HISTORY 

The Following brief history of the Harveys lake Protective Association was taken from secretarial records 1920-1983.

        The corporation is to exist perpetually.  It initially had 36 directors (12 to serve for 1 year, 12 for 2 years, and 12 for 3 years) – a President, 3 V. Presidents, Secretary, and Treasurer in which was lodged the general management of the affairs of the Association.  Its committees were – Executive (15 members), Membership (10), Law and Order (9), Highway (5), Navigation (5), Public Health (3), Fire (6), Public Improvements (6), Fish (6), Transportation (5), Publicity (3), Entertainment (3).

             An excerpt from 1920 – “Nature has given us, in the lake, a most beautiful spot for a summer home.  By working together, through our Association, we can prevent many things which would tend to mar it’s attractiveness, and can accomplish much in the making it a better place at which to live.”

             1922 – The Association provided a light company which provided light 24 hours per day in summertime.  This was later purchased by Andrew J. Sordoni.

             Filling the hole in the dam was investigated also to put a screen over the pipe to eliminate fish leaving the lake. 

             Three deputy sheriffs were appointed from the membership and paid $50.00/year each to be on call at all times and to watch over the cottages of summer members.

              Fire committee recommended that the Association raise $5,000 to purchase a fire fighting apparatus and that a volunteer organization be formed.  All cottage owners were requested to have an axe, ladder, and fire extinguisher on their property.

             The Law & Order committee reported that two state police were to be on duty during summer weekends and a Ford car was purchased for their use by the Association. Also a motorcycle/sidecar.  State appropriation was $20.00 per month-per man for board and $15.00 per month per horse.

             1922 – The Association provided warning signs which read “Go Slow and See the Lake…Go Fast and See the Squire” to be places around the lake.

             1924 – A letter was received from the Pastor of the Catholic congregation of Harveys Lake stating that the Association is-“the sole protection of the decent and law-abiding element as against the element of disorder”, and offered their hardy support in it’s future work.

             1924 – An emphatic protest against the construction of a bathing beach, amusement park or other public concession at or near the West Corner was lodged by members of the Protective Association.  (Note:  This later became Sandy Beach.)

            In November a fire destroyed 5 cottages at the Inlet.  Assistance was given by the Kingston Fire Dep’t. at a cost to the Association of $100.00 for the Fire Engine plus 1200 ft. of hose and $50.00 for 9 firemen plus 1 driver.  In the future the Association would only assume responsibility for payment if the said fire was at a member of the Association’s home. 

             The entertainment committee scheduled a steamboat ride and dance at a cost of 50 cents per person for it’s members.  Purpose: to raise additional funds for meeting Association expenses.

             Fire committee reported chancing off a car which was won by Rosina Hourigan to raise funds to purchase fire equipment.  (Total amount collected in cash and pledges - $6,095.00)

             The road from Oneonta to the outlet bridge was expected to be completed during 1925 season.

             In October of 1926 – Harveys Lake Businessmen’s Association agreed to merge and consolidate their organization with the Protective Association to more effectively promote and maintain the welfare of the Harveys Lake community.  At this time the officers were as follows: President, 4 V. Presidents Secretary, and Treasurer.  The Board of Directors was expanded to 45 members (15 per year to serve for 3 years).  The additional directors were to be selected from the businessmen’s Association group.

             1926 – The Association wrote to Postmaster of Wash. D.C. inquiring as to the possibility of securing R.F.D. services along the north shore of the lake.

             In 1926 and 1927 the Association appropriated $50.00 to have fireworks display for July 4^th.

             In the 1927 presidential report – the police department was lauded as “undoubtedly the most efficient police force in the state of Pa” and gave special credit to Cap’t. John T Ruth and recommended an additional sum to be paid him in recognition of his very satisfactory management of this department.

             1927 – Road from Outlet to Picnic Grounds expected to be completed this year.

             In 1928 the Association assumed full responsibility for Cap’t. Ruth’s necessary hospital expenses – including private room and such private nurses as Dr. Rumbaugh deemed necessary.  The Association also looked into moving the “look-up” to some other place other than Cap’t. Ruth’s house.

             1929 – Fire consumed Oneonta Hotel.

             1929 – It was suggested that better mail service might be available with the post office name changed (from “Alderson”) to Harveys Lake.

            1931 – Ira C. Stevenson was appointed chief of police at $175.00 per month salary.  The chief requested 100 signs 18” by 24” to read – “Undressing in Cars Positively Forbidden – by Order of Police Committee”.

             1932 – Chief Stevenson was incapacitated due to an auto accident, which completely demolished the recently purchased 1932 V-8 Ford Coach.

             1933 – Fred Swanson was appointed as an extra policeman. 

             1935 – Fire house dedication was arranged for Sept. 14.  Daniel C. Roberts had donated $300.00 toward extra police for winter months and a $450.00 motorcycle and sidecar for the police force.  Also, all costs of building the Fire House, which was built to house the Fire Equipment, Police Force, Lock-up, and Living quarters for the Police Chief.  The building cost approximately $15,000.00.  All of the stone in the building was taken out of the cellar.  In addition, Mr. Roberts presented the Association with a new $9,000.00 White 2 ½ /3 ton truck, dual wheels behind.  A heater was installed in the cab.  It had a 200 gal. booster tank (no chemical) and 1200 ft. of hose plus helmets, 12 coats, and 12 pr. of boots.  The Protective Association owned the entire property, which was held in Trust by the trustees.  No religious, or political discussions, gambling, boisterous language, & no card playing on Sunday nights to be allowed in the Fire Hall.

             1940 – D.C. Roberts died.

