Ballard Lake, aka "Lake Ballard", Milltown Road, Pecksville, Dutchess County, New York. (Mailing District: Holmes, NY)Main period of interest; 1950's, before and after!
Main subjects of interest: current and former area residents, summer renters, those who were there - kids, adults, interlopers, fugitives. Also prospectors, hermits, and historians.
Lake Ballard lies within the jurisdiction of East Fishkill.
Previously a Baptist summer camp, the lake and surrounding property was owned by Van Ness Ballard of Holmes, NY, and consisted [mostly] of approximately 15 bungalows clustered around the south/south-east side of the lake, which included a converted chapel ("The Chapel"), the converted mess hall, a community outhouse w/plumbing, a public phone booth (i.e., tiny bungalow) - all of which hosted about 20 seasonal families during the 1950's and early 60's, which we believe was Ballard Lake's most active period.
If you were there or have any information concerning the condition and whereabouts of the above mentioned, including the not-mentioned, please post in comments - which is open to all!
(This post, the very first Ballard blog post, was last updated on September 11, 2012)
6 comments:
David, these were awesome. Very fond memories of delightful times. Keep them coming and say Hi to your brothers for me.
Patty
My Dad Joseph Daquino used to re-build the Red Dock every summer when we returned to as they called them bungalow's starting in 1950 when we rented the bungalow up the hill. The Laiacona's and Daquino's
Dave, If you would like to use my chopped mercury again please give me a call.
Jack
Jack! Coolest car in NY! Spent the night at the lake (Ballard), caused a small riot at Carmel HS the next day... thanks for the memory!
Dave
We had the two cabins opposite the bathrooms. I think we gave up the cabins around 1961.
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