silver lake sea serpents
The History of silver lake (check back for updates)
Silver Lake Howard Benedict Memorial Boat Parade
The first Silver Lake boat parade was said to have been held in August of 1966 and was called the "Farewell to Summer Parade of Boats". The parade eventually moved to July 4th and was renamed the "Howard Benedict Memorial Parade" in honor of the late SLA president who served from 1986-1988.
Silver Lake Military and Naval Academy
The Chamberlain Military Academy was moved to Silver Lake after fire destroyed the school's building in Randolph, NY, in 1915. Once relocated, the school was renamed the Silver Lake Military and Naval School. Initially, there were thirty students and five faculty members. When the United States entered WWI on April 6, 1917, most of th
The Chamberlain Military Academy was moved to Silver Lake after fire destroyed the school's building in Randolph, NY, in 1915. Once relocated, the school was renamed the Silver Lake Military and Naval School. Initially, there were thirty students and five faculty members. When the United States entered WWI on April 6, 1917, most of the institute's student body enlisted. The sharp reduction in student population closed the school temporarily. Within the next few years the school closed for good.
**From Wyoming County, NY Images of our Past by Mark Herman
The Legend of The Silver Lake Sea Serpent
On the night of July 13, 1855, a peculiar event unfolded on Silver Lake. As four men and two boys peacefully fished, their tranquility was shattered by the appearance of what seemed to be a log rising from the water. To their horror, this "log" transformed into a creature with a colossal head and a tail thrashing the water. In a panic, t
On the night of July 13, 1855, a peculiar event unfolded on Silver Lake. As four men and two boys peacefully fished, their tranquility was shattered by the appearance of what seemed to be a log rising from the water. To their horror, this "log" transformed into a creature with a colossal head and a tail thrashing the water. In a panic, they rowed back to shore as fast as they could. This spine-tingling encounter was just the beginning. Other sightings occurred and
word of the mysterious sea serpent spread like wildfire. Soon, curious onlookers descended upon the area, eager to catch a glimpse of the elusive creature. Crowds lined the shores, and the once-quiet locale buzzed with excitement and activity. Businesses flourished as visitors flocked to witness the spectacle, turning Perry into a bustling hub for several weeks.
However, as suddenly as it had appeared, the sea serpent vanished without a trace, leaving behind only memories and speculation. Then, in 1857, a shocking discovery was made amidst the ashes of the Walker House on Main Street. Among the remnants of the fire lay the fabricated remains of the sea serpent. A.B. Walker, the establishment's proprietor, had ingeniously crafted the creature from canvas and coiled wire. With the aid of large bellows, he had inflated the serpent and propelled it through the water with ropes, creating the illusion that captivated the town and put Perry on the map in 1855.
The Silver Lake Institute
The Silver Lake Institute
The Silver Lake Institute, national historic district, is a Methodist-affiliated camp facility established in 1873. The properties reflect the evolution of the institute from a Methodist Revivalist summer camp in the 1870s and 1880s to a cultural, educational, and religious summer institute in the Chautauqua tradition during the 1880s
The Silver Lake Institute, national historic district, is a Methodist-affiliated camp facility established in 1873. The properties reflect the evolution of the institute from a Methodist Revivalist summer camp in the 1870s and 1880s to a cultural, educational, and religious summer institute in the Chautauqua tradition during the 1880s and 1890s, and finally to a secular summer cottage community in the early 20th century. The focal point of the community is the 2.03-acre (0.82 ha) Burt Park and the district includes 72 additional properties including 70 cottages. Epworth Hall and Epworth Inn were built in the 1880’s.
**Note: In 2016, the Silver Lake Institute became an independent organization separate from the Methodist Church
**From Wikipedia and SLA directories
The Silver Lake Railroad
The Silver Lake Institute
The Silver Lake Railroad
The origins of what would eventually become the Silver Lake Branch of the BR&P Railway, later transitioning to the B&O RR, trace back to the establishment of the Rochester and Pine Creek RR in 1869. By 1871, the line had extended its reach to Perry, serving the community faithfully for over a century. Initially, it comprised two separa
The origins of what would eventually become the Silver Lake Branch of the BR&P Railway, later transitioning to the B&O RR, trace back to the establishment of the Rochester and Pine Creek RR in 1869. By 1871, the line had extended its reach to Perry, serving the community faithfully for over a century. Initially, it comprised two separate short lines, namely the Silver Lake Railway and the Perry Railroad, which merged before integrating into the BR&P system.
Passenger service along the line ceased on August 4, 1951, marking the end of an era with the final runs of B&O trains 67 and 68 in and out of Perry. However, freight operations persisted for another 22 years until the line's closure on June 26, 1973, followed by its eventual abandonment.
At Silver Springs, the railway played a vital role in facilitating commerce, serving companies like Morton Salt (also known as Worcester Salt) and facilitating freight and passenger exchanges with the Erie Railroad. Initially, freight services operated daily, excluding Sundays, eventually tapering to 3 or 4 times a week in the line's twilight years. By 1968, the frequency of trains into Perry had diminished to 3 or 4 times a week, reflecting the decline in business activities.
The decline of the rail line was gradual but inevitable, accelerated by the closure of businesses like the Perry Knitting Company in 1969. Ultimately, on June 26, 1973, the last train departed Perry, signaling the end of an era for the once-thriving rail line.
*From Wikipedia and SLA directories, History of Railroads and Bob Murphy
