Williams Lake

Binnewater Road, Rosendale, Ulster County, NY

History:

1680  --  first settled by a tenant farmer of Jacob Rutsen.

early 1820s  --  natural or hydraulic cement discovered during excavation for the D&H Canal system.  The vein ran the entire length of Rosendale from High Falls to Rondout.

1844  --  the Town of Rosendale formed.

1910 --  the quicker setting Portland cement started replacing natural cement. 

1942 and 1943  --  Williams' Lake was the scene of the Senior National Amateur Athletic Union Long Distance Swimming Championship races.

mid 1960s  --   the local cement industry all but disappeared.

Along many roads, especially Binnewater, you can see cave entrances, railroad beds, the banks of cement kilns and buildings once part of the cement industry.

(Source: Vivian Wadlin, Rosendale's Reusable Resource:  http://www.abouttownguide.com/ulster/articles/rosendale.shtml)

Williams Lake Resort in Rosendale.  Their advertising blurb runs so:

Since 1929, Williams Lake has been the recreation destination for generations of vacationers.  Located on a crystal-clear lake, it's the perfect place for family reunions, corporate meetings, and memorable wedding receptions, picnics and parties.  In spring and summer our guests enjoy swimming, boating and fishing on our trout-stocked lake, while the cool, crisp days of autumn are perfect for walking our trails and marveling at the fall foliage.  Winter activities include cross-country skiing and ice skating.  Delicious meals in our lakeside dining room round out your stay.  Our famous Wednesday nigh buffets (October through April) are popular with local residents.

Ferns:

walking fern