LAke Hopatcong, NJ!

[Bill Basler]

A funny thing happens when someone visits a boat show in a particular region for the first time. Chris-Craft Antique Boat Club member Mark Christensen has been living out on Long Island for a few months now (originally from Rockford, IL) and has had the chance to take in some East Coast shows including the Lake Hopatcong, NJ show. (His first visit).

I have seen many photos of this show over the years, but Mark provided a glimpse into something I have never seen. The Club House!

Maybe its because the locals are so familiar with their own dusty history they don't give it a second thought. Maybe it's because people who have visited the show have seen this many times over.

There's no doubt this is a wonderful show. Now I want to visit for the show AND the Club House. Photos provided by Mark Christensen.

[RichardSGambino]

Went there 2 years ago and the view of the property, club house and all the boats on display is like a scene from an old movie. The inside of the house is as remarkable as the outside and it all combines to leave a lasting impression. Hopefully next year I'll get to return.

[Mark Christensen]

It was a fun show. The 17' split cockpit was my favorite boat for sure.

[Hopatcong Buddy]

Bill, Mark
Thanks for your kind words about our show. We had record crowds, beautiful weather and I think everyone had a great day. As with so many shows, it all happens due to the hard work of many who care. We leave the weather to the big Guy!
The yacht club building turns 100 yrs old on July 9th. The boat club as well as the lake community treasure it every year. Many a mahogany boat raced from 1910 until the 30's and 40's in races hosted by the yacht club. We look forward to welcoming everyone to our 37th show in 2011.
Bob
This photo is the yacht club docks in 1910

[Don Ayers]

Is the lake man made or natural? How long has it been there?

[Hopatcong Buddy]

Don
Our lake is a combination. One lake were created from two natural lakes when a dam was built to provide a water source for the newly built Morris Canal in the mid 1800's. The dam was left in place when the canal was abandoned. At it's deepest the lake is about 60ft deep. From the late 1880's until the beginning WW II the lake was a major east coast resort.Today,year-round homes vastly outnumber seasonal homes. There are two larger islands with summer homes and a few smaller islands with one home each.



This photo is two Dodge Watercars racing in the 30's

This is a 1929 26'Chris Craft Triple " Royal Flush" She won many races in her day. The photo was taken in the 30's with the original owner who raced the boat.

[jfrprops]

I can't pronounce it...but I sure like it!

John in va.

[Reginald Down]

Hopatcong Buddy - Thanks for the information on Lake Hopatcong and for sharing those old images with us, they look wonderful... Do you have more? Please?

[Wilson Wright]

For pronunciation try Ho-pat-cong...Only reason I know is because my first boat was delivered there...By the time I got there there was a sign on the dealership saying "Condemmed" and they started tearing it down the Monday after the show...All that has been said about this great show is true...Do they still have the parade led by fire boats splitting to go on both sides of the island ?...that's neat and the club house is like something out of the last century...

[Hopatcong Buddy]

Follow this link for a great history of the yacht club where our show is held.
http://www.lakehopatcongnews.com/index. ... Itemid=458