east in the direction of the lake and to the hills of Shrub Oak. The Clubhouse is no longer standing but the foundation, steps up from the road and benches still remain. This, too, belongs to all property owners in Lake Peekskill but has come in need of repair and upkeep. The view from here was and still is outstanding.

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The small lake filled with tree stumps was eventually enlarged. The water was lowered at the dam that was built near the bridge on Lake Drive and as many stumps were removed as possible before water was again let in from the natural springs feeding the lake. There was not enough water for the summer season so a pump was installed in the Hollowbrook and filled the remainder of the lake… Soon Lake Peekskill was bursting with summer residents.

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There was railroad transportation from New York City to Peekskill. In the early days there was a trolley run to Oregon Corners. In time an all-day bus ran from the railroad station directly into Lake Peekskill. Monthly railroad tickets were available. Neighbors met on the train and passed the time playing cards, getting to know each other and discussing the future. Since taxes were reasonable, living in Lake Peekskill was an advantage despite some of the hardships.

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The post office was a wooden shack on the edge of the lake next to where Carrara’s Beach now is. Mrs. Carrara, the postmistress, drove to Peekskill Post Office every morning to pick up the mail. When rural delivery started people put up their mailboxes on posts at the entrance to Lake Peekskill on Central Drive (now known as Morrissey Drive). The mailing address was R.F.D., Peekskill, New York. It remained so through the 1940’s.

Telephone service was not in existence except for the stone house on the lake built by Beat Keller a Swiss baker and his Austrian wife. In the 1940’s telephone service came into the lake area.

The Lake Peekskill Athletic Club was formed by the men of the Community. They held dances, had bingo parties and ran festivities at the beaches. On the Fourth of July they had a beauty contest for Miss Lake Peekskill along with swimming races in all categories. The highlight was when one swimmer caught the duck that was let free. It was very exciting for all. Fireworks were held in the evening over the lake. The beaches were pristine and well-kept by the Improvement District which also collected the garbage.

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There was the stone house with restaurant, boating rental. Next door was Samuel’s Soda Fountain. Then Samuel’s Grocery with meat and then Diamonds Market which was open all year. Diamonds had a T.V. where all the neighbors could see the news, the fights popular then in the 1940’s, etc. Most people didn’t have their own television set yet like today. Everyone strolled down the mountain to the restaurant at Carrara’s but mostly to the Corner to meet friends, and the young teens their future spouses in many cases….Soon the Lake Peekskill Athletic Club started building their own Club House at the bottom of the hill on Central Drive across from Gragert’s Real Estate and Tydol Gas Station (built in 1938). This Athletic Building became an entertainment hall year round. Area bingo parties were held with Fred Ernst being the favorite caller because of his famous “sixity six”. Paul Le Favre and others enjoyed calling numbers as well.

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The story of Lake Peekskill would not be complete without the mentioning of Pop Melnick’s Camp Pecoho. In the 1940’s it was a haven for families from May to October. Everything was there for family pleasure and relaxation. They had their own beach area near the bridge at Lake Peekskill. A portion of this now belongs to the Shore Club.

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Peekskill became closer with the bus service available. More and more families had cars. The community stretched out as people were better able to travel.

What people do not see today that was there when Lake Peekskill started is the openness of the fields, the wild flowers, animals, and quiet. Children would sled down Central Drive without fear of cars. Ice skating on the lake was a family affair in the winter. The beaches in the summer had docks out a distance from the shore. The life guards kept a watchful eye on all. The matrons guarded the beach and bathhouses. Carrara’s had the largest bathhouse and next was North Beach. Singers Beach was most popular, however. Mr. North was constable and made sure that all beaches were clean. He walked the parking lot to pick up papers should he see them on the ground.

Boating in the 1940’s and 1950’s was popular. Rentals could be had behind the stone house along with the possibility to buy worms for fishing.

In winter one could hear the chains of the tires rattle down the road. Sand was the only skid prevention. Salt was not heard of yet. (Is the salt we use now a source of future problems for our lakes?) In summer one could hear the constant hum of people at the beaches enjoying the sun and water sports. When evening came the music from the Shore Club rang across the lake. A few silhouettes of boaters on the water could be seen in the moonlight.

The Lake was always a reflection of the seasons. Fall colors from the hills reflected in the water. Snow in the winter with patches cleared for ice staking was abundant. There was a time in the 1950’s when there was music for ice skating coming from the restaurant at Carrara’s. Mr. Martinsen skated every day at his advanced age with his arms folded behind his back. It made the beginners wonder if they could one day glide across the lake with his ease. When spring came the bare reflections of the trees gave way to buds and the light green colors of new leaves. As the season progressed blossoms of the early spring fruit trees reflected in the water. Summer was on the way. The air seemed to suddenly turn warm as the end of May arrived along with the summer residents. Lake Peekskill again opened its arms to all those who were seeking fun and pleasure with warm days and cool nights. From the early spring peepers song to the hollow tone of the bull frog, Lake Peekskill will be remembered by many as a place of peaceful existence.

Above – North Beach, Lake Peekskill taken with a Sony RX100 M3.