A destructive storm hit the Mercer County area in January 1915. One of the many casualties of the destructive storm was the washout of the dam at Gropp's Lake. Apologies are in order regarding the photos in the top graphic. The photographer was probably snapping photos on a dark and dreary day or perhaps his "F" stop settings were off. Add to that the fact that offset photo reproduction in the early 20th century newspaper was sadly lacking. After Andrew Gropp decided not to repair the dam, Charles Teunon, who had a lot of money invested in Lakeside Park and the lake itself, picked up the gauntlet and assumed the expenses of restoring the dam. "Lakeside," as we called it, also known as Gropp's Lake (which we never called it) is truly an historic natural resource with its spring fed lake. Were I to win the lottery for a few million dollars, I would spend the amount it would cost restore "Lakeside" to its former glory, including laying out a white sandy beach. Thanks, Mike:
Old Olden Avenue was the original road to White Horse Avenue. Arena Drive was cut in as part of a WPA project in the 1930's. I am sure Eleanor Guear, George Golday, and other Gropp's Lake area historians will be able to add additional info. Lakeside Blvd. was part of Teunon's original Lakeside Park plans.
Hello Tom,
I really enjoy some of these Gropp's Lake area photos. I just have a quick question. Do you know if Lakeside Boulevard and/or Arena Drive were there back when some of these photos were taken, specifically when that Lakeview Hotel photo was taken? I'm just trying to envision what the property around Lakview Hotel might have looked like a years ago. Thank you.
Monday, November 07, 2011