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The South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club
In 1879, a group of wealthy Pittsburgh industrialists and businessmen bought the lake with its surrounding land and created a resort where members could fish and hunt wild game. They renamed the old reservoir Lake Conemaugh, stocked it with game fish, and launched a fleet of small craft -- sailboats, canoes and even a few steam-powered yachts. By 1889, the club had 66 members, 16 private summer homes and a large clubhouse.
At a time when few Americans had vacations, the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club was part of a new trend among the wealthy to escape the city's summer heat by retiring to country resorts. The club was modest when compared with Newport, but just as exclusive, creating much resentment among locals who had once been able to fish in the old reservoir. |