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Lake Parsippany History 1930s In the early 1930s The New York Daily Mirror, part of The Mirror Holding Corp., purchased a huge tract of pasture and farmland in Parsippany. They dug out 159 acres and erected a dam that formed Lake Parsippany, which became the headwaters for Eastman's Brook. The article below from The Chatham Press, April 22, 1933 describes the start of our lake community before it had a name.
The Mirror Holding Corp. made the 7,916 lots surrounding the lake available to anyone agreeing to subscribe to the Daily Mirror for six months. Lots measured 20 by 100 feet and were offered for $98.50 each. A minimum of two lots had to be purchased in order to build a cabin. Some still stand today.
Developers Warren and Arthur Smadbeck of New York City handled the sales for the Mirror Holding Corp. Working agents for the Smadbecks in Parsippany were Alex Eckstein and Dean Gallo Sr. By 1933 a sufficient number of properties had been sold.
On October 19, 1933, the Certificate of Incorporation was signed and filed with the Morris County Clerk's Office on October 25th, 1933. On October 29th, 1933, at a meeting at Lake Parsippany, to which all lot owners were invited and which was attended by about fifteen hundred people, an incorporated organization of lot owners was formed; the Officers and Directors for the first year chosen; and a general spirit of cooperation and good will fostered The Mirror Holding Corp. turned over the property to the Lake Parsippany Property Owners Association. The governing body consisted of five officials and 12 directors. They supervised all Community activities, such as fire and police protection, water supply, sewage disposal, electricity, abatement of nuisances, and compliance with building regulations. Officers and Directors of The Lake Parsippany Property Owners Association for 1934
The first issue of the Lake Parsippany Pilot now known as News & Views printed in the Spring of 1934 gives us a glimpse of history and the vision for Lake Parsippany. 1940s The roads and garbage collection were maintained by the association until 1948 at which time they were given over to the town. At the start of the Association if one didn't buy a membership into the association their garbage would not be picked up. The community grew as increasing numbers of city residents retreated from the summer heat. Gobel's Athletic Field, dedicated on July 4th, 1941 after Harry Gobel, Chairman of the Parsippany-Troy Hills town board. The property was eventually sold in the 1970's Drewes Beach, Hoffman Beach, Johnson Beach, and Joerges Beach where dedicated to heroes who lost their lives during WWII and where active members and property owners of Lake Parsippany. World War II Veterans Learn More About Our Heroes: John P. Johnson, Henry C. Drewes, Edward T. Hoffman, and Walter C. Joerges. 1980s The LPPOA signs a Section 9 Agreement on May 7th, 1982 with The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills. This allows the township to perform various improvements to the dam in order to satisfy the requirements of the NJDEP and the Army Corps of Engineers. The LPPOA signs a Section 8 Agreement on November 13th, 1982 with The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills. The township agrees to cleaning and removing any and all silt and debris from basins at least semi-annually or as required. Present Day It is interesting to note that most all the lakes in this area are man made including Lake Hopatcong. All but Lake Hopatcong and Mountain Lake are run by associations, which requires membership. There are parts of Lake Hopatcong, which are governed by associations. Mountain Lakes can only be used by its residents. Lake Parsippany transformation from 1930 to present day. | Upcoming events
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