Otisco Lake 1868 Map
By Roger
N. Trendowski
Pre-Dam
Historical Map
This mid-1800’s map shows the original
outline of Otisco Lake before the first dam was built in preparation for
providing water to the Erie Canal.
“Now the history buff ... has found an
1868 map of Otisco Lake, as it was before the first dam was constructed in
1868-69... The 1868 map was created by engineers as a planning instrument in
preparation for the building of the first dam… Trendowski’s text in the upper
right-hand corner of the map gives us the history of the enlargement of the
lake, and the building of the causeway at the southern end of the lake. The… map is a tug at the heart for those who
have family roots around Otisco Lake. At the appropriate site on the map is the
family name of each of those who owned property around the original lake and in
the areas to be flooded by the expanding lake. ..he gives us a six-page
biographical supplement with as much information as is currently known about
these 19th century families. .. Above and below the map are
photographs and post card images dated from the early 1900’s….”
Excerpts from article by Warren Nolan,
Marcellus Observer, July 2, 2003
Names of Otisco Lake Land Owners
Page 1 Excerpt from Biographical Supplement
Copies
of the 36"x24" size map are available at area historical societies
(Marcellus, Spafford and Otisco) and local establishments (Marietta House,
Ryfins restaurant, Nightingale Mills) and non-profit groups (Amber
Congregational Church Men’s Club). Copies are also for sale through Roger
Trendowski. Email: rtrendowski@att.net (Price is $10 plus
$9 insured shipping & handling (rolled in shipping tube.)
“Otisco Lake Community”
By Roger
N. Trendowski
Historical
Book published by Arcadia Press
With Otisco Lake Community, Roger
N. Trendowski chronicles this New York State Finger Lake area’s history from
the late 1800s to the mid 1900s. Gathered from many local archives, private
collections and town historians from Otisco, Marcellus and Spafford, the unique
published and unpublished images show the area’s natural beauty. The pictures
transport us to the past where some of the same adventurous and entertaining
activities still remain today. Book contains 128 pages and 220 historic pictures.
ISBN 0-7524-1269-8
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Acknowledgements
The publisher
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This project involved several members of
the community and the results of sales will benefit the Otisco Lake Community
Association and the Amber Volunteer Fire Department (AFD) who are selling the
book as part of their fund raising activities. Other retail outlets such as
bookstores and historical societies in Syracuse and neighboring towns also
handle the book. However, the main sales are expected to be by the two lake area
non-profit organizations. (As of Spring 2003, this book is out of print.)
Call me with ideas and proposed pictures
for another book. Phone 732-671-0514 or email: rtrendowski@att.net