Page 66
History of Orange County
Town of Newburgh
Page 66
Since writing the above we are informed that the Rev. James R. Wilson, D.D., formerly of this town, now of Alleghany, Pennsylvania, is entitled to the honor of the name— “Orange Lake.” This gentleman resided several years some twenty years since, in the vicinity of the Pond, where he established and conducted a classical school, and while there bestowed this name. We have been informed, as coming directly from the Doctor, that the name received but little favor from the citizens of the vicinity, who treated it as a misnomer of an old friend. We are gratified, however, in awarding the honor to the Reverend gentleman, for we were personally acquainted with him, and here acknowledge the pleasure and benefit received from his pulpit exercises. He was a literary and well informed man, and a very interesting and instructive preacher, especially on the historical portions of the scriptures.
The lake covers some 400 acres, and though not deep throughout, yet in many places is so. The durability of the lake, as a reservoir, does not depend upon its depth or volume of water, but on the fact of being fed by strong and large springs within itself, in addition to the creeks which fall into it; and upon the further fact that it can be drained down about twelve feet, which makes the whole contents available at any season of the year. In 1845 it was well tested, and at the end of the drought which was very severe in this part of the country—continuing all summer in fact— there were three feet of head yet remaining, sufficient for four weeks consumption by all the mills on Chamber’s or Quassaick creek, and enumerated under that name. This experiment on the ability of the lake, as a durable supply in time of real scarcity is valuable, and proves that manufacturers may rely on it, in any reasonable emergency. In this point of view we may also remark that the water of the lake to a certain depth, is wholly under the control of the mill sites on Chambers’ creek which shuts out all petty troubles.
Poll Rose’s Pond.—A beautiful sheet of water, midway between the village of Newburgh and the New Mills, south of the turnpike. The outlet at the south end furnishes water for a turning lathe. It was named after a woman of no enviable reputation (still alive) who lived many years at the head of the pond on the turnpike. One person owns the pond and another the outlet.
This pond during the winter is a favorite resort for all the small boys of the village and vicinity as a skating ground.— This exercise, though hard and searching, is very beguiling to young minds, and we are inclined to the opinion that grown up children would not injure their health, nor disgrace their character, by making it more of a manly sport than it is in this country. As we write this (January 12, 1847,) we have argued ourselves into a willingness to buckle on our skates, and try anew the ice in the fun and frolic of our boyish days. It is a national amusement in Holland, and their descendants here are still fond of the exercise.
Chamber’s Creek.—A fine stream which enters the Hudson between the villages of Newburgh and New Windsor. It is composed of the outlet of the Orange Lake, Fostertown creek, and Gidney’s creek, and gets its name from Chambers' and Sutherlands' Patent, through which it runs. The stream is very durable, having Orange Lake as a reservoir, and valuable for its water power. The stream originally was called Quassaick, after a tribe of Indians who lived in the vicinity. The great importance of this stream in a manufacturing point of view is proved by the following statistics. Beginning at the pond or lake, and tracing its descent to the river—a distance of five or six miles—we find the following manufacturing establishments thereon:
1. David Belknap’s Saw Mill;
2. David Bond’s Flour Mill;
3. Daniel Roger’s Powder Mill;
4. Caldwell’s Calico Printing Establishment;
5. William H. Beede’s Flour Mill;
6. " " Woolen Factory;
7. " " *Buskin Factory;
8. Nathaniel Dubois’s Flour Mills;
9. " " Carding and Woolen Factory;
10. " " *Buskin Factory;
11. " " Plaster Mill;
12. John H. Walsh & Son’s Paper Mill;
13. Sam’l A. Walsh’s Cotton Factory;
14. J. Burns’ Cotton Factory;
15. John Barker’s Hat Factory;
16. Starret, Witherell & Co.’s Pin Factory;
17. " " Hair Cloth Factory;
18. Wm. A. Roe’s Flour Mill.
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We might remark that between, where the creek crosses the turnpike and the river, there are several mill sites unoccupied, each having the requisite head of water to drive any quantity of machinery that may be desired. We wonder these choice spots have been permitted to lie idle so long—while there was abundance of means in the town and county to put them into active operation.
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*Errata--read Buckskin