In an age before jets, air conditioning and super highways, Lake Hopatcong was a major northeast resort.  Within easy reach of large cities to the east, the lake’s size and setting at over 900 feet above sea level made it a perfect summer destination.  Boasting over 40 hotels, two amusement parks, and all types of entertainment, Lake Hopatcong welcomed thousands each year, including leaders in government, industry and entertainment.  Lake Hopatcong’s rise as a resort was the result of two major railroads serving and promoting the lake.  This program will look at the Central Railroad of New Jersey’s opening of rail service to the Nolan’s Point section of Lake Hopatcong in 1882 and the Lackawanna Railroad efforts to compete by having their trains connect to waiting steamboats which took passengers directly to their Lake Hopatcong destination through the Morris Canal.  It will also look at how rail service play a major role in the ice, iron, and explosives industries at the lake.

For In-Person Attendees: Our meetings are held at the Rainis Auditorium of Saint Elizabeth University in Morristown, NJ. For printable driving directions, please click here. Doors open at 7:00 PM, the membership portion of the meeting will start at 7:30 PM, and the presentation should begin around 8:00 PM.

For Virtual Attendees: All of our membership meetings are simulcast on Zoom and our Facebook page. The membership portion of the meeting begins virtually at 7:30 PM. The presentation should begin around 8:00 PM. For Zoom, click here to register in advance for this meeting. Virtual attendees will need to register in advance for the meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Admission is free and all are welcome to attend!

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