Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania
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Lake Ariel in the autumn.
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Ariel
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 Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania
Location in Pennsylvania
Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| U.S. Congressional District | PA-08 |
| School District | Western Wayne Region II |
| County | Wayne |
| Magisterial District | 22-3-01 |
| Township | Lake |
| Settled | 1848 |
| Founded by | Mr. Wilcox |
| Named for | Lake Ariel |
| Elevation | 1,434 ft (437 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (Eastern Daylight (EDT)) |
| ZIP code |
18436
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| Area code(s) | 570 and 272 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1199892 |
| FIPS code | 42-127-40936-40944 |
| Major Roads |   |
| Waterways | Ariel Creek, Lake Ariel, Brooks Lake, Deerfield Lake, Roamingwood Lake, Wildwood Lake |
Lake Ariel is a small village in Wayne County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is located in the northeastern part of the state. The village is named after the beautiful Lake Ariel.
The area was first settled by the Jones family. It was known as Jonestown before its name changed to Lake Ariel. In the past, Lake Ariel was famous for Lake Ariel Park. This park was a popular place for tourists in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
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History of Lake Ariel
Lake Ariel was first settled in 1822 by the Jones family. At first, it was called The Stock Farm. Later, it became known as Jonestown or Jones Pond. The very first farm was built at the south end of the lake.
In the beginning, Jonestown had only a few family farms. But it grew quickly because of the Pennsylvania Coal Company's Gravity Railroad. This railroad brought many workers to the area. Soon, businesses were needed to serve these new residents. A post office called Ariel opened, which later led to the town's name change.
Lake Ariel Park: A Fun Destination
Lake Ariel Park was a very popular place for people to visit. It was a major tourist spot from the late 1800s through the early 1900s.
During this time, Lake Ariel had many busy businesses. There were several sawmills. The village also had factories that made cheese and chairs. Many local people worked at ice houses and at Lake Ariel Park.
Lake Ariel Park was a big attraction. It had a pavilion for picnics and dancing. There were also exciting rides like a waterslide and a rollercoaster called the Cyclone. Visitors could enjoy carousels and miniature train rides. The park also had a beach where people could swim or go boating. The park owners even bought an airplane! Visitors could pay to take rides in the plane.
The popularity of Lake Ariel Park also helped the Lake Ariel Hotel. This hotel was once known as the Columbia Hotel. Sadly, the Lake Ariel Hotel was in bad shape for many years. It was finally torn down in 2011. Even worse, Lake Ariel Park had to close in the early 1950s. This happened because of summer hurricanes and harsh winters.
Businesses and Churches Through Time
Some businesses in Lake Ariel have lasted for a long time. John T. Howe started his gas station in 1919. His son later took over the business. It is still open today as Howe Convenient Market. It is now a gas station and store, but it is not in the original building.
Another old business is the Wayne Garage. It was built in 1915, making it the oldest business in Lake Ariel. In 1958, new owners bought it. They changed it into a body shop, and it still operates as one today.
The original St. Thomas More Church was built in 1942. In 1996, work began to make the church bigger. The old rectory (where the priest lived) was torn down and rebuilt across the street. The old church building became a steeple and offices. A new, larger church was built right next to it.
The Avoy Christian Church is another old church that is still standing. It has not changed much and still holds services on Sundays. The Gravity Pentecostal Church is also still there, but it is now used as a house.
Schools in Lake Ariel
The Lake Ariel Elementary School has changed a lot over the years. The original school building is no longer used for education. The building known as Lake Ariel Elementary School today was once called the Lake Consolidated School. It was built in 1936. In the 1950s, it taught students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
A new high school was built in Varden in 1973. After that, the Lake Consolidated School was used only as an elementary school. Lake Ariel Elementary School closed in 2011. This happened after a new elementary school was built nearby. The old building was torn down in 2016.
Western Wayne's newest school is Evergreen Elementary. It opened on August 31, 2011. This school is located on Route 191, between Lake Ariel and Hamlin. Evergreen Elementary replaced both Lake Ariel Elementary and Hamlin Elementary. It teaches students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade.
The new Evergreen Elementary is a very special "green" school. It earned the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver Certification. This means it uses geo-thermal heating and cooling, solar power, and wind energy to be friendly to the environment.
Present Day Lake Ariel
The center of Lake Ariel is where most of the community's businesses are located. However, there are many other businesses spread throughout the area.
Lake Ariel is also home to several churches and religious groups. St. Thomas More's Catholic Church is in the middle of the community. Several Protestant churches are located in different parts of the village.
Media
WCRV 97.7FM is a local radio station. It serves Lake Ariel, Cherry Ridge, and the southern part of Honesdale.
Gallery
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The Lake Ariel Hotel in recent years. It was torn down in 2011
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The original St. Thomas Moore Church in Lake Ariel, the new church is in the background
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The new St. Thomas More Church
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The Lake Ariel Elementary School