            (No minutes are available of meetings held from 1940-1951.)

            In 1951 Chief Fred V. Swanson resigned (having served as police chief since 1942).  He was succeeded by Edgar Hughes.

                   1952 – Kurtz Agency was paid $5.00 per member for a 3-month period (Apr. to June) to protect members property.

             1956 – Fire Co. purchased a new American LaFrance Fire truck and Hose - $21,000.

             1958 – A statement attributed to Att’y. Maurice Cantor – “If our organization were only “standing by” ready to go into action – this would make it more than worthy of it’s existence.”

             Thomas P. Garrity reported that 74% of Lake Townships taxes were assessed to properties within ¼ mile of the lake.   

             1960 – “For Your Enjoyment at this Beautiful Lake and for the Protection of your investment – Be An Active Member”.

               1961 – A list of services rendered by our organization included:

1. We made payment annually of $1080.00 toward police protection.
2. We supplied cards for Chief Hughes and his assistants to leave during winter months to inform residents of the check on their cottages.
3. We were instrumental in the reporting of unsatisfactory sanitation conditions to the dep’t. of health.  Many received action and correction immediately.
4. We initiated water safety measures in co-operation with Fish and Game Commission.
5. Our association provided feeling of “togetherness” for those here at the lake as well as providing social functions.
6. The Traffic committee was instrumental in road repair approaching the lake.
7. We contributed $1,000 toward the purchase of new fire truck.

 Daniel Warner allowed fish warden to use his boat and boat house.

             1961 – Mr. & Mrs. Sam Slomowitz (Sandy Beach) offered their out-door theatre for 1 evening for the benefit of the H.L.P.A. Movie to be Bing Crosby in “High Time & Freckles”.  Tickets $1.00 each and children free.

              John Devine, having done lifeguard duty at Virginia Beach, was hired as lifeguard for Harveys Lake for $1.00/hour working from 1:00 to 9:00 P.M.

             1962 – It was suggested that the women members should be encouraged to be active in the Association and that there was a need for more social functions.

             In 1962 – the Assoc. ceased payments of $1080 yearly to the township for police protection starting it should be all taxpayers’ responsibility rather than having a large part borne by our Association.

             1962 – A high rate of pollution has been noted in Harveys Lake waters this year.

             This year Past-presidents were represented with a plaque at a dinner in their honor.

             Jan. 1963 – The Association received and forwarded contribution to Shaver family following the tragic fire where 3 lost lives.

             1963 – Two past presidents (A.J. Sordoni and Robert Rogers) died this year.

             1964 – Harveys Lake Executive Committee was formed with Frank Burnside as chairman.  Att’ys. Cantor, Hosey, Kennedy, Kasper, and Cappellini were asked to explore proper avenues to take concerning pollution, which closed Harveys Lake.  At this time according to tax collector records – there were 1650 properties in Lake Township of which 1250 were in the North district, which included Lake area.  Because of these facts and the Harveys Lake problems – the Executive Committee met on several occasions to discuss the formation of a Borough and the sewerage problems.  The Association was prepared to pay approximately $5,000 for a detailed study concerning the above situation.

             1965 - Mr. Ray Carmon of the PA Economy League attended a meeting and spoke of the good results to be obtained by forming a Borough.  After much discussion, the Association gave its resounding approval on pursuing the formation of a borough.

             1967 – Our Association engaged Roy F. Weston to prepare a feasibility survey concerning sewerage, funds available, Etc. at a cost of over $2,000.  Another cost of $2,500 for Atty. Fees and for a PA Economy League our Association covered services.  (Note: The decree to form Harveys Lake Borough from portions of Lake and Lehman Townships was handed down from the courts.)

             1969 – Bureau of Forests & Waters in its resolution of Oct. 8, 1968 levied a dock charge and dock regulations of which members of our Association took exception.

             1970 – Having met on 3 occasions in Harrisburg, our committee reported via Atty. Maurice Cantor that by it’s resolution dated 2/7/70 – the Dept. of Forests & Waters adopted new regulations which in effect revoked the annual charge on docks covered by it’s resolution of 10/8/68 & also eliminated the other restrictions.  The Dept. also agreed to refund monies to any such dock owners as had previously made payment of the charges imposed.

             1974 – A broad report on the progress, problems, future and facts of the Harveys Lake Sewer System was presented to approximately 150 interested citizens by Mr. Frank Burnside and several other residents who had been following the project closely.

             1981 – Bi-Centennial interest aroused a need for our Association to become activated again.  Namely to assume the responsibility of purchase fir a large plaque for the entrance to the lake describing a brief account of it’s history.

             1982 – A committee was appointed to review, revise, and update our By-Laws and modernize committee functions.  Recommended amendments were approved 8/22/82.

             The president of the Harveys Lake Historical Society asked that the Protective Association consider assuming responsibility for planning and conducting yearly festivities similar to the Bicentennial celebration of “Harveys Lake Day.”

             1983- - Our Association along with representatives of 10 other Harveys Lake organizations prepare for an exciting two day celebration in June to be known as “Harveys Lake Homecoming Festival.”  The Protective Association will sponsor and Ox Roast as their contribution to the festivities.  Raymond Hall, chairman for the Ox Roast constructed a giant bar-b-q spit for the Association. 

             Dr. Charles Reif and his Water Quality & Study Committee completed a comprehensive report on our lake’s environment.  The report has been made a part of this booklet. 

             Our Association has assumed responsibility for maintaining the islands at Sunset.

             The Association adopted a formal program of water safety and use goals with hopes of improving safety while still protecting our rights of use and enjoyment in the lake.

Feb 2007