Silver Lake, Wyoming County, New York
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The community known as Silver Lake in Wyoming County is located on New York State Route 39 south of the village of Perry in the town of the same name. It is named for the nearby lake to the west, which extends from the village of Perry south to Silver Lake State Park near Silver Springs.
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[edit] History
A legend has arisen surrounding the report of a sea serpent in the nearby lake. According to an affidavit sworn by four men who were out fishing on July 18, 1855, it was a 60-foot long serpent with glowing, red eyes. The resulting frenzy that came from this story created an immense boom for the nearby town of Perry and Silver Lake. After this incident, about 100 other people claimed to see the giant beast. This phenomenon lasted throughout the summer and was last seen towards the end of the season. Despite the lack of appearance, it remained one of the most popular places in America.
One of the main beneficiaries of the sea serpent was A. B. Walker, the owner of the Walker Hotel in Silver Lake. When the Hotel burned down in 1857, firemen discovered the remains of the legend: a large mass of canvas. He had constructed the entire monster in order to attract business to the lake. It was said he got the idea from an Indian legend.
The town holds a festival dedicated to the serpent even though it is now a harmless cartoon, similar to the Loch Ness Monster.[1]
[edit] Today
Silver Lake has yet to revive the popularity it once had, but it remains a favorite among those in the area.
One attraction that is bringing people from across Western New York is the Charcoal Corral. It houses mini golf, an arcade, ice cream and pizza parlor, and two drive-in theaters.[2]
[edit] Notable residents
Musician Tim Capello was born in Silver Lake.[3]
[edit] References
[edit] External links
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