Crystal Lake (Newton, Massachusetts) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake Location in Massachusetts Show map of Massachusetts Crystal Lake Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	Newton, Massachusetts
Coordinates	42°19′38″N 71°12′01″W / 42.32722°N 71.20028°W / 42.32722; -71.20028
Primary outflows	Charles River
Basin countries	United States
Surface area	33 acres (13 ha)
Max. depth	31 ft (9.4 m)
Water volume	142,000,000 US gal (436 acre⋅ft)
Surface elevation	141 ft (43 m)
Settlements	Newton Centre, Massachusetts

Crystal Lake is a natural pond located in Newton, Massachusetts. It covers about 33 acres. Most of its edges are lined with private homes. However, it also has two small parks. There is a special swimming spot and a town beach with a bathhouse. People are only allowed to swim in this designated area.

About Crystal Lake

Crystal Lake sits about 141 feet (43 meters) above sea level. Its deepest point is about 31 feet (9.4 meters). The lake holds around 142 million US gallons (537 million liters) of water. It stretches about 1,200 feet (366 meters) from north to south. From east to west, it measures about 1,000 feet (305 meters). Walking around the lake takes about one mile. Crystal Lake is fed by underground springs. Its water flows into the South Meadow Brook. This brook then joins the Charles River. Finally, the water reaches the Atlantic Ocean at Boston Harbor.

History of Crystal Lake

Wiswall's Pond can be seen in the center of this map of the city of Newton, drawn in 1700

The history of Crystal Lake goes back many years. In 1654, a man named Thomas Wiswall built a house near the pond. It was located on the southwestern shore. At that time, the pond was called "Wiswall's Pond." This name stuck for over 200 years.

Early Uses of the Pond

In 1744, Thomas Wiswall's great-grandson, Noah Wiswall, built a new house. He replaced the old one. Later, in 1780, Noah Wiswall gave some land away. A group of people built a Baptist church there. It was on the southern shore of the pond. Because the church used the pond for baptisms, people often called it "Baptist Pond." This informal name was used during the early 1800s.

From Wiswall's Pond to Crystal Lake

Around 1804, the Paul family took over the Wiswall property. They started a business using the lake. They harvested ice from the pond to sell. In the 1850s, they built a large ice house. It was on the western side of the lake.

Sometime between 1855 and 1875, the pond's name changed. It went from "Wiswall's Pond" to "Crystal Lake." This new name sounded better for marketing the ice. It helped the ice business grow.

The Ice Company

George Henry Ellis owned the Crystal Lake Ice Company. He ran it from the late 1800s until at least 1915. The original ice house burned down in 1915. A new building was constructed in a different spot. Eventually, a larger company called Metropolitan Ice Company took over. The ice harvesting business finally closed down in 1933.

Images for kids

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  Land acquired in 2007 to expand Crystal Lake Park

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  View of the lake

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  Swimming beach

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  Boaters on the lake

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  Cronin's Cove park

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  The unofficial swimming area at Cronin's Cove

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  Lakeshore path through the easement acquired in 2008

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  Swimmers and the bath house

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  Fishing at Cronin's Cove