Rock Lodge Club

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Rock Lodge is a family-oriented nudist club located on 145 acres of privately-owned land in the Highlands forests of New Jersey, about 40 miles from Manhattan, New York. It was established as a nudist club in 1932.[1]

The heart of the club's landscape is a spring-fed lake which is over 1,000 feet above sea level, where nudists can enjoy summer weather in mountain air that is generally about 10 degrees cooler than the temperature in New York City. Couples and individuals are welcome to visit the club.

Rock Lodge's gated community offers youngsters an opportunity to recreate in a natural and safe environment. Club members enjoy playing tennis on our courts, teaming up for volleyball, soaking in the hot tub after the sauna, hiking, swimming, boating or just relaxing by one of the lake’s two beach fronts.

[edit] History

In the late nineteenth century, ALA. Himmelwright, an engineer at the Roebling Construction Company founded by famed bridge-builder John A. Roebling, bought the land that today is used by Rock Lodge nudist club. Prior to this, the property, located in the town of Stockholm, New Jersey in the Highlands mountains, was used for timber and agriculture. There is also evidence of iron mine prospecting, possibly connected to a Thomas Edison mine works located nearby.

In 1904–1905 Himmelwright used oxen to dredge a swamp, and built a dam to create a lake fed by a stream located near the lake, as well as by 17 underwater springs. This main spring is mentioned in deeds and early leases as a water supply for surrounding neighbors as well as for Rock Lodge. The clear, spring-fed swimming lake is a central part of the family-oriented nude recreation that is a part of Rock Lodge Club today.

In 1907 Himmelwright erected a "model fireproof farmhouse", now known as the Stone House from which "Rock Lodge" and the street it is on, got its name. The Stone House features a poured concrete roof, stained glass, a basement with coal furnace, and a state-of-the-art (in its day) water supply system which pumped water from the spring to a holding tank on the third floor. On the grounds nearby there was an apple orchard, a large garden, and livestock areas. Himmelwright's original business idea was to sell plans for the Stone House, as fire was a major danger to farmland homes.

Other early buildings that are still standing and in use today included a stable (now known as the Hacienda that houses the Club's office), an ice house (where, prior to the availability of refrigeration, ice harvested from the lake in the winter was stored for use through the summer. Around 1919 Himmelwright built a bungalow (clubhouse), when the property was being used as a training camp for boxers -- during the Roaring Twenties the property was a training camp for Jack Dempsey and other boxers. Amenities for the boxers included an indoor handball court and coal heat, with a fireplace, a living room, and a men's room (but no ladies' room).

The boxer's camp was but one early venture undertaken in an attempt to make Rock Lodge profitable. Another was the Rock Lodge Health Farm. During the depression Herman Shoshinsky leased the property as the proprietor of the American Gymnosophical Association, and nudism came to Rock Lodge. In those days you paid at the gate and meals were included and served at the Stone House.

In 1938 or 1939, the property was bought by Francis E. DePaolo, a chiropractor who lived across Rock Lodge Road near the spring. In 1942 Dr. DePaolo and Shoshinsky had a falling out, and the A.G.A. moved to Newfoundland, New Jersey. Rock Lodge as a cooperative nudist club began that year with a one year lease. In 1946 a 10-year lease was negotiated with DePaolo, and summer cabins began to appear, though some may have been built in the 1930s. In 1957 a 40-year lease was signed, and a building boom occurred. Along with summer cabins, much of the club infrastructure was built in the late 1950s and 1960s.

By the mid 1970s a sauna was added, along with more rooms in the Bungalow attic, a water slide on the Rock Beach, outdoor showers, some paved driveways, and a few year-round residents in larger cabins (homes). In the 1980s a sandy beach was created. Sand was brought in, a dock was built and benches installed, which made a natural haven for sunbathers and their children. The 1990s saw the addition of a hot tub and a children's playground.

By the late 1980s the end of a 40-year lease was in the near future, and several attempts were made to organize a purchase by members. In 1990, Rock Properties Inc. was formed and money was lent by members for the purchase of 35 acres. This was soon paid off; another land purchase was made in 1995, bringing the total present club to 145 acres, assuring pristine lake-water quality and the nudist quality of life.

Rock Lodge Club is a member of the American Association for Nude Recreation. It is located approximately 44 miles from New York City.