History
High Crest Lake was developed by Seckler and Shepherd, Inc. Land, consisting of approximately 160 acres, was purchased from Pequannock Rubber Co. and the Borough of Butler. The purchase was in 1949. Initially, a pond existed in what is now the cove area. It was called the “duck pond.”
The current lake basin was cleared of timber in 1950. The dam and spillway were constructed in early 1951. The dam is 440 feet long and approximately 40 feet in depth. The lake started to fill in 1951.
By 1955, approximately 40 homes had been built. Early residents included the Pirogs, Hodges, and Gaselbertis. The road on the east side of the Lake (called East Shore Drive) ended at Hodge’s Corner and on the west side (called West Shore Drive) ended at Deacon’s Corner (now 302 High Crest Drive). Jill (Deacon) Timony still resides at that residence with her family.
In 1958, Northwood Drive was cut through to Macopin Road. The Northwood Drive area was part of a tract of 90 acres referred to as the Kay-Len tract. (This is the property north of the cove and includes the Lodge area.)
By 1961, the road on the east side of the Lake was extended to the cove. A narrow path connected the cove area to the west shore on the north end of the lake.
In 1967, a road committee was formed. After many deliberations with the town of West Milford, road construction began in the late fall of 1967. There was one problem however; the project did not include the section of road in front of the beach and across to the bridge. This section was affectionately referred to as the “Baja” as it contained a few potholes. (This slowed traffic, which the ”mothers appreciated.”) This was corrected with a new road in 1973.
History of the old lodge
Prior to the forming of the High Crest Lake Lodge, Inc., social activities surrounded a men’s club and the women’s club. The constitution and bylaws of High Crest Lake Lodge, Inc. were written in 1958. Charter members were those who signed on by 1 November 1958.
In 1959, residents disassembled a log building from Route 23 and re-assembled it at the site of the old lodge building. This was the part of the old lodge building referred to as the social area (fireplace and bar). It was connected to a pavilion that was a part of the Kay-Len swim and picnic area. Later part of the pavilion was enclosed and was the large room of the Lodge building. All this work was accomplished by residents. Revenue was accumulated through a $50 initiation fee, a $200 stock purchase and $20 annual dues. In 1964 the stock purchase was abandoned.
In 1966, the Lodge building and about 2 acres of land were purchased from Seckler and Shepherd, Inc. for $12,500.
In 1971, we signed a contract to purchase High Crest Lake and an additional 5-1/2 acres around the Lodge building. The purchase price was $72,500. We closed on the property in November 1972.
Shortly thereafter, the beach was renovated and the pier and swim lanes were completed, as well as the boat lockers and the wall that protects the beach. We also dredged the cove. (Note: The cove had not been dredged since 1974.) In 1999 a De-silting project was organized and completed and in 2001 we added new docks & improved the beach area.
