White Lake, New York
| White Lake | |
|---|---|
| hamlet | |
 White Lake
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| Coordinates: 41°40′28″N 74°49′44″W / 41.67444°N 74.82889°WCoordinates: 41°40′28″N 74°49′44″W / 41.67444°N 74.82889°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| County | Sullivan |
| Time zone | Eastern (EST) (UTC-5) |
| • Summer (DST) | EDT (UTC-4) |
| ZIP codes | 12786 |
White Lake is a hamlet in the town of Bethel, Sullivan County, New York on the southeast shore of a lake of the same name. It was the closest community to the Music Festival in 1969.
The community has a post office on New York Route 17B. Its ZIP Code is 12786. Its population in 2000 was reported at 665 and is the largest community in the town of Bethel. The Bethel Town Hall is also located in the community.
The lake is reported to be the deepest lake (80 feet (24 m)) in Sullivan County. Residents in the 19th century claimed that the biggest brook trout in the world (8 pounds 14 ounces) was caught in the lake in 1843.
According to local lore its name was Native American Kauneonga—meaning lake with two wings (the lake has a figure 8 layout resembling wings). The White Lake name is said to have come from the white sand beaches on its shores and white bottom. The northern portion of White Lake, formerly known as North White Lake, is now called Kauneonga Lake.
A saw mill and grist mill were established at the outlet of the lake around 1804. In 1811 a hotel was established in the community starting a long history of it becoming a resort.
The History of Sullivan County reports, "Physicians frequently send invalids to recover health from its life giving qualities. Instances of recovery almost incredible might be given: so that those who wish to combine rare scenery with healthiness of climate, a sojourn during the summer-months is desirable."
Writer Alfred B. Street extolled its virtues in his poem "White Lake" which includes these lines:
Hark! like an organ's tones, the woods
To the light wind murmurs wake;
The voice of the vast solitudes
Is speaking to the lake
The New York Times in 1903 wrote, "The railroad station for White Lake is either Liberty or Monticello. A picturesque drive over the Shawangunk Mountains brings one to this beautiful lake. The hotels which are on both sides are among the best in Sullivan County. At this place all aquatic sports may be indulged in."
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Wikipedia