As mentioned earlier I don't have any pictures of Alder Lake from my own hikes over there from Onteora. I did bring a camera along on one trip in 1969 but seem to have only taken pictures along the way and not at Alder Lake itself. If you have photos you would like to share please let me know!

Searching online for photos from the pre-Boy Scout days doesn't turn up much. If Mr. Coykendall or his guests took photos they certainly haven't turned up any place I've looked so far. I did find a batch of pictures on eBay a number of years ago and was successful in bidding for them. The three pictures below were purchased in one lot on eBay. The top one is definitely a very early picture of Alder Lake. The others are from the same vintage and are most likely photos of Alder Lake as well.

The caption on the reverse side reads:
Alder Lake
Farm House & Barn
& Fish Hatchery

A railroad track can be seen in the foreground of this shot. Samuel Coykendall, who developed the property as a vacation retreat, was a railroad magnate and had a private line extended to the property for the convenience of his guests. One visitor to the site expressed doubt that this was Alder Lake; if anyone has more definitive information please let me know.

I believe that's the Alder Lake Manor House visible through the trees.

I do have a few other pictures of Alder Lake to share.

Woodcut print of Coykendall Lodge

Here's a note from Greg Furness: Back in '67 when I was Alder Lake Director, there were a few copies of a limited edition book around, put out by the private club that owned the Lake prior to the Scouts: "Alder Lake: A Symposium of Nostalgic and Natural Observations", by Joshua Gerow. Liberty, NY; Fuelane Press 1953.

The print above is from that book. Copies of this book show up from time to time at book dealers or on eBay. Be prepared to pay a hefty price if you want one. I was able to get a copy and will post more material from it in the future as soon as I can remember where I put it.

Greg also sent some pictures from his time at Alder Lake:

Coykendall Lodge (1967)

Trading Post (1967)

Finally, there are some pictures on the Photo Album section of the site. Just search for "Alder Lake" in the descriptions.

Want even more information on Alder Lake? Please use the menu below.