The 1868 map was probably an engineering map. It shows Otisco Lake prior to flooding caused by the first dam in 1869. Landowners from around the shoreline of the original lake are identified . Also shown is a 10 feet high water boundary that indicates the approximate outline of today's lake. The original lake extended from just north of Amber (about where turtle cove is located), to the south just short of what is now known as the Causeway. In 1868, the causeway was just a road across the valley that connected roads to Otisco and Spafford. Eight photographs from the early 1900 are displayed along the length of the lake map. They show the early dam, Fontney (passenger boat), and construction of the Causeway. Also developed and included with the map are biographies of the people (landowners) of the period.

The 36"x24" heavy paper map has been created by Roger N. Trendowski who also authored "Otisco Lake Community," published by Arcadia Press, 1998. Copies may be purchased from Barbara Shoemaker (Spafford Historical Society) and Marcellus Historical Society.

Maps can be purchased by contacting Mr. Trendowski directly:

phone: 732.306.6182
website: http://home.att.net/~rtrendowski/