Crystal Lake (Manchester, New Hampshire) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crystal Lake |
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 Crystal Lake
Location in New Hampshire
Crystal Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Hillsborough County, New Hampshire |
| Coordinates | 42°57′04″N 71°24′26″W / 42.95111°N 71.40722°W |
| Primary outflows | tributary of Cohas Brook |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 0.3 mi (0.5 km) |
| Max. width | 0.2 mi (0.3 km) |
| Surface area | 21 acres (0.1 km2) |
| Average depth | 10 ft (3.0 m) |
| Max. depth | 20 ft (6.1 m) |
| Surface elevation | 205 ft (62 m) |
| Settlements | Manchester |
Crystal Lake is a beautiful natural pond located in south Manchester, New Hampshire, in the United States. It's a popular spot where local people love to go swimming, boating, and fishing.
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Where is Crystal Lake?
Crystal Lake is found in the southeastern part of Manchester. It sits a bit higher than 200 feet (about 61 meters) above sea level. Water from the lake flows out into a stream that goes west to Cohas Brook. Cohas Brook then joins the Merrimack River, which eventually flows into the Atlantic Ocean. So, the lake's water makes a long journey to the sea!
A Look Back at Crystal Lake's History
Crystal Lake wasn't always called that! Long ago, it was known as Skenker's Pond. Later, people called it Mosquito Pond.
In 1919, the city of Manchester decided to make the lake a fun place for everyone. They built a public swimming area at the north end. This area had a bathhouse (a building where you can change clothes) and picnic spots near the beach.
Fun at the Lake
Crystal Lake quickly became a popular place. In the 1920s, the city even held swim meets for children there. Because so many people loved the lake, the facilities needed to grow. In 1942, a new bathhouse was built. The beach was also made bigger with help from the Works Progress Administration, a government program that created jobs during tough times.
The bathhouse, which is made of stone, was updated in 1987. It's still standing and used today by the City Parks and Recreation Department.
The Hermit of Mosquito Pond
An interesting story from the lake's past is about the "Hermit of Mosquito Pond." This was a man named Charles Alan Lambert. He lived by himself near Crystal Lake for over 60 years!
Charles came to Manchester in the 1840s. After some sad events in his life, he decided to live alone in the woods. He bought more than 40 acres (about 16 hectares) of land. On his land, he built a house using logs he found nearby. He also grew his own food and special herbs. He would trade these herbs with local pharmacies.
Over the years, his quiet way of life made him a local celebrity. People became very curious about him. Even though he lived alone, hundreds of people would visit him every summer! Mr. Lambert lived at his hermit home for more than six decades. He spent his last two years with the Sisters of Mercy. He passed away in 1914. His grave is in St. Joseph Cemetery, marked by a simple white stone that says "The Hermit."
Fishing at Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake is known as a "warmwater fishery." This means it's a good place to find fish that prefer warmer water. Some of the fish you might catch there include:
