Starting back in 1923, people began talking about establishing a Lake George Park, to include the central section of Lake George (the islands of the Narrows, with mountains on both sides, plus Northwest Bay, and Paradise Bay), to prevent development and preserve the beautiful scenery. John Apperson, an engineer at GE, in Schenectady, wanted to... Read more »

Over one hundred years ago, when John Apperson made his first trip to Lake George, he enjoyed camping on the islands in the Narrows, winter and summer, and brought many friends along to try out a range of sports, such as skate sailing and skiing. For a large group of men (and women) who worked... Read more »

Ms. Brown will talk about the following themes: Adopting Dome Island and the state-owned islands in the Narrows; removing squatters (wealthy landowners who wanted to be able to lock up their favorite campgrounds and post no trespassing signs); raising the alarm about water levels; problems with corrupt government officials; litigation against the International Paper Company... Read more »

Dome Island is often described as a sort of centerpiece of Lake George. Remarkably, no mansions or hotels were ever constructed there, thanks to the efforts of a young engineer from GE, in Schenectady, who took upon himself the challenge of protecting the island from developers and other harms. In 1917, noticing problems caused by... Read more »

Politics, Propaganda and a Prolonged Struggle for Power – In 1915, Apperson made a speech at the NY Constitutional Convention against legislation that would allow the state to lease campsites through the Adirondack Park; In 1917, he won appropriations ($10,000) to repair the shores of islands in the Narrows; In 1922, Apperson and Warwick Carpenter... Read more »

Ms. Brown will talk about the following themes: Adopting Dome Island and the state-owned islands in the Narrows; removing squatters (wealthy landowners who wanted to be able to lock up their favorite campgrounds and post no trespassing signs); raising the alarm about water levels; problems with corrupt government officials; litigation against the International Paper Company... Read more »