Lake Mohawk Pool dedication

By Mandy Coriston

The Lake Mohawk Country Club reacquired ownership of the Lake Mohawk Pool this spring, and on Saturday, Aug 24, the recreation facility became the first landmark in the community to be bestowed with a marker courtesy of the Lake Mohawk Historic Committee. The pool was also rededicated in a short ceremony led by Historic Committee chairperson Holly Fiorella.

According to Fiorella, the pool was chosen to be the first recipient of a marker due to its recent return to the Lake Mohawk Country Club fold, and its impressive history. Originally named the Marine Pool and Tennis Club, the pool was built in 1937 by the Arthur D. Crane Company, developers of Lake Mohawk and other lake communities throughout New Jersey, including Lake Shawnee in Jefferson and Rainbow Lakes in Denville.

The pool, designed to look like the deck of the luxury liner SS Normandie, was the largest of its kind for that era, and featured an ozone purification system eliminating the need for chlorine. During its early years, the pool featured live stunt diving shows, synchronized swimming, and live music and dancing on Sundays. Sold to private ownership in 1940, it was renamed the Cruiser Club in the late 1960s before becoming the Lake Mohawk Pool under the last private holding company. The facility came back under ownership of the Lake Mohawk Country Club in April of 2019. LMCC General Manager John Stanley said that restoring and re-staffing the pool this spring was a labor of love which has been paid back in kind. The Olympic-sized pool was drained and repainted, and features areas for shallow and deep-water swimming. Other amenities include multiple seating decks, a clubhouse, a kiddie pool for the youngest members, and a playground and open grassy area for activities. The former tennis courts serve as a parking lot for the pool compound.

“It’s been a lot of hard work, and a community effort,” Stanley said. “But membership has doubled and we’re at capacity.”

Fiorella said the pool rededication and the placement of the historic marker was a group effort by the committee, with special thanks to Rob Otto, Maureen Greiner, David Silverglade, and Pat Galperin. Susan Egan, LMCC marketing manager, was also acknowledged. The historic markers, which are green with white lettering and shaped like an arrowhead, will be a major initiative of the committee. The next markers will be dedicated in the White Deer Plaza.

“In time, we expect to recognize all landmarks of historic distinction within the Lake Mohawk Reservation,” Fiorella said.

For more information on the Lake Mohawk Historic Committee and their upcoming events, the group maintains a Facebook page under the committee name. They can also be reached by email at lakemohawkhc@gmail.com. Information on pool membership can be found at www.lakemohawkcc.com or by sending email to pool@lakemohawkcountryclub.com.