Water Removal in Hopatcong Homes Is Just a Phone Call Away

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

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SERVPRO Has the Answers to Hopatcong Property Owners Water Woes

When we think of boroughs, we may not automatically think of Hopatcong, but the borough of this name has a close tie with New York City. Located in Sussex County, New Jersey, the town surrounds Lake Hopatcong, the biggest one in New Jersey. A mere 40 miles away from New York City, it was precisely the Lake that first attracted staunch New Yorkers to the area. A source of entertainment and relaxation, wealthy residents sought it for some family fun. Lake Hopatcong is partially man-made and serves as the limit between Morris and Sussex counties in New York.

Bertrand’s Island, an amusement park near the Lake, and the growth caused by Interstate 80 served as catalysts for the change in suburban New York. Today, it is mostly residential. If we were to travel in time, we would find that today’s Hopatcong has been renamed a few times. Originally it was known as Brookland, while the Lake was known as Great Pond. In the 1830s, its name's spelling changed to Brooklyn to be consistent with Brooklyn in Kings County. In the early 1900s, Brooklyn was replaced by the Borough of Hopatcong, presumably after the Native American word for “stone over water.”

The Lenape people inhabited Hopatcong well before European explorers arrived. Its natural resources were sufficient for their livelihoods, based on plentiful fishing, abundant wildlife, and forests. However, once Europeans made their way into the area, many Lenape people died due to disease or fled the area. The Lake, or “Great Pond” as the Lenape initially knew it, was impressive, to begin with, and dredging and dams have made it what it is today, the largest Lake in New Jersey. 

Despite much-needed iron in the area, Hopatcong did not grow significantly following The Declaration of Independence due to challenges in transporting the natural resource. After the War of 1812, our nation began a critical era in which canals' construction became of utmost importance. Transporting iron through a network of waterways was more efficient than the use of wagons, hence the Amawaterways network Lake Hopatcong was essential to feeding the Morris Canal, causing the builders to raise the Lake to 12’ above sea level, which is where it stands even today. The Morris Canal operated for almost one hundred years but faced significant challenges. Although the project was not successful, its existence gave Hopatcong and its surroundings its foundation as a resort area.

The Canal prompted the railroad construction through Nolan’s Point, and the Canal would eventually become obsolete. With the arrival of the railroad into Hopatcong, tourists dared venture into the scenic area.  In the earlier years, tourism was mostly constrained to the area around the Lake, but as vacationers visited the spot for extended periods, more hotels opened, and boat service became an essential transportation source. As tourism flourished, wealthy visitors embarked upon building “cottages” that really were grand Victorian homes. The Lake continued to be a popular spot through the Depression when the economic landscape and the introduction of automobiles gave families the ability to travel further. The advent of World War II decimated the area.

Once World War II was over, Hopatcong regained some of its visitors, mainly the middle class, and entertainment venues sprung throughout the city. The 1960s saw the completion of Route 80 and the accompanying growth in the community. Rather than a summer town, Hopatcong became a residential suburb, and Bertrand Island Amusement Park’s closing in 1983 further confirmed its status.

Fire in Hopatcong Historical Sites

Hopatcong has changed throughout the years, both in its demographic and its landscape. Although much of its history is available for research, several of its most famous sites succumbed to fire. Among those, we include-

• Mad House- Opened during Prohibition, the establishment was a haven for musicians and those looking for a good time. Purchased by Joe Cook in the 1920s, he renovated the place and renamed it "Sleepless Hollow." It became the place to be seen for the wealthy and famous vacationing in the area. Sadly, it burned in 1970.
• Hopatcong House- Another casualty of fire, it is said to have been a tavern in the mid-1800s, and it is recorded as the first hotel in Lake Hopatcong.
• Castle Edward- Built in 1905, it is said to have been the grandest of Hopatcong hotels. Mush Island was built right in front of the castle-style hotel, and the second and third levels were added eventually. Once the Depression impacted its operations, it was forced to close, and a fire destroyed it in 1931.

These, and other historical features of the area, can be appreciated at the Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum, where evidence of its past and growth are available for all to see.

Protecting Your Home from Water Damage

If restoration services like SERVPRO had existed in the early 1900s, maybe Hopatcong’s landmarks would still be standing. Whether it is fire damage restoration or water removal services, our crew has the knowledgebase and experience to address it. 

Our state-of-the-art equipment and application of industry best-practices place us on the path to success whenever you invite us into your home.

The effects of the weather can hinder the integrity of your home by allowing leaks or excess humidity. 

When you call our team, we take great care to assess the scope of the damage and present a thoughtful plan to mitigate your loss. If additional contractors need to be coordinated or an insurance claim filed, you can count on our team to help you through it.

SERVPRO of Dover/Stillwater is at your when disaster strikes, regardless of how big it is. 

Place your trust in our expertise by calling our 24/7 hotline at (973) 810-2825 and letting us step up to the challenge. Our goal, like yours, is to leave your home feeling “Like it never even happened.”