Caroga Lake Photo Album from c. 1911

Looking north from the south shore of East Caroga Lake, the Simonson's boathouse with its large flagpole is clearly visible on the opposite shore.

Photograph is erroneously labelled "Simerson Point" rather than "Simonson Point."  An article from the October 5, 1906 edition of the Johnstown Daily Republican records that "Frank DeHaas Simonson of Elmhurst [acquired] land in the town of Caroga." This is possibly the land that became known as "Simonson Point."  Mr. Simonson built on the property "Nosnomis Lodge," Simonson spelled backwards. On the point he built a large boat house with a red roof. A large star which could be lit every night was placed on top of the boat house.  As documented by a later photograph in the series, the boat house was used for regattas that the Simonsons helped organize and compete in. According to McMartin  (p. 140), the Simonsons owned three boats: a mahogany party boat called the Herald; a small white boat that the daughter Ruth used called the Elmhurst; and the Silver Fizz, a racing boat which the son Charles drove.  This latter boat was regularly the winner in races.

Another view from the south shore of East Caroga Lake looking north.  The Simonson's boathouse is again visible.

View of the East Shore road of West Caroga Lake. The truck with the steering wheel on the right side has New York license plates which were introduced in 1910.  The plate is likely 1911 since the numbers appear embossed unlike the 1910 plates which had riveted numbers.

The famous leaning pine tree can be seen in the distance.

 

Located on the family farm near the intersection of today's Rts. 10 and 29a near land now occupied by the Dollar General, Knight's store was one of the first stores at the eastern part of the town. The photo in the museum's album compared with earlier postcard pictures of the store documents the growth of the store. The postcard on the left is postmarked 1909, while the card on the right postmarked 1910 shows the addition of a wing to the original store. The photo in the museum's album shows the original store has been enlarged to apparently include a second floor.

Knight's was not just a general store, but also was a post office, as identified by a sign on the right side of the front door of the store in the photo in the museum's album. An article in the Johnstown Daily Republican, dated May 27, 1911, documents the opening of a seasonal post office at Knight's and helps to confirm the dating of the museum's album to 1911:

On Monday next the new post office established last fall at East Caroga Lake will be opened. The office is to be located at Knight’s store, and its official designation is Knights, N.Y. It will receive and dispatch mail until the middle of September. Mail for West Caroga Lake should still be sent to the Pine Lake Post office.

 

 

The bridge over the channel connecting East and West Caroga Lakes.

The Johnstown Daily Republican, September 1, 1911, p. 3: Labor Day at the Caroga Lakes

Labor day will see the close of the season at most of the summer resorts and the Caroga Lakes association has its plans all completed for a big celebration. A variety of events will be held and prizes will be given to the winners. It is expected that the day will attract a large crowd of visitors and the cottagers at the lakes are getting ready to show their well known hospitality to those who witness the events. F. DeHass Simonson has been appointed generalissimo and he has announced that the dock and grounds at his camp, “Nosnomis,” will be thrown open to the public and that all persons may feel free to leave their autos and wagons there, and also to use the place as a view point for the races and other events, which will begin promptly at 2 o’clock. Entries must be made before noon on Monday, either at John E. Sowle’s store, Gloversville; Vrooman’s hotel or at Mr. Simonson’s. The following is the official program:

First class Interlaken motorboat race. In this event a pennant will be awarded as well as a cup. The former trophy will be contested yearly, while the cup will become the property of the winner.

First class handicap motorboat race. The prize will be a handsome cup.

Second class handicap motorboat race. Prize, a cup.

There will be a tilting contest. The prize will be a Waterman fountain pen. The prize in the canoe race will be $2.50 in gold.

In the mixed canoe race two prizes are offered: A silver match box and a hat pin of handsome design.

In the Ladies’ swimming race, the prize will be two dollars and fifty cents in gold.

A similar prize will be awarded to the gentlemen’ swimming race.

The same amount will be awarded in the rowing race.

There will be a duck race, as well as a tub race for a prize to be announced later.

http://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn85042216/1911-09-01/ed-1/seq-3/

A September 5 article in the Johnstown Daily Republican records the results of the Labor Day festivities. The Simonson's Silver Fizz , reaching speeds of 32 mph, won the day in the motorboat competition,