A History

On a December night in 1927…

a group of individuals gathered at the Naukeag Inn in Lane Village to discuss the long cherished dream of providing a swimming pool in the area for their families. The seven included Donald D. Williams, Paul C. Rockwood, Harold Rideout, George Priest, John Vose, Granville Nutting and Alfred K. Miller.

Most of those present were either year-round or summer residents of Naukeag Lake, which is one of the most beautiful of the “great ponds” of Ashburnham. However, it was unavailable for swimming as it was, and as it is today, the town reservoir.

After studying the situation, the group agreed on the idea of developing the old mill pond site where the water exited from Naukeag Lake. They elected Donald Williams as President, Paul Rockwood as Secretary-Treasurer, and Harold Rideout as Maintenance Man.

That first meeting adjourned with a promise from each of the seven members of a $100 dollar contribution…

and the Naukeage Lake Club was born.

In the spring of 1928, a group armed with axes, hoes, and a 12 gauge shotgun (to reduce the snake population) began work on the mill pond. Cutting 10 ft. alder bushes and birch trees, blasting out the boulders and clearing the swamp. The Rideout family designed and installed a new sluice-box (spillway) for the dam. Over, the dam itself, which at the time was nearly 200 years old (built in 1734) needed little other repair. Running short on funds, a special meeting was held and it was agreed to ask associate members to join the club at $100 dollars per family. With renewed cash flow, sand was added creating the beach area, a diving board installed at the dam, and a float with a diving tower. A total of 15 associate members were added to the “club”.

The Lake Club was incorporated in May 1948, and Mrs. Phoebe N. Rideout was the first clerk for the club.

Although he was not a charter director, the late George E. Cornwall, who became a Packard Hill resident and later became President of the club for 30 years, contributed greatly. Under his leadership the east beach area was added, the pier walk erected, and the new bath house with sanitary and shower facilities were constructed. His wife, the late Sissy Cornwall (Cross) remained active within the club.

Now, son George E. Cornwall Jr. continues that tradition.

The family of the late Vincent J. Vallette donated the slide in the early fifties which remains today.