A History “On the Mountain”
The story of Upper Greenwood Lake is one of vision, determination, and community spirit, spanning over eight decades.
The Early Days: From Swamp to Summer Retreat
In 1932, the Mirror Holding Co. purchased approximately 1,500 acres of land in the area once known as Moe, after local landowner Ira W. Moe. By damming Long House Brook, the company created the 400-acre Upper Greenwood Lake from what was initially a swamp. Early settlers arrived via unpaved roads like Warwick Turnpike, which remained unfinished until 1936.
Mirror Holding quickly marketed the lake as a summer escape for city dwellers, advertising 20-foot-by-100-foot lots in the New York Daily Mirror for just $97.50. Buyers were required to purchase at least four lots, subscribe to the newspaper, and prepare for rugged conditions, as much of the area remained undeveloped.
Locals were hired to clear-cut the lakebed, removing trees and stumps using mule teams. Despite the hard work, not all the stumps were removed, leading to occasional surprises like the 2010 lake closure, when dislodged stumps resurfaced after a winter freeze.
Building a Community
In 1933, the Upper Greenwood Lake Property Owners Association was formed, purchasing the parklands, streets, and the original clubhouse, which became a hub for community life. Early on, the clubhouse served dual purposes: a venue for boxing matches, religious services (prior to the construction of St. Cecelia’s Church in 1938), and even as the community’s first sales office.
The community grew quickly, with landmarks like Moe’s Tavern (later the Mount Laurel Inn), Stegemann’s Tavern, and the Sugar Bowl becoming social hotspots. Dances, high-diving exhibitions, and motorboat tours were popular events, and the lake itself became the heart of recreational life.
A Working-Class Haven
Unlike more upscale lake communities like Sparta, Upper Greenwood Lake attracted a diverse, blue-collar population. According to longtime resident and historian Julia Held, the community was a melting pot of ethnicities where everyone came together to enjoy “good times.”
Neighborhoods were dotted with small businesses like Lou Salada’s Market and Fred Steinman’s grocery and gas station, which also offered cottage rentals. One legend even connects the lake to the iconic 1953 Honeymooners sketch “Vacation at Fred’s Landing.”
Modern Growth and Legacy
Upper Greenwood Lake continued to evolve after World War II, as many summer bungalows were converted into year-round homes. Infrastructure improvements, including the introduction of electricity in 1936, made the community more accessible and livable.
Today, the original clubhouse is a private residence, while the modern UGLPOA clubhouse stands as a centerpiece of community life, overlooking the lake’s 10.5-mile shoreline. For a deeper look into this rich history, readers can explore Upper Greenwood Lake – Reflections of the Past by Mary Loudin and Julia Held.
Experience the Legacy and Lifestyle of Upper Greenwood Lake
From its humble beginnings as a summer retreat to its current status as a thriving year-round community, Upper Greenwood Lake is more than just a place to live—it’s a way of life. With its strong sense of community, beautiful surroundings, and rich history, it remains one of northern New Jersey’s true treasures.
Enjoy our video, Upper Greenwood Lake; The First 25 Years Below