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A BRIEF HISTORY OF
WALLENPAUPACK LAKE ESTATES
by Joy E. Pfeifer
The lands of Robert Gonzales included the Stonehouse, stables,
guest cottages (old Administration building on Calypso Dr. now removed), Sports building (now the Adult Lodge) which contained a
huge stone fireplace and bar, a two lane bowling alley and stuffed animals. This was formerly known as Mr. Gonzales' recreation
area for his family as well as for his guests. The Rockledge Pool was put in by Paul Evans for Mr. Gonzales. A waterfall over the
rocks was in operation with colored lights. This was a magnificent sight at night. The well at the stonehouse supplied water for
the stable, guest houses, pool and the drive through barn. Mr. Gonzales had Paul Evans of Newfoundland construct Deer Lake as you
see it today. At this writing Mr. Gonzales resides in Costa Rica.
Properties began to sell in 1971 but it wasn't until February 15, 1973 that the Wallenpaupack Lake Estates Property Owners
Association was incorporated and title to the Amenities and common areas were vested to the Association, as Beneficial Owner.
The first meeting of the incorporator, Patricia A. Aber, was held on the 20th day of Februaury, 1973, at 2:00 o'clock in the
afternoon, at 104 West High Street, Milford, Pike County, Pennsylvania. Patricia A. Aber appointed Betty Jean Baily as
temporary secretary of this meeting.
The Articles of Incorporation, issued to the Association by the Department of State, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was presented
and the Secretary was instructed to cause a copy of the Articles of Incorporation to be prefixed to the Minutes.
It was at this meeting that the first form of By-Laws for the regulation of the affairs of the corporation was adopted.
It was also at this meeting that directors were nominated to hold office. Those nominated to serve were Hugo Palm, David E.
Walker, and Robert E. Barnes. Robert E. Barnes acted as Temporary Chairman, and Davis E. Walker was appointed Temporary Secretary
of the meeting. Hugo Palm who, at that time, lived at 42 Aquarius Drive, Section 4, with his lovely wife, Rigmor, became the first
President of the Property Owners Association. David E. Walker became the Secretary - Treasurer.
Building activity at the Estates began in earnest in 1972. Dock slips were added, the Campground's 33 camping pads were completed,
building plans for the Main Clubhouse and the Beaver Lake Clubhouse were awaiting approval from the Township, and three wells for
the water system were bored and tested.
The Department of Environmental Resources approved the plans for the entire sewerage collection system, and in April of 1973,
the Bonham General Contracting Company of Honesdale, PA, started work on the sewer and water systems in Section 1.
The development of the Estates was in full swing and in July 1973, the Beaver Lake Clubhouse, swimming pool and wading pools
were now opened for use. The contract for the Beaver Lake Dam was signed in 1973 and the project was completed in the fall
of 1974. Construction of the Main Clubhouse, Section 4, started in May 1974 and was completed in August of the same year.
As for trash collection, arrangements had to be made by the property owner for a pick-up at their site. The trash collector
used at that time was Butler Sanitation who, by the way, is still in business. Even though Butler made every effort to collect
the trash, the animals were there tearing into the plastic bags and strewing the household trash all over before the trucks would
arrive. Because of this, the Estates began to look unsightly, so the Board of Directors began to look into getting dumpsters for
trash collection. Dumpsters were placed by the Main Gate, the West Gate, and the Campground. (However, after many years of abuse
by outsiders, and the increase in home building, the Board removed the small dumpsters and established a general area for trash
collection behind the stable.)
