Silver Lake, New York
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Silver Lake is the name of three different towns in the state of New York, USA; there is one in Wyoming County, one in Otsego County, and one in Orange County.
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[edit] Silver Lake, Wyoming, New York
A legend has arose 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.
[edit] What the Town is Like Today
Silver Lake has yet to revive the popularity it had in "the good ole' days." The west side of the lake is home to a campground and golf course while the east side is lovingly referred to as "the ghetto" by Victoria Wolcott, a local resident and cheesemaker.
One attraction that is bringing people from across Western New York is the Charcoal Corral. This "Disneyland of the North" houses mini golf, an arcade, ice cream and pizza parlor, and two drive-in theaters. Patrons of the drive-in are reported to "get clover" (the exact meaning of this phrase is uncertain).
[edit] Trivia
Musician Tim Capello was born in Silver Lake.
